Five Things to Consider When Using Tablet Computers in Forklift Applications, a whitepaper by Honeywell
Why Tablets and Purpose Built Forklift-Mounted Computers Are Not Interchangeable
Many businesses are exploring new tablet uses, including evaluation trials for forklift and vehicle applications in distribution centers. A large screen and a Windows® operating system can make a tablet seem similar to popular forklift-mounted terminals, plus some Distribution Centers are curious about removing tablets for use on the floor.
Nonetheless, tablets are not drop-in equivalents to purpose-built forklift computers: They have a number of major differences. If you are considering tablets for forklift use, it is important to know the trade-offs.
This white paper from Honeywell reviews some of these, presenting five key issues to consider when assessing the use of tablet computers in forklift applications:
1. Is the design and mounting appropriate for a warehouse or DC environment?
2. How will the tablet be powered?
3. Is the tablet compatible with data collection equipment (scanners, printers, RFID), legacy warehouse management system (WMS), fleet management solutions and other critical enterprise systems?
4. How will tablets impact user processes and productivity?
5. How much will tablets really cost? This white paper is for readers interested in automating warehouses and industrial environments, and focuses specifically on enterprise-grade tablets. Consumer tablets such as the Apple iPad® lack the ruggedness and features that a forklift requires, and are not addressed here.