In the fast-evolving landscape of manufacturing, efficiency, productivity, and adaptability are crucial factors for success. One technology that’s making a significant impact in the manufacturing sector is rugged tablets. These robust portable computers are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments while providing advanced functionality and connectivity. In this article, we’ll delve into two real-world case studies, showcasing how companies like Pallet One and Murray Equipment have harnessed the power of rugged tablets to streamline their manufacturing processes. The sophisticated platforms for supervising production processes and enhancing operational productivity.
Case Study 1: Pallet One
Pallet One is a leading provider of wooden pallets and containers, catering to various industries. They faced a common challenge in manufacturing—how to improve workflow efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure real-time communication across their facility.
The Solution: Rugged Tablets by DT Research
Pallet One turned to DT Research’s rugged tablets to address their manufacturing challenges. These tablets proved to be a game-changer for the company in several ways:
1. Durability: The manufacturing environment can be tough, with exposure to dust, moisture, and rough handling. DT Research’s rugged tablets are built to withstand such conditions, boasting IP65 and MIL-STD810G ratings. This durability ensures that the tablets can handle the rigors of a manufacturing floor.
2. Connectivity: Pallet One’s manufacturing facility required seamless communication between different teams and departments. DT Research’s tablets come equipped with robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and wireless connectivity, ensuring that all devices and personnel can stay connected in real-time.
3. Custom Applications: One of the key advantages of rugged tablets is their ability to run custom applications tailored to specific manufacturing needs. Pallet One leveraged this feature to develop apps that improved inventory management, order tracking, and quality control.
4. Enhanced Productivity: By equipping their workforce with rugged tablets, Pallet One significantly improved productivity. Workers could access real-time data, receive notifications, and make quick decisions on the production floor, reducing downtime and errors.
5. Cost Savings: While the initial investment in rugged tablets is higher than consumer-grade devices, Pallet One quickly realized the cost savings. Reduced errors, increased productivity, and longer tablet lifespans resulted in a positive ROI.
Case Study 2: Murray Equipment
Murray Equipment Inc. (MEI) specializes in manufacturing and distributing fertilizer handling products, serving various industries. Their unique challenge was optimizing the operation of portable truck payloaders in their automated fertilizing blending facilities.
The Challenge: Enhancing Efficiency in Fertilizer Blending
In the manufacturing of fertilizers, timing is critical, and delays can lead to significant revenue loss. MEI’s truck drivers constantly needed to exit and re-enter their vehicles to respond to manufacturing alerts scattered throughout the facility.
The Solution: DT Research’s Rugged Tablets
MEI adopted DT Research’s rugged tablets to tackle their manufacturing challenges, and the results were remarkable:
1. Durability: Just like in the case of Pallet One, the rugged tablets proved to be a perfect fit for MEI’s rugged manufacturing setting. They were designed to withstand harsh conditions, including drops, extreme temperatures, water, dust, and humidity.
2. Functionality: The rugged tablets provided precise on-screen functionality with touchscreen-enabled alerts generated via a secure browser. This allowed operators to monitor and control equipment, optimize product destinations, and respond to alarms promptly.
3. Reliability: Built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and extended battery life ensured continuous computing in time-sensitive conditions. This was vital for MEI, considering that they often had to move large quantities of product within tight timeframes while contending with varying weather conditions.
4. Profit Margins: The tablets directly impacted MEI’s profit margins, which are measured by the ton. A reduction in manual processes and minimal tablet downtime translated to thousands of dollars in savings.
Rugged tablets have become indispensable tools in modern manufacturing. As demonstrated by the experiences of Pallet One and Murray Equipment, these robust handheld or vehicle-mounted computers offer durability, connectivity, customizability, enhanced productivity, and significant cost savings. If your manufacturing operations face challenges similar to those of Pallet One and MEI, it might be time to consider integrating rugged tablets into your workflow. These case studies serve as powerful examples of how technology can transform manufacturing processes and improve overall business outcomes.
By embracing rugged tablets, you can future-proof your manufacturing operations, ensuring they remain efficient, competitive, and adaptable in the ever-changing industrial landscape. For more information on how rugged tablets can benefit your specific industry, visit DT Research’s case studies for further insights and inspiration: