Vehicle-Mounted Rugged Tablets for Better Productivity

Many of our customers have been looking for innovative ways to incorporate ruggedized tablet computers into their current operations. In order to discover these innovative processes, end users are examining their current processes and trying to find those that would be improved either by increasing the mobility of the hardware, or increasing the size of the screen.

The importance of flexibility and mobility

A growing number of customers are beginning to investigate ruggedized tablet computers to replace fork/vehicle mounted computer solutions. For those who are not familiar with a fork/vehicle mounted computer, they are a major component of any infrastructure that involves collecting data in a warehouse environment. Fork mounted computers are mounted to forklifts and warehouse vehicles, giving the operator a large screen display. Additionally, these computers connect to any type of scanner, allowing the driver to collect data easily while performing daily tasks. In the past, end users have been extremely satisfied with this solution due to the speed and ease of use. Today, many organizations are also considering mobile device management solutions to enhance the deployment, security, and management of these devices across their warehouse operations.

Although end users have been happy with these solutions, they have wanted more since the emergence of tablets in the marketplace.   Many organizations are investigating ways for tablets to replace fork mounted computers in order to increase the mobility of the solution. Organizations that are interested in increasing mobility want to use the tablet to enhance productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. These customers are not happy with their current fork mounted computers because they want the flexibility of being able to remove the tablet from the fork mount. Mobility would allow them to perform critical tasks on the warehouse floor, such as WMS solutions utilizing a larger screen, or electronic forms based solutions. Since fork mounted computers do not allow customers that flexibility, they are investigating tablets.

Are ruggedized tablet computers durable enough?

Ruggedized tablets are strong enough to be mounted and withstand the bumps and shakes that happen in these harsh environments. Furthermore, most tablets are MIL-810-G rated, and can withstand drops of 6 feet or higher, giving the end users a sense of comfort.   Lowry has a variety of partners who manufacture tablets that have performed at top levels in these types of environments, such as Panasonic, Motion Computing, Mobile Demand, and many others. A systems integrator, like Lowry Solutions, can help you determine which of the ruggedized tablet computers will work in your solution environment. Many factors go into this determination, including work environment, workflow, and screen preferences.

Accessories can increase performance

A question we often get from customers is, “How does one mount the tablet to the vehicle in a way that it can be easily removed?” This is a huge concern for customers because they do not want hardware to slow down operations or cause downtime. This customer concern is usually eliminated pretty easily when we show them the accessories provided by our tablet manufacturers and third parties. These accessories allow for the tablet to be easily attached or detached. Some solutions even integrate RFID technology, enabling quick authentication or access control while maintaining operational efficiency. In addition, a variety of these accessories can disable the tablet when the vehicle is moving, therefore allowing end users to ensure safety for all of those around.

The selection of technology is not one size fits all; it differs in every business environment. Ruggedized tablet computers can be used to replace fork mounted computers, although we do not recommend that for every application. To learn if this solution is something that can be used in your environment, please contact your systems integrator to get expert advice. To learn more about ruggedized tablet computers on forklift trucks, please download the attached white paper.

Real-Time Visibility Creates Smarter Warehouse Operations

Warehouses are changing fast, and the businesses keeping up aren’t just swapping out old hardware; they’re rethinking how their whole operation stays connected. Ruggedized tablets have become a big part of that shift, moving from simple mobility tools to the backbone of how teams actually see and manage what’s happening on the floor.

Hook them up with barcode scanning, RFID, GPS, and your warehouse management system, and suddenly your operators aren’t stuck running back to a fixed terminal every time they need to check something. Inventory levels, shipment updates, maintenance records, live workflows, it’s all right there, wherever the work is happening. That kind of access cuts down on delays, keeps teams on the same page, and makes it a lot easier to act quickly when something needs attention.

Improving Workflow Efficiency Across the Warehouse

One of the most practical benefits of putting rugged tablets in workers’ hands is how much they can handle from a single device. Inventory counts, shipment confirmations, equipment inspections, digital forms, team communication, all of it without bouncing between systems or heading back to a stationary terminal.

The larger screens also make a real difference for anything that needs a good visual layout:

• Warehouse management systems (WMS)
• Asset tracking dashboards
• Digital inspection forms
• Inventory reconciliation
• Maintenance workflows
• Proof-of-delivery verification

Less walking around for information means less time wasted, and fewer places for things to fall through the cracks.

Rugged Tablets Support Modern Asset Tracking Technologies

Accurate tracking isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. Today’s warehouse operations depend on it. Rugged tablets can tie together a whole range of tracking technologies, RFID, barcode scanning, Bluetooth, GPS, IoT sensors, and bring them all into one usable interface.

Connected to platforms like Sonaria, teams get a live picture of:

• Where assets are moving
• Where inventory actually sits
• How is the equipment being used
• Shipment progress
• Maintenance schedules
• Workflow completion

That kind of connected visibility means fewer manual errors, better inventory accuracy, and the ability to catch problems before they slow things down.

Designed for Demanding Industrial Environments

Warehouses and manufacturing floors aren’t gentle environments. Things get dropped. Temperatures swing. Equipment vibrates. Hardware that can’t take that kind of treatment doesn’t last long, and neither does the productivity that depends on it.

Rugged tablets are built to handle those conditions. Beyond just surviving the floor, most modern solutions also include:

• Hot-swappable batteries so devices stay running through long shifts
• Glove-friendly touchscreens
• Displays you can actually read in bright sunlight
• Vehicle docking stations for forklifts and other equipment
• Built-in barcode and RFID scanning
• Remote device management for IT teams

All of that adds up to less downtime, fewer support headaches, and hardware that actually earns its place in the operation.

Flexibility Matters in Fast-Moving Operations

No two days in a warehouse look the same, and the tools you rely on need to keep up. Rugged tablets are flexible enough to move with the work, mounted to a forklift for one hour, pulled off the dock for a floor inspection the next, then used for cycle counting or quality checks after that.

That kind of versatility means you’re getting more mileage out of each device, and your team isn’t stuck hunting for the right tool every time the task changes.

Building a Connected Warehouse Strategy

Picking the right rugged tablet isn’t just about specs. It’s about making sure the device fits into how your operation actually runs, your workflows, your connectivity needs, your software stack, your security requirements, and where you want to be a few years from now.

That’s where working with a partner like Lowry Solutions makes a difference. They help businesses think through the full picture, rugged hardware, enterprise mobility management, RFID, barcode tracking, and real-time asset visibility, and bring it all together into something that actually works as a whole.

Supply chains are only getting more data-driven, and customer expectations aren’t slowing down. Having the right connected tools in place isn’t just an operational upgrade; it’s how you stay competitive.