Data Collection Considerations
When considering any a terminal emulation or web browser software for your data collection solution, you should give some thought to the following:
- Windows CE OS
- Windows CE is an open operating system and has been embraced by all major hardware terminals manufacturers. Selecting a Windows CE device allows you to not be tied to a single hardware vendor for your data collection terminals. You can keep this choice open by selecting a vendor who supports multiple hardware form factors from all major handheld terminal vendors. This approach will allow you to keep your options open as you grow.
- Device Tailored Software
- The application software running on the device must leverage the ergonomics of the handheld terminal. The software should be tailored to support peripherals, resources and configurations that are unique to your device. This will allow you to deliver a superior usability solution optimized for productivity.
- Intuitive Usability; Simple Configuration
- Stable, mature application software, which is intuitive to use will significantly enhance your data collection solution. Consider software usability interface, navigation, ease of configuration, provisioning and deployment as important benchmarks in choosing software for your solution.
- Minimize User Training
- Avoid having to change your host application so your users get to see the same familiar host application screens. Don't settle for cryptic software ported from DOS terminals or a patchwork of haphazard utilities put together as a solution. Rather than building proprietary applications, invest in open standards web based applications. This will allow you to minimize user training.
- Application Software
- Application software represents a very small portion of the total cost of your ADC solution. It is however, a critical component that makes your solution usable to deliver operational savings over time. It would be unwise to compromise on the functionality delivered by such a critical component.
- Customization
- Your business processes and workflow are unique. Your solution will undoubtedly require customization so as to meet your workflow automation requirements. Consider application software that offers a breadth of configuration options, is robust, and is extensible to address your requirements of today and tomorrow. This will help you future proof your investment.
Our terminal emulation and web browser products are designed specifically for Windows CE / Windows Mobile handheld devices and as such address more than all the concerns listed above. If you would like to discuss your data collection solution requirements, please feel free to contact us or send your questions to support@naurtech.com.
