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Datalogic Memor 10
A smartphone specifically designed for the enterprise
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)
Datalogic introduced the Memor 10 rugged mobile computer in January 2019 as part of a new family of rugged Android PDA devices designed for scanning-enabled applications in Retail, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, and Manufacturing. Datalogic's overall goal with the Memor 10 was to combine the durability and functionality of a traditional rugged enterprise device with the styling and familiarity of an Android smartphone with all the Google Mobile Services (GMS) apps.
Given the massive worldwide proliferation of smartphones, offering beefed-up versions that can stand up to the use (and abuse) in enterprise, industrial and other demanding professional applications isn't new.
Unfortunately, it's also a frustratingly difficult pursuit. The rapid release cycle of leading consumer smartphones, their state-of-the-art technology and relatively low prices, and the abundant availability of protective cases makes "enterprise" versions a tough sell. This means providers of such special purpose smartphones must concentrate on what truly sets their products apart.
Here is what we assume Datalogic considered when they designed the Memor 10:
- Up-to-date-technology — The specs and electronics had to be reasonably close to the current consumer smartphone state-of-the-art. So the Memor 10 has an (unfortunately unspecified) 2.0 GHz octa-core processor, a 5-inch display with near retina resolution, an up-to-date version of Android (v8.1), USB Type C, fast WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile broadband.
- Industrial grade functionality — Most consumer phones can scan with an app and their cameras. That's not good enough for enterprise use where scanning is often a big part of the work. The Memor 10 has an industrial-grade 1D/2D scanner with Datalogic's unique "green spot" technology that projects a green flash right onto the barcode just scanned. And to make extended scanning easier, Datalogic offers a pistol-grip handle.
- Service — When it comes to service and repair, many smartphone providers are less than helpful and often downright antagonistic. That won't do in the enterprise. As a global provider in the automatic data capture and process automation for decades, Datalogic knows that and offers a whole range of post-sales services, organized in three levels of support (see Datalogic's customer service)
- Security and management — Setup, deployment and management of devices is important in the enterprise. To that extent, Google created the "Android Enterprise Recommended" program. To qualify, a device must support multiple major operating system releases, deliver Android security updates within 90 days of release from Google for a minimum of five years, and must be protected against moisture and dust intrusion. In addition, the devices must offer bulk deployment options, including the Android zero-touch enrollment option for easy setup and configuration. The Datalogic Memor 10 is qualified.
But Datalogic didn't stop there. They also gave the Memor 10 wireless charging, which the company had initially introduced in their Joya Touch device as an industry first. This eliminates battery contacts and pins, which are a frequent point of failure in heavily used retail and industrial deployments.
Another couple of interesting details that show Datalogic's understanding of, and commitment to, their customers: the Memor 10 is tough enough to handle the usual MIL-STD-810G drops from four feet (as well as hundreds of tumbles). If a bit more is required, there's a custom rubber boot.
And since the Memor 10 is also well suited for healthcare deployments, the device is also available in a white Healthcare model with chemical-resistant plastics designed to withstand daily cleaning with harsh disinfectant solutions.
On the communications side of things, the Memor 10 comes with dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, and also LTE-Advanced/4G+ mobile broadband. For wired onboard connectivity there is a USB Type C OTG port.
Like all modern smartphones, the Memor 10 has a full complement of sensors. The device also includes a 13mp rear camera with LED illumination. The 15.6 watt-hour battery is designed for extended use (and, thanks to wireless charging, can easily be topped off).
Designed for use in a variety of environments, the Datalogic Memor 10 carries IP65 sealing where the "6" means the computer is totally protected from dust, and the "5" that it can handle low pressure water jets from all directions. It can operate within a wide temperature range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Datalogic Memor 10 represents an attractive proposition for a wide variety of retail, industry, healthcare, transportation, and logistics deployments. It is suitable as an enterprise-issued standardized and easily managed/updated/deployed communication device as well as a serious data collection tool. And since Android dominates the smartphone market, almost everyone will know how it works without much, or any, training.
This may well convince some potential customers that going with devices such as the built-tough-from-the-ground-up Memor 10 makes more sense than gamble on deploying fragile consumer phones. -- Conrad Blickenstorfer, January 2019
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