The Role of Rugged Tech in Corporate Sustainability: A Greener Approach to Business

World Economic Forum reports that 90% of executives believe sustainability is essential. Yet only 60% of organizations have sustainability strategies. One way is the device selection. Though it may be tempting to let your team use consumer-grade tablets, laptops, or handheld computers, there is more risk than potential reward. Here is why.

Sustainability has become increasingly critical for organizations to remain relevant and competitive in today’s market. From the investor demand, an increasing number of millennials and Gen-Z consumers who are more aware of the environmental issues, global commitments to 2050 net zero targets, to attracting talents and improved productivity and profitability. It shows that when it comes to sustainability, a do-nothing approach can mean a more significant loss in the future—one example is the device selection for businesses.

For a long, choosing off-shelf laptops, tablets, and mobile computers might be the practical solution. In contrast to frequently buying and throwing away commercially available computing devices, buying long-lasting products such as Winmate’s rugged tech is a simple step we can take to reduce our environmental impact. A rugged tech is a piece of equipment that functions just like a similar computer – added with the ability to withstand extreme temperature, moister, and many other factors that could cause device failure. Its advanced features make it an excellent choice for businesses constantly moving or operating in harsh environments.

• Longer product lifespan.

  Its durability is one of the most apparent benefits of rugged technologies. From compliance with the US MIL-STD against drop, shock, and intense vibration, water- and dust-proof IP65 rating, and bumper protections to the internal system structures. This means businesses can benefit from device longevity by reducing the need for frequent replacement and e-waste. The extended rugged computer lifespan reduces your carbon footprint, which may reach the end of life in one to two years.

• One that lasts an entire shift.

  Besides the industrial computers designed with energy-efficient components that reduce power consumption, Winmate enterprise-grade rugged tech has an optional hot-swappable or high-capacity battery that supports the computers to last an entire shift without stopping or switching devices. This not only increases productivity and profitability. But also reduces the need for several spare computers for one task.

• Reduce paper usage and cost.

  With various data collection and input methods, rugged mobile tablets can easily replace paper-based systems, reducing costs and environmental footprint. Winmate launched ATEX-grade tablets that are safe to use in Zone 2 hazardous areas such as the petrochemical, oil, and gas industries that heavily use paper systems due to safety reasons.

• Remote work capabilities.

  For those who work in rural and remote areas, Winmate’s rugged computing solutions come with various wireless capabilities and optional external antennas (please refer to the respective product datasheet). Enable employees to work remotely and in the field, reducing the need for travel and associated emissions.

• Suitable for yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

  Winmate product family is backward compatible, which means businesses can save resources by eliminating the need to repurchase accessories such as dock chargers and kickstands at each upgrade. Besides, Winmate offers many accessories and optional features only available with rugged computers but not with consumer devices. From the integrated barcode scanners and RFID readers, specialized mounting and docking systems, enterprise-grade security locks, and legacy I/O ports such as RFJ45 or HDMI.

  As consumer expectations for sustainable products increase and environmental regulations evolve, sustainability has become table stakes. Requiring businesses to embrace technology solutions that can support the unique needs of their field-based workers while delivering improved service and protecting the environment. Although choosing the familiar commercial off-the-shelf devices seems effortless, rugged computers offer more than them. From improved user experience, enterprise-grade security, communication, versatility, and proven reliability for various works.

Winmate Inc., one of the largest rugged tech manufacturers, has been providing various rugged technologies for about 30 years. Our product portfolio includes Android and Windows rugged tablets, MIL-STD laptops, vehicle mount computers, industrial computers and HMI, embedded PCs, and many more.

Need help determining what rugged tech is suitable for your business? Or do you want to request a demo sample? Talk to our team and get your questions answered.

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