As businesses are becoming more environmentally aware of their work environments around them, many manufacturers are quickly taking note to design products that can be used in even the most hazardous of surroundings and circumstances.
Intermec Inc., a global manufacturer of technologies that helps manage supply chain assets, has unveiled its latest product, the CK32IS rugged mobile computer, a handheld device that assures user safety in potentially dangerous environments.
Intermec is calling this unit the “world’s safest mobile computer,” because it can be used in high-risk industry environments that include oil and gas refineries, pharmaceuticals, and textile and mining industries, just to name a few.
Carmi Levy, senior vice-president of strategic consulting for AR Communications, a Toronto-based firm, says demand for rugged handhelds like this one is growing in today’s market.
“On a niche market scale, there’s always demand for handhelds like this one,” Levy said. “Industries like pharmaceuticals, all want and need a device that has capabilities like Intermec’s (CK32IS), because using a conventional device is not an option here.”
Dan Bodnar, director of product strategy for the computer product line for Intermec, says the CK32IS has the ability to withstand both extreme handling and weather conditions.
“This technology can endure the rigors of multiple drops,” Bodnar said. “This is different from a consumer-grade device because if that were dropped, it would easily break.”
What also makes the CK32IS unique is that it also comes ready for use right out of the box. What makes it even more convenient is that it’s also equipped to support a handful of languages, some of which include, English, French, Italian, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
In addition to being user-friendly, the CK32IS also meets ATEX/IEC global hazardous environmental standards that allow it to be safely deployed anywhere in the world. All of Intermec’s products are also lead-free, which makes them better for the environment as well.
Intel Corp. has also followed this lead-free trend towards environmental sustainability. Going forward, Intel has made the commitment to go entirely lead-free with their processors.
Doug Cooper, Canada country manager for Intel, said the company has a history of being environmentally friendly when it comes to their products.
“We’re really diligent in ensuring that our lead-free products also maintain their reliability and performance,” Cooper said.
The same can be said about Intermec’s products where going lead-free while ensuring functionality is just as important, especially in hazardous work place environments.
“These (rugged handheld computers) are no longer toys you brag about,” Levy said. “Mobility has become a necessity and these have now become true work forces.”
