Why one size doesn’t fit all in transportation computing projects

by Matt Meersman, VP Sales Americas, JLT Mobile Computers, Inc.

Whether it is automating your workforce or implementing new logistics systems, cost is always an issue, and so is the temptation to go with standardized computer equipment and solutions. In the transportation sector that may or may not make sense. Working with vendors that specialize in customized hardware, software, and solutions may be a better idea.

The pros and cons of using standard solutions

Common wisdom has it that buying standard, mass-produced items – hardware, software and solutions – is the best way to save money and stay within budget. Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) procurement of stocked and readily available items and solutions at the lowest possible cost certainly makes sense in areas where specialized or custom-made solutions are prohibitively expensive. Buying off the shelf may also be the way to go when standard equipment and solutions can easily be adapted or configured to meet actual requirements after the sale. No need for expensive custom designs and solutions when standard equipment can be made to fit and work, for less money.

In transportation (and many other sectors), however, the “one size fits all” approach doesn’t always apply. The post-purchase adaptation and customization of standard equipment and software may end up taking more time and cost more than a customized solution. This is especially true in deployments where items are used in a myriad of different ways and different settings. In such deployments, the extra effort in making everything fit and work right can be stressful both for the vendor and the customer, resulting in lost time and productivity. While canned solutions may work in more static industries, even if they require post-sales adaptation, technology deployment in the transportation sector is different and generally more complex. There is an endless variety of different vehicles, locations, systems and priorities to consider, and adaptation costs can quickly get out of hand.

A new look at customization

In the past, the high cost of custom-built and customized equipment was the major deterrent to purchasing solutions that worked right out of the box. But things have changed.

On the hardware side, modularized design and manufacturing of mobile computing equipment is now allowing custom configurations at little or no extra cost. Vendors knowledgeable of their markets and customer requirements are designing their products to be highly configurable by default. If a function or feature is needed, it can easily be installed during the manufacturing process. If it’s not needed, it’s omitted.

Different performance levels, interface standards, onboard and wireless connectivity and special functionality can all be built in to order, without the extra costs of design and engineering changes. Customized IT equipment may also include interface technologies, types of ports, wide-range power supplies, or ruggedization and protection features that are simply not available in standard hardware. Examples are CAN bus integration, waterproof connectors, intrinsic safety, ignition control or uninterruptible power options.

On the software side, one-size-fits-all is also a thing of the past. Stacks of software install discs have been replaced by automated streaming downloads. Vendors can provide operating systems images with all the needed application software, utilities, security and drivers for their customers.

These images can be particular to a location, a division, a country or a region, making time-consuming, error-prone unit-by-unit installs a thing of the past. Mobile device management systems keep track of it all, making highly customized systems as easy, or easier, to deploy and maintain than generic hardware and software.

Customization goes beyond hardware and software

With the continuously growing complexity of the transportation market, the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach extend beyond just hardware. Increasingly, customization needs to include connectivity planning, device management, and operations considerations.

In a networked world, systems operation is only as good as reliable wireless coverage under the most challenging conditions. Standardized radio hardware may fail to maintain connections in dead or weak spot areas. A site study by an experienced vendor will not only determine the right type of LAN and WAN technologies, but also required internal and external antennae, the proper type and placement of access points, as well as dedicated network and connectivity management systems.

With internal IT often overworked, mobile device management systems can greatly lessen the load. Instead of individually configuring and updating devices, a customized system can easily monitor and manage hundreds or thousands of devices, regardless of type, size or operating system.

Storage, backup and recovery, and processing load balance considerations have changed as well. The use of cloud storage, cloud services and cloud applications can greatly increase productivity, but require the selection of the right tools, service providers, and the right industry partners. Here again, one size does not fit all.

Competitive advantage through customization

Bottom-line: In the complex transportation sector, standard off-the-shelf hardware may often not be the best solution. With vendors familiar with the industry now providing modular hardware, software and services that can easily be customized for any application, the overall cost of ownership of tailored solutions may actually be lower.

Taking advantage of hardware designed for flexible modularity, componentized software that’s device and operating system agnostic, device management systems that minimize demands on IT, use of suitable cloud services and applications will result in holistic solutions that work right from the start, no matter the location or type of use. The workforce will appreciate having equipment and solutions designed and configured for their specific tasks and way of use. Modular design makes maintenance and repair quick and easy, while fending off obsolescence. On the software side, updates and centrally managed software images reduce downtime and eliminate errors.

All of this, of course, is only possible when dealing with a supplier that is a combination of experienced hardware designer/manufacturer, skilled solutions provider, as well as reliable long-term partner.