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Digitalisation remains increasing. The subsequent versatility and importance of smartphones and tablets mean customers have high expectations on retailer service, and retailers must meet these requirements to gain a competitive advantage over their peers. Sales assistants in-store utilise mobile devices for several benefits, intending to consistently improve the customer experience- whilst ensuring increasing sales figures.
The endless advantages of a mobile-friendly approach are clear, both to clients and employees. Here are five prominent ways this approach benefits your retail operations:

Sales efficiency

An advantage of traditional retail is the readiness for direct insight from knowledgeable staff. However, the staff turnover in the sector remains consistently high. Thus, it’s challenging to keep employees tuned up on every product, especially as product portfolios get more diverse by the year. By providing instant stock information and levels through mobile devices, employees can provide an efficient customer service experience.
A portable device-friendly system allows staff to check customer information, purchase history, and accept payment in a more mobile fashion-pardon the pun. 

Convenient usage

A simple question to ponder- Which device do you think your staff is more comfortable with: a smartphone or an outdated desktop computer? The convenience of handheld technology and its ease of use are their main selling points, the function of a desktop computer on the move in an aesthetically portable design- what more could you want? It must be said that whatever operating systems and capabilities your taskforce requires, chances are there’s an app out there that does it with incredible efficiency and accuracy.

Cut down costs

The facts are, every business wants to save money wherever possible. The costs for multiple desktops or laptops for in-store use is simply unnecessary in most cases, as bring your device (BYOD) remains a popular initiative with employees. The modern-day smartphone is even capable of performing as a barcode scanner! 

Track performance

Monitoring check-ins through mobile devices provides a great platform to track and share staff performance. For example, an app for your sales team to deliver automatic, real-time feedback on their recent sales and goals. This system massively reduces the number of time employees spend tallying their sales by hand, instead updating quite literally at the touch of a button.

Less paperwork 

Environmental friendliness is appropriately a point of focus today. However, there are several benefits to reducing paperwork.  It’s proven that rifling through paperwork wastes up to 30% of an employee’s day. A time which could be spent on more important tasks to improve your business.

GET MOBILE WITH CI-DISTRIBUTION

Improving your in-store processes merely scratches the surface of how mobile devices improve retail operations. Better scheduling, communication, customer experience, employee job satisfaction, and fewer costs are just a few benefits.
Implementing a mobile-friendly system provides infinite flexibility and a future proof base. Contact CI-Distribution now! We have specialists on-call ready to discuss any query you have, to match you with the best hand-held rollout service around.

All enterprises are vulnerable to cyberattacks. They do not discriminate. Contrary to popular belief, small-sized businesses (SMBs) are a constant cybercrime target, with Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report finding that 58% of cyberattacks target small organizations, fuelled by business owners’ carelessness in shielding their IT infrastructure. As such, SMBs must own a reliable cybersecurity foundation. Read on for an effective, five-step security checklist: .

1. Effective endpoint security

Endpoint security involves the protection of your IT infrastructure when accessed via devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Should these gadgets not have the required configuration, they become attractive entry points for cyber threats. The solution? Devote resources to effective endpoint security. These include firewalls, antivirus and anti-malware software, internet security tools, and mobile device management tools, to name a few, guaranteeing that any connected devices to your network are secure from any issues.

2. Incident response plan

Note all of the incidents occurring in your office and focus on any trends to develop effective incident response and disaster recovery plans. Questions to consider are: What are the most successful attacks your company experiences? Are your staff susceptible to phishing scams? Maybe ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly widespread? Fake exercises, such as “digital fire drills” that involve distributing phony phishing emails to all employees to see how many hits you’d get, are a great tool. The data collected allows you to specifically adjust your incident response plan.

3. IT security resources

IT security should always be an imperative facet of your daily operations. As the number of targeted threats continue to rise, your business needs to designate your IT resources such as servers, phone systems, and software to the appropriate members. One such route is to partner with managed IT service providers (MSPs) to maximise your resources and ensure protection against the latest attack methods. The squad of complete IT experts monitors your IT infrastructure 24/7, year-round to proactively prevent data breaches, all for an affordable monthly fee.

4. Strong password policies 

The first line of defence, passwords are still the most convenient methods of securing data online. Avoid using passwords composed of numbers and characters, as these can be predictable and easily hacked, instead use sentences such as “idrinkwineonweekends.” Password updates should only occur after data breaches to prevent password confusion among staff.
Additionally, utilise multifactor authentication (MFA) to require at least two processes of verifying a user’s identity, meaning cybercriminals would need both means to be successful.

5. Update your policies

Cybersecurity is a never-ending journey, but as with most threats in life- it is better to prevent than cure. Frequently examine your company’s IT policies and procedures, updating them with a thorough awareness of the latest threats that endanger your data security. When navigated correctly, cybersecurity is a guaranteed route to ensuring your business isn’t hindered by cyberthreats.

Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) is a small handheld computer able to run Windows’ operating system (OS). Basically, it combines the functions of a laptop with the portability of a PDA, in a convenient package similar in size to a palmtop. And smartphones, well I’m sure we all know what smartphones are, it’s probably what you’re using to read this blog currently. 
Smartphones are cell phones that contain computing and touch-screen capabilities. This allows you to do more than phone calls and text messages, such as browsing the Internet, run software programs, stream music, and play video games. 
Both have their pros and cons, with smartphones, in particular, becoming substantially popular over the years as technology evolves and the limits of what a phone can do are shattered with each innovation.

Advantages and disadvantages of Ultra-Mobile PC

UMPC usage is not as common as smartphones, expensive pricing and the arrival of netbooks have diverted some shine and popularity from these highly portable notebooks. Although scarce on the market, among the available UMPC models, you have the option to purchase with or without a physical keyboard. The keyboards are usually manufactured in slide format, seamlessly integrated with the device.
Who would use a UMPC? Well, generally speaking, someone who travels constantly and thus requires transportability and performance from their device at all times, as well as someone who often uses it as connecting PLC in industrial environments such as warehouses, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of a Smartphone

Smartphones have evolved greatly, becoming somewhat of a necessity these days rather than a pleasure, possessing a countless variety of features and capabilities that allow them to be more than a phone. Nowadays, more progressive smartphones are, enabling them to change from standard smartphone to tablet screen sizes when needed. 
Similar to a desktop or laptop computer, smartphones use operating systems, such as Windows or macOS, with the “big three” most common being Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, and Microsoft’s Windows Phone. To store apps and data, they use an in-built flash memory which is non-removable. Many smartphones, most notably Android, also possess a flash memory card slot, intended for an SD card, to allow users to gain external storage. So, who would use a smartphone? Well, who wouldn’t? They’re one of the most versatile pieces of technology in the world able to transform from phone to camera to microphone to a computer in a matter of seconds.

A few years ago, Microsoft announced it would no longer be supporting Windows Embedded, its Operating System (OS), for handheld devices. This was a huge development as devices running that OS would be defenceless and archaic, due to the lack of updated software patches and upgrades, with no easy fix. As expected, this caused arguably the biggest platform shift ever seen in the rugged industry as many businesses frantically migrated to Android, a popular OS due to its flexibility and vast capabilities, producing a seamless transition. Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind when switching to Android OS for your rugged devices:

SWITCH NOW, NO MORE LEGACY

Of course, spending is a particularly important consideration for the public sector. Any business implementing a mobile computing strategy needs to understand how much it is going to cost and what the most appropriate devices are that will improve efficiency and productivity. Whilst the purchase price is one of the critical factors, the decision to select and customise a consumer device against going for more purpose-built enterprise devices will need to be considered. Much will depend on where the device is going to be used, at least its primary use.

Selecting a consumer device for harsh working environments or for multi-users in a public location is likely to be a false economy. These devices are more prone to breakage and failure. There are plenty of ruggedised alternatives for laptops, tablets and smartphones that are better suited. Studies by analysts VDC and Gartner have shown that the costs of deploying consumer mobile devices that are customised for enterprise mobility are always almost higher than those of purpose-built devices. VDC estimate it could be at least 51% higher for the consumer device.

CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATION

Plan your switch immediately, don’t prolong it! Most rugged devices have a life span of 5-7 years, and with support for any Windows, Embedded device ceased earlier this year, buying legacy OS devices should be a massive no-no for your business unless they are to be used as a stop-gap short-term solution. Ruggedised equipment is often independent of the company’s network; thus, they are unlikely to be connected to the internet for periods, which is necessary for most updates to occur.

VARY YOUR RUGGED PORTFOLIO

As simple as it sounds, many businesses are guilty of putting all their eggs in one basket so to speak, standardising their OS with a singular vendor in an attempt to take advantage of the wealth of versatility in today’s market. This, however, can be counter-productive and hinder your business operations and performance.

To optimise performance and reap the full benefits, you must create a portfolio using different devices with different specific tasks, think of it as the ingredients to a cake. Every machine should have individual qualities, but work in tandem to produce the best results.

GUARANTEED RUGGEDNESS

While working in tough environments with fluctuating weather conditions and changing seasons, you want your hardware to be as durable as you are. Luckily, with a rugged computer at hand, in a holster, or perhaps docked in your vehicle, you won’t have to worry if your rugged computer can take the heat, or the cold, or the water, or sand… You get the point. Large sunlight-durable screens and heavy-duty specifications, along with long-lasting batteries, make ultra-rugged PDAs and tablets the ideal hardware for field service.

Contact CID now to take advantage of our expertise and proven history of excellent service to the public sector! The perfect solution for you is just a phone call away. 

BE METICULOUS WITH YOUR BUSINESS CASE

When performing a business case for Rugged Devices, you have to factor in the traits that distinguish them from standard devices, such as the harsh environment in which they are frequently used. The total cost of ownership (TCO) should especially be accounted for as Rugged Devices are known to have lower TCO on occasion, due to factors such as: 

•   Ruggedised equipment usually has double the life span.

•   Ruggedised equipment sales cycles are longer, and update cycles are shorter.

•   Ruggedised equipment is specialised to be used in mission-critical situations, improving productivity and reducing downtime with supreme battery life span and lower failure rates.

APPLICATION VIRTUALISATION TECHNOLOGY

Migrating your OS to Android will involve a full rewrite of your applications. Your vendor or solutions provider will usually take care of that for you. However, virtualisation options are available to enable you to virtualise an application for Android at a cheaper price than a rewrite, which can be costly. 
An incredibly worthwhile solution as it does not affect the back-end of your suite, and is ideal for applications scheduled to be decommissioned within a few years, whilst the migration process is underway.

If all of this sounds a bit confusing, don’t worry, that’s why CI Distribution exists! We aim to better your business operation with the best rugged solutions on the market, delivering to you the perfect experience every step of the way.

Contact us now, we have a surplus of specialists on hand to answer any Android OS migration questions you have!

The Public Sector is incredibly important to the everyday efficiency of our day-to-day lives. From road management to running water, to park maintenance, and everything in between, no different from any other industry when it comes to the requirement for mobile and remote working often in dangerous, hazardous or time-critical situations. Productivity and effective communication are just as critical. Indeed, for the emergency services, medical staff, social workers, public works, the military and many more occupations, the need for more rugged devices is hardly surprising. 

Clearly, due to their portability, devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones are more at risk of damage than the desktop. Equally, there are cases when the choice of a mobile device is dependent on the nature of the job. Emergency services need water and dust-resistant devices with outdoor viewable touchscreens to access and capture information, communicate on the spot data and have hard drives that can withstand vibration and shock. Public works employees are invariably working outdoors, often in inclement weather, and rugged devices can help maintain productivity and efficiency.

A WORTHWHILE COST

Of course, spending is a particularly important consideration for the public sector. Any business implementing a mobile computing strategy needs to understand how much it is going to cost and what the most appropriate devices are that will improve efficiency and productivity. Whilst the purchase price is one of the critical factors, the decision to select and customise a consumer device against going for more purpose-built enterprise devices will need to be considered. Much will depend on where the device is going to be used, at least its primary use.

Selecting a consumer device for harsh working environments or for multi-users in a public location is likely to be a false economy. These devices are more prone to breakage and failure. There are plenty of ruggedised alternatives for laptops, tablets and smartphones that are better suited. Studies by analysts VDC and Gartner have shown that the costs of deploying consumer mobile devices that are customised for enterprise mobility are always almost higher than those of purpose-built devices. VDC estimate it could be at least 51% higher for the consumer device.

CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATION

Everyone knows that communication is key. But did you know that this is also the case for public workers? The public workforce relies on strong connections and fast communication to allocate important data to their crew, supervisors, as well as management. A wireless device, such as a rugged computer, helps them stay connected over cellular broadband. This way, no matter the location of the crew, they can stay updated on real-time status updates, schedule projects or simply just communicate with co-workers.

KEEPING FOCUS

If you want something done, you would want it done correctly, right? Right. By using rugged computers as a tool for tasks like safety checks, inventory management, or patching up damaged roads, these workers ensure that no important data slips through the cracks. With rugged computers’ fast and easy communication capabilities, along with their powerful processing, they can provide quick solutions in a more efficient manner.

GUARANTEED RUGGEDNESS

While working in tough environments with fluctuating weather conditions and changing seasons, you want your hardware to be as durable as you are. Luckily, with a rugged computer at hand, in a holster, or perhaps docked in your vehicle, you won’t have to worry if your rugged computer can take the heat, or the cold, or the water, or sand… You get the point. Large sunlight-durable screens and heavy-duty specifications, along with long-lasting batteries, make ultra-rugged PDAs and tablets the ideal hardware for field service.

Contact CiD now to take advantage of our expertise and proven history of excellent service to the public sector! The perfect solution for you is just a phone call away.