“Time is running out for warehousing and logistics operations to switch to the Android operating system for their mobile devices” says Renovotec managing director Richard Gilliard. Why the deadline? “Microsoft support for Windows handheld devices is due to end in Q1 2020, at which time those many handhelds will reach end of life. This is nothing less than a red line moment” Gilliard explains. “Around seven in ten of all UK warehousing and logistics operations have still to make the transition to the more modern Android mobile operating environment.” In contrast, devices in the field services industry are around 90% Android.
Some of the user hesitancy over Android has been attributed to the allegedly less rugged nature of many Android handhelds when compared to their non-Android equivalents, but that shorter life is not true for all Android devices: for example one Honeywell mobile device is supported by the manufacturer for nine years, which is a strong indicator of its longevity Richard Gilliard comments. Also, changing mobile computers and other Android devices more often will help users keep up to speed with the latest and best-performing technology, while those wanting to avoid more frequent purchases always have the option to rent their hardware.
“Industry users often assume that a move to Android requires the purchase of a new and costly WMS – but it does not” Richard Gilliard observes. “Many ‘green screen’ warehouse environments use terminal emulators that make the transition to Android using specialised toolsets quick and simple, for most”. The IT industry has developed tools that speed and facilitate the transition from one generation to the next: supply chain consultants such as Renovotec are now helping users make the move to Android, where they can benefit from a more modern, performance-driven environment.
Renovotec
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