Zebra Guardian – Solutions for Device Storage, Charging & User Authentication
Solving Challenges with Mobile Computer Access & Management
It’s no secret that mobile computer usage is expanding in every enterprise. Whether in the warehouse, in transport/logistics, or field service, there are expanding fleets of rugged mobile devices in use. These enterprise mobile devices create 3 challenges for business’ IT and operations teams:
How to ensure that handhelds and tablets are secure, with company software accessible only to those authorized?
How to ensure that mobile devices are charged at the end of a work shift, so that they are ready to use when next needed?
How to avoid device loss & theft — mobile devices tend to go missing, so how to both prevent loss & ensure user accountability?
Zebra Guardian Tackles These Mobile Device Challenges
Zebra Technologies has brought together several hardware and software products which address these fleet device management challenges under the ‘Zebra Guardian’ umbrella. This is a set of solutions, one or all of which can be utilized to improve your security and utilization of Zebra mobile computers and tablets.
1. Zebra Guardian Cabinets
Formerly known as Intelligent Cabinets, this is a configurable cabinet and rack product which provides a ‘home base’ for your devices when not in use. Devices are placed on chargers, ensuring that they will be ready when next needed by a team member. Use in concert with Guardian Access Management software (see below).
2. Zebra Guardian Access Management
Guardian Access Management software provides visibility into device status and battery charge level for all of your mobile devices. At a glance, you can see how many devices are available, in use, or missing, helping you to preemptively avoid device loss. User accountability is built-in, since you can see which user has last checked out missing devices.
3. Zebra Identity Guardian
Identity Guardian is Zebra’s device authentication and single-sign on solution. Ensure that only authorized users have access to your mobile devices, and provide access only to the applications necessary for the user. You have the option of PIN and password access, or use the facial recognition capabilities of Zebra products such as the MC9400 and MC3400.
4. Zebra Device Guardian
One of the most common device management challenges is that of locating lost or misplaced handhelds. In large warehouses or manufacturing facilities, it is no small matter to locate a lost device. Device Guardian solves that problem with a Geiger-counter feature which enables you to quickly spot the missing device. You can also activate an alarm on the device to speed recovery.
Ready to Discuss Device Access & Charging with Zebra Guardian?
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Guardian Cabinets and Device Storage Solutions
Q: What is a Zebra Guardian Cabinet, and how is it different from a standard charging cart? A. A Guardian Cabinet is an enterprise device storage solution that combines charging, physical security, and software-based access management in one system. Unlike a basic charging cart, which mainly powers devices between shifts, Guardian Cabinets add mechanical locking, access control software, and the Device Guardian Access Management platform to track which worker is issued which device. That means businesses get device readiness and accountability, not just a place to plug in hardware.
Q: How do Guardian Cabinets improve device security and accountability? A. Guardian Cabinets use multiple layers of security, including mechanical locks and access control software, to restrict who can remove a device and when. The Device Guardian Access Management system logs device check-out and check-in by user, which creates a clear record of accountability. For operations that have struggled with lost, damaged, or misplaced handhelds, this tracking is often the biggest driver of reduced device loss and lower replacement costs.
Q: What device capacities and configurations are available? A. Zebra offers six cabinet configurations, ranging from Compact to Extreme, with capacities from 5 to 100 devices depending on the device model and cradle type used. Cabinets are available in single-sided or double-sided standardized modular racks that can store 30 to 60 devices, so businesses can scale storage to match fleet size, whether that’s a single dock door or a full distribution center.
Q: Which Zebra devices and mounting options work with Guardian Cabinets? A. Guardian Cabinets are compatible with Zebra’s TC2x, TC5x, and TC7x rugged mobile computer cradles. Cradle locks can also be mounted independently on walls, desks, inside cabinets, or on mobile carts, giving businesses flexibility to place charging and security points where workflows actually happen, rather than routing everyone to a single fixed station.
Q: What kinds of businesses benefit most from a device storage solution like this? A. Guardian Cabinets are built for warehouse, transportation and logistics, retail, and healthcare operations where mobile computers, scanners, or tablets are shared across shifts by multiple workers. Businesses in these environments typically see faster shift changeovers because devices are already charged and ready, lower total cost of ownership from reduced device damage and loss, and centralized fleet management without needing extra supervisory staff to track equipment.
