Tips for Choosing the Right Mobile Devices for Your Construction Company

Choosing the right technology solutions is vital to keeping work teams safe and connected at all times

Contractors should look for mobile devices with special features like touch screens that are work glove friendly and are bright enough to read under direct sunlight.
Contractors should look for mobile devices with special features like touch screens that are work glove friendly and are bright enough to read under direct sunlight.

By Bob Plaschke, CEO, Sonim Technologies

Equipment and technology are constantly put to the test on construction joists and need to be reliable under the most extreme conditions, which is why choosing the right technology solutions is vital to keeping work teams safe and connected at all times.

While the average iPhone or Android smartphone works well at the office, it is always put to the test by the field worker who is prone to accidental drops, extreme weather and other harsh working conditions shortening the life cycle and reliability of the device. Not only does this kind of technology failure put workers at risk, but it can greatly impact the bottom line.

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Extreme work environments require a number of criteria when choosing the right rugged communication tools that are not only built to last but also built to meet the business needs of the company.

The following criteria should be considered when choosing the right mobile devices and mobile software solutions.

Ruggedness

There are a lot of devices out there that claim to be unbreakable but wouldn’t last a day on the construction site. Be sure to do your homework and find reviews — good and bad — conducted by construction trade publications as well as technology publications like CNET and ZDNET.  

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Real rugged devices also must meet or beat basic MIL-STD and IP certifications. The MIL-STD specification is a series of guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Defense in order to define specific performance and manufacturing requirements for all types of equipment. In most cases, products must be designed in accordance with the MIL-STD to be considered acceptable for use by the U.S. Department of Defense. So if it’s rugged enough for the Department of Defense, it should be rugged enough for you, too.

In addition to MIL-STD certifications, the device should be waterproof, shock and drop/impact resistant as well as resistant to extreme temperatures, punctures and pressure in order to truly be considered rugged.

Necessary features

In addition to standing up to extreme work conditions, construction teams also need special features like touch screens that are work glove friendly and are bright enough to read under direct sunlight. Loud speakers as well as noise cancellation are also important to overpower thunderous worksites.

Battery life

All of these features really do make working on the construction site more productive; however, the most critical feature is battery life. How long will the battery last on one charge? Will it hold up when there are multiple applications running or withstand extended talk time?

At the end of the day, it’s the battery that’s really the hero of any mobile device used in the field, and one charge should last through multiple shifts.

Business needs         

In addition to rugged standards and features, the next step is to assess your business needs and explore the following:

  • Type of devices: Do you need a powerful smartphone for the superintendent that can run business applications and integrate with enterprise business systems? Or do you need a reliable rugged smart radio to keep the field worker connected to his team? 
  • Warranty:Consider the manufacturer’s warranty, and be sure to study the fine print. A good warranty for rugged devices should extend beyond the first year and cover accidental damage as well as the standard software issues or hardware defects.
  • Interoperability: Does your management team need to access enterprise software solutions and business applications while in the field? Will you need custom software solutions that integrate into existing enterprise software? Are the devices compatible with worker safety and productivity applications?
  • Accessories: Make sure you include room in your budget for industrial-grade accessories to ensure your crew is fully equipped. Holsters, chargers, USB cables, car cradles and external speakers are just some examples of the accessories that should be considered.

There are many factors to take into account when choosing the right communication tools for your business. In addition to the tips above, also tap into your team’s knowledge and experience. Conduct a survey among field workers and managers to learn what has worked and what hasn’t, and ask if there are new products that should be considered. This will provide valuable insight and either confirm or refute your buying decisions.

Since 2004, Bob Plaschke has served as Sonim’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Before joining Sonim, Mr. Plaschke served as entrepreneur-in-residence at Sutter Hill Ventures, where he focused on wireless investments. Mr. Plaschke received a B.S. in computer engineering from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. 

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