Rugged handhelds from Panasonic

Raben Group chose for its drivers in 11 countries handheld the TOUGHBOOK N1. Thanks to them, information recorded during the transport process is automatically sent to the company’s IT systems, and data synchronization takes place in real time.

By the end of March 2019, approximately 5,500 mobile devices were implemented in 65 branches of the Raben Group, including 4,000 TOUGHBOOK N1 units. The project covered 11 countries (the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary and Ukraine). Its scale was one of the biggest challenges during implementation. The units at the production stage were equipped with the required software, including TLME (TISLOG Mobile Enterprise) and MDM (Mobile Device Management). Next, Raben integrated them with their systems: TMS (Transport Management System), T&T (Truck&Trace), transport map (PTV), transport navigation (PTV), vehicle management application (TISLOG), the tool counting the ETA parameter (xServer) and the Raben archive Contman CD3. In addition, the devices have been adapted to the requirements imposed in individual countries by the regulatory authorities. For example, in Poland the units have been equipped with the SENT GEO application, which allows online monitoring of excise goods.

4.7-inch rugged TOUGHBOOK N1 handheld combines the functions of a tablet, phone and a barcode reader. The basic task for the device is to collect and provide real-time data on the status of the shipment. As a result Raben Group provides its clients and customers with the added value of a very precise tool for monitoring deliveries based on the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) parameter. It uses information about the current position of the driver based on the GPS location provided by the device. In contrast to standard solutions of this type, which are based on historical statistical data, the Raben system uses real-time data and works with current information obtained dynamically during the implementation of tasks, calculating for example unforeseen events on the road.

In addition, the handheld is used by drivers to navigate, communicate with the transport dispatcher and customer service department as well as support additional applications that facilitate their daily work. The angled barcode reader enables efficient scanning of labels all the way through the whole loading and transporting process. The device also allows signature capture confirming the delivery of goods and creating electronic POD documents (Proof of Delivery). Moreover it saves the latitude and longitude of each event and maps the route the truck travels, monitors the start / end time of the route, the number of kilometres travelled, stops visited and each operation performed on the shipment, including pallet support.

“TOUGHBOOK N1 has everything we needed – high efficiency, compact size, durability, accurate GPS system, clear display and a convenient code scanner” – says Bartosz Kolasiński, project manager at Raben Group. “Taking into account the scale of the project we decided to choose Panasonic solutions as the company offered service support at every stage of implementation and after its completion, as well as the ability to customize devices to our needs” – he adds.

Ultimately the company plans to implement over 6,000 such models, including 5,000 Panasonic units. To manage such a large number of handhelds, Raben uses the MDM (Mobile Device Management) system, which provides the possibility of remote device management provided by TIS GmbH. The system allows IT managers to remotely configure devices and update software made available previously, as well as install additional applications according to identified needs. The devices have a 5-year warranty, under which the service is carried out door-to-door.

More information on the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged notebooks, tablets and handhelds are available at: https://business.panasonic.co.uk/computer-product/.