The Intermec CN50 and CN4 were recently pronounced to be the first rugged mobile computers to meet the Mil Spec standards testing requirements, certified to operate on the new AT&T GSM/HSPA network, the nation’s fastest 3G network. Users of the CN50 and CN4 can now transmit and receive cell phone quality voice calls while simulaneously using data speeds that are faster than that of any other rugged mobile computers on the market today, enhancing the mobile ocmputer user experience with large data file transfers and interactive video applications.

The ruggedness of the CN50 and CN4 combined with the reliability of the AT&T network reduces downtime from damaged systems, enabling businesses to lower the total cost of owning a mobility solution. By joining forces Intermec and AT&T customers can leverage even the most intensive enterprise applications more quickly, efficiently, and reliably, ultimately maximizing overall service and delivery.

For more information on the Intermec CN50, you can learn more here.

For more information on the Intermec CN4, you can learn more here.

Hermes, the UK’s largest home delivery courier needed a solution for intelligent routing of deliveries and collections, barcode scanning, and real-time electronic proof of delivery in order to improve customer service and reduce administrative duties. After searching for a solution, Hermes discovered the Intermec CN3.

In addition to handling the regular courier tasks, the Intermec CN3 was also able to support myHermes, a new delivery service for private individuals such as eBay traders, enabling real-time communication with delivery status and connections through the myHermes web portal. This also allows for efficient and accurate data collection for all “last mile” delivery information.

While the entire deployment is not expected to be completed until September 2009, Hermes is excited to be using the Intermec CN3 in order to improve their customer service.

If you’re interested in the Intermec CN3 for your company, you can learn more here.

Market Activity Tracker, or MAT, is a software program from CaptureSoft that can be installed on mobile computers and allows wholesalers, distributors, and service companies to track information in the field. At the end of the day, the data collected is simply uploaded to the main network in order to generate reports back at the office. The following tools included with MAT enable Field Personnel to:

Account Manager: View and edit account information, which is ultimately synchronized by MAT Manager to eliminate additional data entry.

Message Center: Receive messages from management.

Scheduler:Assign specific times to each of their accounts.

MAT Activity: Complete tasks for each of their assigned accounts.

Work Order: Create work orders on the go.

Task Manager: View and assign tasks to accounts and create new tasks.

POS Manager: Complete POS Deliveries and requests.

Order Entry Manager:Conduct inventories and complete orders for individual accounts via route cards, manual entry of package codes, or a quick order entry system.

Price Survey:Complete price surveys for specific brands and packages by account.

Distribution Survey: Complete distribution surveys by account for specific brands.

Promotion Sheet: View Sales Promotions by date.

Sign Request: Order signs and enter copy for individual retailers.

Calculator: Access a calculator from within MAT.

MAT also benefits office personnel, allowing them to:

Messages and Alerts: Create, assign, and send timely information to individuals or groups.

Scheduler: View schedules of Field Pernsonnel.

Team Manager: Assign Field Personnel to teams, identify leaders, and adjust the amount of workers.

Task Manager: Manage and assign specific tasks to individuals and or teams.

Marketing Plan: View and manage promotional events.

POS Manager: Track and maintain accurate information for POS merchandise.

Order Entry Edit: View orders by salesman and add, edit, or delete orders.

Administrator: Enter and maintain accurate information for each member in the organization.

Reports: Generate reports for each tool found within MAT Mobile.

In order to keep everything up to date, the Sync Manager allows the MAT Manager to perform smart synchronizations with MAT Mobile using Batch, Wi-Fi, or Wireless connection options. The MAT Manager requires Microsoft SQL Server, providing secure and reliable data storage.

In order to successfully run MAT Mobile, a handheld device running PocketPC 2003 or higher is recommended, in conjunction with ruggedized devices from:

• Symbol
• Datalogic
• Intermec
• LXE

For more information on MAT and the devices needed to run it, learn more here.

The new Intermec CN50 is a 3.75G light-weight mobile computer with a rugged design, delivering advanced voice, data, and communication solutions designed for workers in the field. The CN50 enables enterprises to standardize their business using a single platform that can be configured for both CDMA and UMTS networks, providing the flexibility to choose the best network for them. By using only one hardware device, enterprise businesses are able to streamline application development.

Like the new Intermec CN4, the CN50 also features the optional Intermec Enhanced Mobile Document Imaging, or eMDI, allowing mobile workers it easily convert paper documents into electronic files. Ultimately, eMDI aids office operations in facilitating the amount of time to payment for services rendered since the documents are available in real-time.

The Intermec CN50 also features:

• Extended-life battery
• Integrated digital compass
• GPS
• 3.5” QVGA display
• Bluetooth
• 802.11 radio
• 3 megapixel color camera
• 1D and 2D barcode reader
• Windows Mobile 6.1

You can learn more about Intermec and their product offerings here.

Here at barcode.com, we often describe mobile devices as “rugged,” but what exactly does that mean? Since wireless technology is constantly being used in harsh environments, it’s important that they last through even the toughest of conditions. All mobile devices should have:

Physical Reliability
Accidents, such as spills, can happen, so physical reliability is crucial in mobile devices, especially when used in mission-critical environments.

Ruggedized Technology Categories
When looking for a truly rugged mobile device, be weary of claims such as “durable” and “semi-rugged.” Look for fully rugged laptops and handhelds that can withstand the toughest conditions.

International Testing Standards
Various government agencies and industry groups around the world have developed numerous performance and reliability standards, many of which require detailed testing procedures to ensure adherence. The most commonly followed ruggedness standards include the:

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
• European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
• United States Military

A good rugged device will endure a series of “torture tests” that include water intrusion, salt, fog, humidity, dust intrusion, drop testing, extreme temperatures, sun exposure, shock/crash testing, vibration, and low pressure. When you’re in a mission critical situation, make sure the equipment is indeed fully rugged, not semi-rugged, to ensure that it has undergone the above testing.

Based On: Motorola White Paper