I'm looking to replace several Honeywell handheld and tablet computers for my job. Users rely on a terminal emulator for IBM AS400, Microsoft Office apps, and some web applications. Their tasks don't require heavy computing power, but they do frequently scan barcodes in a tough industrial environment. The current devices are quite costly (over $1,000 each) and we often don't utilize most of their features. I'm hoping to convince our warehouse manager to allow me to demo an iPad to see if it could save us money. Are iPads a viable option for this kind of use?
5 Answers
If it’s a rough environment like a warehouse, I say go for it! Just invest in sturdy cases and screen protectors. I have a fleet of 60 iPads out on construction sites that have lasted through four years with only a handful of replacements.
Make sure the iPads meet safety requirements if you're in an area with flammable materials. In my past job, we couldn't even have phones around because of the dust – one spark and it could get dangerous.
The iPad camera isn't the best for scanning barcodes, especially in less-than-ideal lighting. You might want to think about using a Bluetooth scanner alongside it to make the process smoother.
How do you plan on managing these devices? Using Mobile Device Management (MDM) is crucial, especially if you want to keep everything streamlined and secure.
From my experience, iPads don’t hold up that great in a warehouse. I tried 15 different tablets and found that they were among the least durable. If you're looking for something rugged, CAT Android tablets performed the best in that environment.
I get it, but I think it also depends on how they’re used. When paired with a good heavy-duty case, I find iPads can withstand a lot.
Exactly. The slower scanning speed can be super frustrating for employees, especially in a fast-paced warehouse setting.