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Despite the growing popularity of handheld computers in the warehouse, are operators missing a trick with the lack of vehicle-mounted devices?

Although a growing number of companies have invested in handheld computers for their Middle East warehouse operations, there’s a general understanding that such devices are not suitable for every facet of the business.

However, with a host of complementary products being launched in the past year, there are plenty of alternatives to consider for your handheld collection. In particular, suppliers have reported a loyal following
for vehicle-mounted computers (VMCs) in the region, with demand on the increase in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE.

“Demand for handheld computers is consistently strong in the Middle East,” states Tony Nasr, business development manager at Intermec. “At the same time, companies are starting to realise that
vehicle-mounted computers could be more suitable in certain circumstances.”

The implementation of vehicle-mounted computers is linked to the wider adoption of modern technology solutions in the logistics industry. Regional companies are abandoning paper-based processes and moving online in order to gain greater visibility across the supply chain.

“Moving away from manual processes is becoming more essential, especially for third party logistics companies,” says Nasr. “It’s almost a requirement to show clients that you are using wireless terminals rather than paper systems, otherwise the competition can leave you behind.”

VMCs function in a similar way to handhelds, offering warehouse operators the same applications in a ruggedised, wireless format. However, unlike handhelds, vehicle-mounts are fixed onto forklifts and pallets stackers, which reduces the risk of dropping and breaking the system. They are also easy to use, as there is no need to juggle a computer system with one hand while operating a forklift truck with the other.

“If the customer looks from the safety aspect, there is nothing worse than an operator trying to drive a forklift or pallet stacker with one hand and operate a mobile device with the other,” says Mark Jones, regional manager of LXE in the Middle East and Africa. “By having a fixed terminal, it allows the operator to work with his hands free.”

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However, despite this advantage, interest in VMCs was initially slow, especially in the Middle East. A lack of awareness was a challenge and the devices were also less technologically advanced than their handheld rivals.

“Vehicle-mount technology has always been less developed compared to handheld technology,” says Jones.

“This has resulted in some customers making a decision to ignore VMCs and exclusively use the handheld option for their warehouse.”

Such decisions could be costly. VMCs can play an important role alongside handheld devices within a warehouse, and they are not much more expensive. As such, for certain tasks they can produce greater efficiencies than handhelds and thereby generate a better return. “The suitability of vehicle-mounted computers depends on the warehouse operations,” explains Jones. “If the operator is walking short distances to pick light items, then handhelds are still recommended. However, if the warehouse is sending operators in a forklift to cover longer distances and collect heavier items, the vehicle-mounted option is certainly worth considering,” he continues.

There are a number of different vendors operating in the Middle East, offering a variety of vehicle-mount computers. The solutions vary considerably, which means research is needed to ensure that the most suitable product is selected. “Customers should discuss their needs with different manufacturers,” says Tarek Hassaniyeh, regional sales manager of Motorola Enterprise Mobility. “During the consultation process, customers are presented with
a variety of different options.

For example, should the VMC feature a full size or half sized screen?

What size keypad area is required? Should the systems be battery powered? What should the system weigh in total?”

More generally, the computer also needs to withstand the conditions found inside the warehouse.

Temperatures and vibrations, for instance, can easily damage standard desktops and notepads, which makes picking a ruggedised solution essential.

“Some manufacturers are placing computers on forklifts and claiming the system is rugged, but the customer needs to carefully understand the company’s definition of the word,” explains Hassaniyeh.

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