Casio launch a new generation Industrial Handheld Terminal

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Casio launch a new generation Industrial Handheld Terminal.

The DT-X30GR-30C will allow office-based management staff working for post office parcel delivery services and private courier companies to collect in real time information sent by their drivers. To accomplish this, the new terminal will be equipped with wireless WAN (EDGE/GPRS/GSM) and GPS, as well as an on-board digital camera. Office management staff will not only be able to receive notifications of loading, delivery completion, etc., from their drivers, they will also know current driver locations. This will allow management to achieve more efficient operations by, for example, dispatching the nearest driver to pick up goods from a customer wishing to send a consignment. Moreover, thanks to the terminals 2.0-megapixel digital camera (with auto-focus), office staff will be able to receive, via wireless WAN, photos that drivers take of such things as the condition of consignments or signed delivery receipts, ensuring that they have an accurate appreciation of the situation on the ground.

The development of the DT-X30GR-30C terminal also carefully took into consideration the perspective of the drivers who will actually carry and use one. The design was developed using ISO 13407 human-centred design processes. The grip-type shape is easy to hold, and key input and scanning are effortless. The display uses a Casio original 3.5 inch advanced 2-way colour LCD, offering superlative visibility even outdoors. It also boasts superior durability and performance in a variety of tough environments. For example, it is IP64 rated dust/splash proof, can withstand the shock of a fall of 1.5 metres, and has an operating temperature range of -20 C to +50 C. With these specifications, users can be confident in all outdoor conditions - in the rain, in bright sunlight, or in the extreme cold.

Wireless WAN (EDGE/GPRS/GSM) useful for reports from loading and delivery sites.
Wireless LAN (802.11b/g) useful for pre-departure and post-return operations.
Wireless PAN (Bluetooth) useful for connection to portable barcode printers, etc.
GPS valuable as a tool to let office management staff know the drivers current location.
2.0-megapixel digital camera with autofocus takes sharp photos.
High capacity battery (7.4V, 2,000mAh) and low power consumption design mean that the unit is ready for long hours of continuous use.
Incorporates a file system that ensures that user data is not lost even when problems such as battery depletion arise.
microSD (SDHC) card slot handy for augmenting storage capacity.

In addition to the DT-X30GR-30C, there are four other models in the DT-X30 series, which can be used in a wide variety of commercial and other applications, wherever real time data communication is required, indoors or out. Apart from courier or post office parcel delivery management, usage examples include direct store delivery management (dispatch department of manufacturers), parking enforcement, traffic infringement citations, meter readings, inspections, warehousing, etc.