Rugged Tablet Solutions: A Technical Buyer s Guide

Rugged Tablet Solutions: A Technical Buyer s Guide

So, you ve finally decided to jump on the tablet POS bandwagon and now you re stuck in the conundrum of deciding which tablet will best fulfill your application s needs. Will you be using tablets to take orders and payments tableside within a restaurant? Are you using the tablet as a self-service kiosk in a convenience store? Is the tablet meant for line-busting applications on the retail sales floor? Or for data capture in your retail distribution warehouse? The best type of tablet to choose depends on your answer. vs. Ruggedized vs. Consumer-Grade Tablets To narrow the field of tablet options, first determine if your application requires a ruggedized tablet. There are some tablets that are as sleek and attractive as they are impractical heat, dust, spills and heavy use make these units vulnerable to damage and downtime, which will disrupt your business and, ultimately, cost you money. Ruggedized tablets, unlike tablets built for the consumer market, are built to withstand harsh environments. A restaurant or retail kiosk presents hidden hazards for a computer: liquids, steam, high temperatures, food particles, heavy use and rough handling can compromise a consumer-grade device. But ruggedized tablets are typically designed with a hardened exterior that is sealed to resist drops and damage. An indication of a tablet s ruggedness is its IP rating. This rating system tells you how resistant the device is to damage from dust or dirt (the first number in the rating) and how resistant it is to water damage (the second number). The higher the IP rating, the more tightly sealed a device will be and the longer it will last. Most retail and restaurant environments need hardware that has a rating of IP54. Besides being sealed for protection from dirt and water, rugged tablets have other features that make them better choices for commercial or industrial environments. Rugged tablets typically 2

have additional cooling elements for a higher temperature threshold, ultra-low power consumption and extended battery life. Manufacturers of ruggedized tablets also plan for longer lifecycles for these devices, which means parts, accessories and support will be available longer than for consumer tablets. The investment you will make in tablets for your operation is significant, so make sure you are investing in technology that will last. Ruggedized tablets may come with a higher initial price tag, but over time they will mean lower repair and replacement costs, less downtime, and higher productivity, and their total cost of ownership (TCO) is often less than that of consumer-grade devices. Choose the Right Size Rugged tablets are available in a range of screen sizes, and again, the choice depends on your application. Are you setting up the system at a bar or another area where space is limited? Will it be fixed or mounted with no chance of it being moved elsewhere? Will employees be carrying the device around, busting lines on the sales floor, or capturing data on the warehouse floor? If the tablet is going to be carried to eliminate traveling back and forth to a stationary terminal, does it need to fit into a pocket or apron? Keep in mind that tablets left unattended could disappear, so consider how the tablet will be secured when it isn t in use. If the goal is to have employees carry the tablet, a smaller one may be preferred. But, for example, a quick service restaurant that needs fast through-put may want a larger screen for a self-serve kiosk, which offers better readability and faster data entry. Larger tablets can still be carried but are better kept in a stationary position, mounted on a wall or secured on a dock. 3

Explore OS Options It is not a smart strategy to compromise on functionality so you can purchase a certain tablet you ll find yourself adapting your business to fit the solution instead of leveraging the solution for future growth and profitability. ios: Although ipad and itouch devices are popular among consumers, the ios platform only runs on Apple-certified hardware, which limits your application choices and customization options. Windows: Microsoft Windows is the most popular OS available for desktops and tablets, because it can be installed on any device, as long as it meets the minimum requirements. Windows is easy to learn and use and the most powerful option. Android: Google s Android platform was originally developed for mobile phones. It s more flexible then ios but less powerful than Windows. One of Android s clear advantages is that it s an open and flexible system, which allows developers more options when creating applications that can be tailored to your specific business. For a more user-friendly, customizable experience, consider either a Windows or Android operating system. 4

Choosing Necessary Peripherals Before making a final decision on a tablet, make sure it can support the peripherals your operation needs. Some of the most popular tablets on the market lack the number of ports necessary to plug in peripherals like scales, pole displays and pin pads, so they re a poor choice for a store or restaurant. Rugged tablets have an abundance of IO ports, so you can connect to the peripherals you need right now while having flexibility for the future. Scanners: Choose a rugged tablet with a built-in barcode scanner or 2D imager for extra functionality in warehouses, stores and restaurants. An integrated scanner will ensure you can quickly process orders, complete inventory counts and other business processes on the spot, without being tethered to a stationary terminal. LCDs and Pole Display: If you re using the tablet as a fixed, self-service station or POS terminal, a rear LCD and pole display may be necessary to integrate digital signage and give customers better visibility. Pin pads: Select a rugged tablet with a built-in EMV chip card reader and MSR card reader designed for high-volume use for every credit card sale, your customers will be tapping the pin pad. Cash drawers: If the tablet is going to be used as a stationary terminal, a cash management solution will be necessary. Holsters: If the tablet is going to be carried by employees, a holster that sits on the hip or around the neck offers extra protection against bumps and spills. It also helps secure the tablet when it s not in use. 5

Service and Support Another vital consideration when purchasing tablets for your business is the level of service and support you will receive from the solutions provider. It s wise to purchase a tablet POS solution from a company that offers a comprehensive service and support package that can address issues quickly and efficiently and help avoid downtime. Look for a company that will assign one point of contact to your account, which will ensure problems are resolved quickly and that you will have a higher degree of customer satisfaction. It is also a smart strategy to make sure you can purchase everything, including peripherals, installation and tech support, from one company. A total solutions POS hardware provider means peace of mind if you want technical support, require new peripherals, or need to scale, a solutions provider familiar with your operation and with your tablet solution can deliver what you need without spending time to investigate compatibility or integration issues. And if problems do arise, you have one point of contact to call, which eliminates vendor finger pointing that can occur when several solution providers are involved. 6

Leveling up your EMV Certification The transition to EMV chip card payments in the U.S. began in October 2015, but for many SMBs, where fraud was less common, the changeover is still underway. Merchants that do not have the necessary technology to process chip card credit and debit card transactions can be held liable for fraudulent payment card transactions made at the point of sale. When considering an investment in new POS technology, you should only purchase a POS system that is EMV compliant. There are different EMV payment configurations to choose from: Stand alone: A stand-alone card processing terminal operates completely separately from your POS and requires typing in the purchase amount before processing the payment. This eliminates the possibility that card numbers would be stored insecurely on the POS server. Semi-integrated: A semi-integrated EMV solution is an out-of-the-box solution, certified with each credit card brand in advance. These solutions work with your POS but prevent sensitive payment information from being passed through the POS or merchant s servers, keeping it out of PCI scope. Fully integrated: In this configuration, an EMV payment solution is fully integrated into your POS system. They are networked with your back office management system and endof-day reports automatically include card payments. These solutions tend to carry higher development and certification costs, but are the most convenient and functional to use. 7

Tablet Education A careful evaluation of what your application will require from a tablet solution and then educating yourself on the options that meet those requirements are the best way to make a tablet investment that will provide you with the functionality and the ROI you need. If you need advice, our expert staff is ready to assist you and answer your questions about tablets that will work for your application. About Touch Dynamic Founded in August of 2001, Touch Dynamic is an ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturer of All-in-One touch terminals, small form factor PC s, mobile POS devices and touch screen monitors for a variety of industries. We understand the demands on our channel partners and provide unique products and additional value-added services to help them meet the specific needs of their customers. Touch Dynamic has leveraged our employees extensive experience in these markets to develop a focused product line of unmatched quality and features. We back it with a support staff that is highly skilled and motivated to solve any issue that might arise.