Purchasing a Mobile Computer Workstation? Here’s 5 Critical Questions to Ask First
Mobile workstations have played a key role in the modernization process of warehouses and work to future-proof your company by enhancing speed, efficiency and productivity. Whether you need a mobile computer workstation for shipping and receiving, inventory control, or returns processing, these workstations are a major investment. Before purchasing your own, ask these key questions to ensure the fleet you’re considering can meet your operational needs and comes equipped with sufficient features and specifications to benefit your workforce.
Question 1: What mobile computer workstation specs are best for my operation?
When it comes to the best mobile computer workstation, the devil is in the details — or in this case, the specs. When reviewing specifications, look for durable materials like powder-coated steel and thermo-foil laminated surfaces in order to maximize the lifespan of your investment. Carts should have an adjustable height range of 22″ to 41.5″ with an easy-to-use gas spring lift mechanism to maximize user comfort. Further, keep hardware safe with reliable stabilization features; look for two locking swivel casters in the rear, and two-directional, locking swivel casters in the front.
Get peace of mind with a warranty on both the cart and power system. The best workstation providers offer a 5-year warranty on both the cart and the battery. Consider the ergonomics of your mobile computer workstation as well. The right workstation will make your employees more productive and increase overall efficiency.
Question 2: What mobile cart battery is best for my operation?
A workstation’s mobility and efficiency involve more than just being light enough to maneuver. If your workstation’s battery power is insufficient or unreliable, your shifts can lose productivity quickly to troubleshooting and downtime. With the right battery system, you can substantially extend runtime of your mobile computer workstation, allowing for no interruption to patient care. Look for industry-leading battery features such as:
- 8+ hours of uninterrupted battery life
- Recharge time under 3 hours
- Hot swappable
- Lightweight
- A good warranty
Question 3: If I already have mobile computer workstations, is there any way to upgrade those instead of buying new?
It is possible to make your aging mobile computer workstation good as new at a fraction of the price of new ones. First, find a provider who offers lifecycle management. As a start, a provider may provide kits with the proper hardware and battery systems to update your current WOWs, as well as services to install and refurbish. Oftentimes, a provider will actually replace your aging battery system with a much lighter, more modern option, effectively increasing the lifespan of your workstation.
However, it shouldn’t stop there; the best provider will support your solutions throughout their lifecycle to guarantee functionality from deployment to retirement. In many cases, lifecycle management also encompasses repair services, with a dedicated user interface for transparency and real time insights into tickets.
Question 4: My carts need to hold a lot of items integral to our operations. Will everything fit and be secure?
Look for workstations with options for your tech stack needs. Will you need to have a laptop or monitor? The best workstations have dedicated space to securely store hardware and allow for easy access to increase speed and productivity. Different carts come equipped with flexible features so it’s best to plan ahead and determine which type of cart is needed. The best providers can customize your cart to fit your specific needs.
Here are a few of the purpose-built configurations that a superior provider can offer you:
- Small label printer holder
- Large label printer shelf
- Laser printer shelf
- Adjustable shelves
- Barcode scanner bracket
- Configurable drawers
- Slide-out mouse tray
- Pull-out keyboard tray
- Attachable storage baskets
- Label holders
- Brackets for peripherals
- Extendable work surfaces
Question 5: My industry is always changing. What support and after-sales services are available to me after I buy?
The best providers offer customizable options to fit current equipment while easily adjusted to fit future technology needs. Not only do you want to choose a provider who is forward-thinking in their product development, but you want them to also support the full lifecycle of the technology.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a key differentiator between a good technology partner for repair, services, and management and a great one. Your provider should have asset tracking abilities to help you monitor all of your devices, even if they’re powered off, in repair, in the field, or in a spares pool. This gives complete visibility in their entire fleet. This visibility is imperative to making sure the right technology is always in your workforce’s hands, so they make the best decisions, with the most accurate information, at the right time.
Getting the most out of your mobile computer workstation starts with finding the right provider. DPS offers industry-leading features and partners with premier battery manufacturer DTG to offer 5-year warranties on both the carts and the batteries as well as a money back guarantee for ROI within 12 months. No matter what your mobile cart needs, DPS offers lifecycle support and a variety of customizable options to suit your needs. If you’re ready to dramatically improve your workflow, contact our team of experts today!
