Changing Warehouse Operating System? Key Considerations
02 August 2021
Since launching in
the mid-eighties and early noughties, Android and Microsoft Windows operating
systems (OS) have helped to revolutionise operations across countless
industries worldwide, including warehousing.
However, Microsoft
took the decision to end all platforms of support for Windows CE, and in June
2018, officially ended Windows CE on mobile devices. During this period, the
popularity and compatibility of Android rugged devices was undisputed, with the
move from Windows CE to Android delivering a host of benefits to users which
has only continued to soar.
But what do these
developments mean for warehouse operators looking to invest or upgrade existing
OS? If you are a warehouse operator and are considering an OS rollout or
upgrade, we have mapped out the key considerations to help inform your choice.
Operating systems explained
Arguably the most crucial software that runs on a computer,
an OS is made of several applications and manages a computer’s memory,
processes, software and hardware.
Without a central OS, a computer is rendered useless, making
its importance unquestionable.
Android vs Windows: History
The battle for OS dominance between Windows and Android is
not new news, with the giants regularly pipping each other to the top spot for worldwide
OS market share.
With the vast benefits associated with Android OS, it is no
surprise that our focus is to provide effective Android-based OS solutions at
TouchStar.
Android: The benefits
When it comes to choosing Android for warehouse operations, the platform boasts countless benefits to deliver full and
reliable warehouse support, such as:
- Highly customisable for bespoke warehouse
solutions
- Flexibility
- Familiar user experience
- Minimal training required
- Continual updates/application development
- Intuitive platform
- Adaptability
- Freedom (see below)
At TouchStar, we are seeing more applications for warehouse-specific
operations being released for rugged Android devices, with support focused on
those deployments.
The flexibility delivered by Android enables us to optimise
our platform specifically for the warehouse industry, and offer features such
as:
- Extending/optimising battery life
- High-speed scanning
- Automating device back lighting
- Extending Wi-Fi coverage
- Maximising shift times
- Improving roaming
- Using specialised connectivity software for
back-office systems
It also enables certain features and other devices to be
integrated successfully to help meet sector-specific requirements, such as
specialist keyboards and barcode scanner.
The vast capability of Android, together with its seamless
integration and regular releases of apps for warehouse-specific operations, emphasises
Android’s position as a reliable and world-leading OS warehouse solution.
The Android ‘barrier’: Software
Android is known as an open-source operating system which
isn’t impacted by any limitations imposed by their Microsoft Windows CE
counterparts. However, some see moving to Android as a barrier due to the cost
of redeveloping their core software systems, such as Warehouse Management
Systems (WMS).
Despite this, Android’s unquestionable flexibility allows
the freedom for TouchStar to unlock all options from the full Android OS
experience, allowing them to build and deliver customised solutions that are
specific to the warehousing sector.
Thanks to individual’s familiarity with Android devices and
their interface, is it is highly likely that staff will be familiar with the
Android OS and its working. This makes for an easier transition, increased
efficiency and boosted team morale.
TouchStar: Transforming warehouse operations
TouchStar boast three decades of experience in helping to
improve accuracy and efficiency across all areas of the warehouse operation.
Devices
If you are looking at investing or upgrading in an Android OS,
TouchStar’s vast range of high-performance rugged devices offer the perfect solution:
TS8200
The TS8200
is the latest generation in the TS8000 series, adding further enhancements with
a lighter and ergonomic design to its predecessor.
This device boasts dynamic data collection thanks to its
high-res speed laser scanner, provides superb visibility in all warehouse
lighting conditions and reduced downtime tanks to its swapping battery
capability.
TS7200
The TS7200
delivers resilience with high-performance. Maintaining the robust characteristics
of the previous TS series, the TS7200 is perfectly suited to withstand
demanding warehouse environments, thanks to its high impact polycarbonate
plastics, rubber shock absorbers and metal alloy chassis. High-definition
graphics, user-friendly and wipeable touchscreen and mounting, combined with
prolonged battery life makes this a perfect solution.
TS3200
The perfect in vehicle solution, the TS3200
combines multiple date collection options with high-speed performance
processing, ensuring users are armed with speedy and reliable data transfer.
Built to last, each component sits in robust shock-absorbent
rubber. Its LED backlit display together, with its direct sunlight readable IPS,
is built with the user in mind.
Support
If you are looking to upgrade or invest in an OS and need support, TouchStar
has you covered. We are dedicated to providing our customers with a robust
support structure. We will gladly support any recently launched models until
2030 as a minimum, so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’ll receive the
upmost backing from TouchStar should you need OS assistance.
Find out more about support with your rugged devices here.
Transform your warehouse operations today
Transform your warehouse operation today with a rugged Android device from
TouchStar. Why not take advantage of the improvements rugged mobile devices could bring to your warehouse operation today?
To find out more about our OS solutions and how they can
benefit your organisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - PETER MARSH
Peter joined TouchStar (formally Belgravium) in a sales manager role in 2001. Prior to joining the company, Peter held Partner and National Sales Manager roles within the parcel and logistics industries.
In 2011 Peter was promoted to Sales Director and is now actively involved in promoting the value of TouchStar’s Rugged Mobile Computing solutions to the warehouse, logistics, manufacturing and field service industries. When not involved in the business, Peter is a keen and enthusiastic football and cricket fan.