Tech Showcase: Tackling Enterprise Mobility Challenges with Zebra ET401 and TC22/TC27

In today’s fast-moving industries, organizations are under pressure to do more with less. Mobile devices must be reliable, secure, and intelligent enough to handle evolving workloads. Yet many companies still rely on consumer-grade tablets and smartphones, which quickly break down, fall out of support, and lack the ruggedness and intelligence needed for business-critical operations.

In this spotlight, we will be showcasing the Zebra’s ET401 Enterprise Tablet and TC22/TC27 Mobile Computers. Built to address these exact challenges, they combine enterprise-grade durability and intelligence with the sleek usability of modern consumer devices.

Short Device Lifecycles and Rising TCO

The Challenge:

Consumer devices may seem cost-effective upfront, but short lifecycles, fragile builds, and constant model changes lead to higher total cost of ownership (TCO). Every time a consumer tablet goes end-of-life, IT teams face new compatibility and deployment headaches.

The Solution | ET401:

The ET401 offers up to an eight-year life expectancy (four years of availability plus four years of support), helping organizations standardize deployments for years without disruption. With IP68-rated ruggedness, Gorilla Glass 5, and secure element hardware, these tablets stay in service longer and safer, which will reduce repair, replacement, and downtime costs.

The Solution | TC22/TC27:

Zebra’s TC22 and TC27 extend device lifespan with enterprise durability and Android support through version 16, ensuring consistent performance and security. Businesses can avoid the hidden churn of consumer smartphones while still benefiting from a slim, ergonomic design at a comparable price point.

Worker Efficiency in Demanding Environments

The Challenge:

Frontline workers in warehouses, retail stores, and the field face constant productivity barriers: slow devices, poor scanning accuracy, and unreliable wireless connectivity.

The Solution | ET401:

Powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ Q-6690 AI processor, the ET401 is built for speed and intelligence. Its AI-enabled touchscreen works flawlessly with gloves, rain, or stylus and require no mode-switching. Workers can depend on AI-enhanced audio for crystal-clear communication in noisy environments and capture more data types faster using integrated RFID, ultra-wide cameras, and advanced scanning options.

The Solution | TC22/TC27:

For mobile-first operations, the TC22/TC27 boosts productivity with enterprise-grade scanning that captures barcodes in nearly half the time with up to 48% less effort. Add in Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, and CBRS connectivity, and field teams stay connected to real-time data whether indoors or on the road.

Data Capture and Emerging Use Cases

The Challenge:

Businesses need versatile tools to adapt to new workflows. From RFID inventory tracking to digital payments and on-demand point-of-sale. Consumer tablets and phones rarely support these capabilities natively.

The Solution | ET401:

With integrated short-range UHF RFID, ultra-wide cameras, and new scanning engines, the ET401 opens up new possibilities in asset tracking, merchandising, and quality control. Its Workstation Connect Cradle transforms the tablet into a desktop workstation or POS hub in seconds, reducing hardware costs and increasing flexibility.

The Solution | TC22/TC27:

The TC22/TC27 seamlessly bridges mobile and retail workflows. With tap-to-pay support, hybrid POS capability, and RFD40 UHF RFID sleds, it enables faster transactions, better inventory visibility, and real-time service delivery.

Both devices integrate into Zebra’s broader ecosystem of accessories and software, empowering businesses to adapt as needs evolve.

Keeping Workers Connected and Engaged

The Challenge:

In disconnected environments, even small communication gaps can cause costly inefficiencies. Consumer devices aren’t designed for enterprise-grade voice, messaging, or collaboration tools.

The Solution:

Zebra’s solutions include AI-powered voice clarity, push-to-talk (PTT), PBX capabilities, and optional Zebra Pay or Workcloud Sync—ensuring that teams can communicate, transact, and collaborate seamlessly across shifts and locations.

Built for Tomorrow’s Workflows

Enterprises need technology that adapts as quickly as their industries evolve. With the ET401 and TC22/TC27, Zebra is addressing the core pain points that have long limited mobile workforce efficiency: short device lifecycles, connectivity gaps, data capture limitations, and management complexity.

Whether equipping warehouse managers, retail associates, or field technicians, these devices empower teams to stay connected, secure, and productive—for years to come.

The need to keep up with modernization is stronger than ever. If you need an expert to help you with process and automation improvements, DecisionPoint Technologies is a premier Zebra partner and can assist you from consultation to deployment to support. Reach out today!