Industry gets a consumer-like smartphone

While consumers buy smartphones that not only make calls but also shoot and scan pictures with their in-built cameras, industries need rugged handhelds with barcode scanners. The Honeywell (scanning & mobility) division believed there was a gap to be filled between the two with a device that was rugged, act as a phone, have an in-built scanner for barcodes and compete with high-end consumer smartphones.

In addition to basic mobile phone functions, the new model, Dolphin 6000, offers various features, including field service, field sales, and retail and logistics operations. An integrated scanner provides fast and accurate barcode scanning, simplifying data entry tasks, while Honeywell's 'Remote MasterMind for Mobility' device management software allows users to manage, update and remotely diagnose all Dolphin 6000 devices within a network from one centralised location. This reduces development and maintenance costs. The operating system used is Windows Mobile 6.5.

More rugged than a smartphone, the IP-rated Dolphin 6000 is resistant to moisture and particle intrusion, making it suitable for use in adverse conditions such as those encountered by a field service or logistics worker. The device is equipped with a battery that lasts eight-10 hours, allowing for uninterrupted productivity throughout an entire shift. The device also has an integrated megapixel camera and is optimised for voice communication, thus eliminating the need to carry a separate digital camera and mobile phone. It also boasts of multiple wireless options, including GPS, bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

“Honeywell's recent introduction, the Dolphin 6000, is one mobile device that bridges the gap between consumer mobile phones, industrial mobile computers and barcode scanners. It delivers more reliability, more powerful scan performance and greater business application support than any smartphone in the market,” says Honeywell country manager Shailesh Deshmukh.

The Dolphin 6000 is covered on normal wear and tear, as well as accidental breakage for up to three years. It supports low-failure rates and unlike a smartphone, has a three-year life cycle with five years of post production support, helping businesses keep mobile device acquisition costs low. Australia and India are among the first markets where the product is being launched. The average price of the device is around Rs 35,000, says Deshmukh. This compares to consumer smartphones which cost around Rs 20,000.

Rugged industrial handhelds are much more expensive, but they are also loaded with more features. Companies that provide rugged mobiles include Unitech, Intermec, Motion Computing and GammaTech. Last December, Motorola too, introduced a couple of new 'enterprise mobile computers' designed for on-premise applications, with one model specifically geared for the healthcare environment. Both were based on Windows Mobile 6.5.