ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) – We’ve talked before about the advances in mobile ERP; new technology is allowing team members in an organization to see real-time data from their ERP solution in the palm of their hand. However, for organizations that deal with major warehouse inventories or factory work, they have to use rugged business-specific devices that will survive in harsh manufacturing environments.
That’s why we are on the verge of a new age of mobile ERP; rugged yet streamlined mobile devices for ERP.
ERP: Rugged vs Mobile Device
Microsoft is readying itself to roll out new mobile ERP applications for Dynamics AX, focusing especially on warehousing functionality. As more and more ERP solutions push towards mobile functionality, the industrial business sectors are going to start seeing new trends in mobile devices.
Typically, consumer mobile devices do not perform well in industrial environments. Dust, liquids, heavy equipment, and long drops all contribute to a working condition that most “smartphones” are not capable of withstanding. That’s why many industrial organizations choose more rugged, bulky mobile devices to perform inventory tasks, communicate, and even access their ERP system. Unfortunately, these tough devices tend to be too large and/or heavy to be truly “mobile” and are often lacking the services that mobile ERP applications provide.
As the trend towards mobile ERP grows every day, it is likely we are going to see new devices enter the market; either the rugged will become more mobile, or the mobile will become more rugged. We have already seen the consumer mobile device market gear their products towards tough work environments in the past (think Nextel), so it would not be surprising to see newer smartphones that are designed to survive the hazards of an industrial workplace. At the same time, new technology is allowing the makers of rugged devices to slim down their products and provide more mobile-friendly alternatives.
There will always be a need for specific devices aimed at monitoring and inventory purposes, but as mobile ERP becomes a must-have for executives and warehouse workers alike, I believe we are going to see consumer mobile devices that can perform in harsh environments. The ability to have your mobile ERP at your fingertips wherever you go is too much of a boon to business for device manufacturers to ignore.
Feel free to contact an ECI representative today to learn more about mobile ERP and ERP solutions in general!
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