Rugged devices are types of hardware specifically designed to operate in challenging environmental conditions with extreme temperatures, water, dust, vibration, and other potential hazards.

There are several types of rugged devices in use today. Some of the most common examples include rugged versions of:

• Mobile computers
• Notebooks
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Scanners
• Handheld barcode scanners
• Head-mounted wearables

There are three categories of rugged devices, including semi-rugged, fully rugged, and ultra-rugged.

• Semi-rugged devices can withstand low to moderate environmental hazards. They typically feature the same internal components as commercial hardware but contain slight modifications that make them more durable.
• Fully rugged devices are specially designed to handle heavy environmental hazards. They are typically resistant to water, vibrations, shock and dust.
• Ultra-rugged: Ultra-rugged devices can handle the most extreme conditions. These devices are typically deployed in military and heavy industrial environments like mines, oil refineries and manufacturing facilities.

Rugged devices are typically corporate-owned, single use (COSU)—meaning they are owned and managed by a company through an enterprise mobility program. Employees often share rugged devices during shifts and use them for specific tasks.

Rugged devices support daily business operations in the same way that consumer devices do. In other words, they allow workers to access critical applications, interface with backend computing systems and streamline data entry and reporting.The main difference is that rugged devices are much more durable and reliable, making them ideal for frontline and deskless workers who perform their duties in the field with unpredictable weather conditions and other operational hazards.

Rugged devices are now a core part of the employee experience for frontline and deskless workers who need them to complete mission-critical tasks in unconventional settings. In many ways, these devices are essential tools for accessing information, generating reports, and communicating with team members.

Despite this, rugged devices tend to pose challenges for workers and IT teams. Frontline organizations must anticipate and reduce these challenges to empower workers and increase productivity.

Common challenges for workers include:

• Extra size and weight: Rugged devices tend to be bulkier and heavier than traditional consumer devices. They can be inconvenient to carry or transport between workstations. They can also be challenging for workers with physical disabilities and mobility impairments.
• Device and application downtime: Device and application downtime can disrupt operations and prevent employees from completing their workflows. This can lead to safety issues, project delays, unhappy customers, and financial loss.
• Connectivity issues: Rugged devices need stable connectivity to enable communication, connect to resources and facilitate data transfers. This requires optimized network infrastructure, strong Wi-Fi, and reliable cellular coverage.

Challenges for IT include:

• Device management: Rugged devices require provisioning, configuration, enrollment, and daily monitoring and tracking. In addition, IT must ensure devices receive regular software and security updates. This can create additional administrative burdens, which can be challenging for small and understaffed IT departments.
• Protecting corporate data: Frontline and deskless workers typically operate outside of a controlled workspace. It’s critical to have role-based access controls and policies in place to protect corporate data at rest and in transit as users move between different networks and environments throughout the day.
• System integration: IT teams need to integrate rugged devices with various systems like enterprise resource planning (ERP), inventory management and customer relationship management (CRM) software. This can be a complex and time-consuming process—especially when devices require custom application programming interfaces (APIs) or other supporting resources.
• Device maintenance: Rugged devices generate more wear and tear than regular consumer devices due to daily environmental exposure. IT must have the resources in place to manage and maintain devices across their entire lifecycle and make timely replacements when necessary.