Computers are absolutely essential for construction workers to perform their daily tasks. For example, they use laptops to monitor data, track onsite vehicles, view building plans, and do a variety of other important things.
Although laptops are more portable than desktop computers, construction companies are switching from laptops to rugged mobile devices and the benefits are massive.
1. Workers aren’t confined to an office
Traditional laptops are useful, but they aren’t exactly portable. Even when connected to Wi-Fi, it’s inconvenient to lug around a laptop, especially on a construction site. Most laptops are fragile; if you drop them, they can break. This forces workers to stay cooped up in an office whenever they need to look at blueprints or analyze data. Being unable to multi-task will put some people behind schedule and interfere with their productivity.
Handheld devices are an excellent solution to help construction workers maintain productivity regardless of where they are on the job site. Although, not just any device will do. It needs to be rugged so there’s less risk of damage if the device gets dropped.
Fortunately, these devices are popular and easy to get. For instance, Zebra mobile computers are a rugged, portable solution perfect for construction teams who need to manage computer-based tasks on the go.
2. One device can handle multiple needs
When a construction worker needs to check a building plan or reference data from the computer, it’s easy enough to do with a mobile device. However, they also need to make phone calls and contact other workers on the same job site, which means they have to have a separate mobile phone. Carrying around multiple devices is cumbersome and there’s no need for that.
There are mobile computers that construction workers can use as a phone to contact anyone they need, either through an actual phone service or using an online application, like WhatsApp or Skype. As long as the job site has a strong Wi-Fi signal, all workers can use digital software to stay in touch with each other from a distance without having to load themselves up with additional mobile devices.
3. Workers can monitor construction equipment
Today’s heavy machinery, like forklifts, backhoes, and tractors, are fitted with digital sensors in key places that detect and record data. For instance, sensors can detect tire pressure, changes in fluid levels, and the temperature of the engine. This makes it possible to monitor equipment with a mobile app on a handheld computer.
Monitoring equipment is essential for preventive maintenance as well as knowing when repairs are imminent. Often, sensors can pick up anomalies that humans can’t detect. Sensors also make equipment safer. For instance, when tire pressure is low, the operator will be alerted while they’re in the cab and they can pause to inflate the tires. This prevents serious accidents from tires blowing out or going flat on the job.
Any data collected by sensors can be stored in a central database and accessed by anyone given permission. This data is useful for workers, repair teams, and even the company CEO.
John Deere has a mobile app for maintenance tasks that allow workers to see the physical location of equipment on a map, view the maintenance plan for any machine, access parts inventory lists, and keep a record of each equipment’s maintenance history.
Some mobile apps are also built to facilitate remote inspections to check various mechanical components in real-time and notify mechanics of what’s needed on each vehicle. Repairs can even be requested and scheduled through an app. This drastically reduces the amount of time, effort, and paperwork involved in maintaining heavy construction equipment.
4. Easier time records
Construction workers no longer need to use a manual time clock to punch in and out for work and lunch breaks. With a handheld computer, they can go directly to wherever they’re needed and clock in from their device. This eliminates the inconvenience of waiting in line and having to walk to a time clock when heading out for lunch. It can also eliminate time clock fraud by requiring each worker to use a fingerprint when clocking in and out. Having a smooth clock in/out process makes payroll duties easier.
Mobile computers are the ultimate tool
Today’s handheld computers offer the same conveniences as a laptop but in a portable package. With a rugged mobile computer, construction workers will have a durable solution to manage their workload throughout the day from anywhere on the job site.
