Toughpad puts tablets fi rmly on track
Panasonic’s Russell Lane explains the potential applications of the new Toughpad family of rugged tablets in the rail sector.
T
ablets are becoming an increasingly common sight in the workplace today –
even in the rail sector. But while the tablet form is proving popular, many people are fi nding that the devices they’ve chosen aren’t fi t-for- purpose, or don’t deliver the performance they need.
All that is set to change, however, with the arrival of the Toughpad family of rugged tablets from Panasonic. Designed from the outset for the world of work, Toughpad tablets answer every question that should be asked by anyone considering mobile technology for the rail sector:
• Can the tablet operate outdoors? • Can it cope with challenging conditions? • Can it withstand the bumps and bruises of a train cabin? • Is it secure? • Can it stay connected to your data and applications, wherever it might be?
The range features three models: the 10.1” Windows 8 FZ-G1, and the 10.1” FZ-A1 and 7” JT-B1 AndroidTM-powered devices. Each has its own strengths and capabilities, and there are numerous features common to all three that make them ideal for mobile rail workers.
Screen visibility The fi rst fully rugged device to use the latest
IPSα technology, the Toughpad FZ-G1 provides new levels of viewing quality for tablet users working outdoors.
Offering extra-wide viewing angles,
strengthened glass, high contrast ratio and high brightness, paired with a Panasonic anti-refl ection layer, the 10.1” full HD screen is purpose-built to perform in any weather or light conditions.
Reliability and durability
The Toughpad family is designed to meet the same incredible durability standards as Panasonic’s Toughbook laptop product line. All Toughpad tablets, for example, have MIL- STD-810G ratings for drops, as well as IP65 ingress protection ratings for resistance to dust and water. The devices are also rated for use in extreme temperatures.
Vehicle mounting
Toughpad tablets are supported by specialised vehicle mounts that allow the devices to stay connected to power and applications while on the move.
To help fi eld workers stay in touch with your headquarters, the FZ-G1 also comes with an external antenna connector to allow vehicle- mounted devices to connect to a roof antenna.
Security STAND: J12
The Android-powered FZ- A1 includes unique features dedicated to security, providing a high level of tamper and trusted boot protection.
Connectivity
Using its fl exible ports, the FZ-G1 can be confi gured exactly
for
optional for the FZ-A1 and 3G/LTE optional for the JT-B1 and FZ-A1.
All three Toughpad tablets feature front and rear cameras (rear camera is optional on the FZ-G1), providing high-quality images for documentation purposes.
Combined, these capabilities form a modern- day ‘toolkit’ for mobile rail professionals, supporting them in a wide range of critical operations and activities:
• Asset management – electronic document and schedules mean stem journeys to the depot are reduced; digital technical manuals and drawings mean assets can be managed on-site; and video and photographic imagery can record and share information to inform appropriate repair or maintenance work.
• Electronic rail bag – the specialist diagnostic capabilities, and industry-leading rugged design of Toughpad mean rail drivers and other key personnel eliminate the need for cumbersome paperwork and fi les in the rail cabin, and instead, receive, record and share digital data quickly, easily and reliably.
• Rail network maintenance – using Toughpad allows maintenance workers to carry out network repairs more quickly, and immediately confi rm that the task is complete, which can in turn update back-offi ce systems. This reduces rail possession time and alleviates the risk of regulatory penalties.
specifi c
requirements, offering USB 2.0, micro SD and serial ports, LAN connector, with GPS and integrated smartcard reader optional. USB 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and WLAN capabilities are standard. 3G connectivity is
102 | rail technology magazine Apr/May 13
FOR MORE INFORMATION
T: 01273 765 114 W:
www.toughbook.co.uk/toughpad
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