Industrial tablet beats consumer goods
So another solution had to be found. After some research, a small selection of possible providers emerged. A consultation appointment was quickly booked via the gekartel website. After the first meeting to get to know each other, things moved really quickly: “Within four weeks, we sent out the first samples, i.e. the first devices; there was a concrete need for action. We first had to create a stable solution, so we went full throttle,” summarises Jürgen Werner, Head of Business Unit Development at gekartel AG.
This is also where the advantages of gekartel AG’s industrial tablets came into their own:
- The built-in components meet the industry standard, which means that electronic components are designed for continuous operation and do not wear out before the planned service life.
- The same applies to the battery: in consumer devices, this is not designed for continuous operation. Batteries that are constantly connected to the charging cable will break and lead to instability in the device.
- Consumer devices that run on the Android or iOS operating systems from Apple are already equipped with numerous pre-installed applications such as those from Google. However, some of these applications do not comply with the strict data protection requirements for corporate and IT security.
- In addition, uncontrollable software updates are often launched by the manufacturers, which can lead to instability and a malfunctioning application. Integrated peripherals such as scanners or printers can also be rendered inoperable by an update, as these are not tested for specific applications. Expensive service calls to rectify the problem on site are often the result.
- The monitor runs continuously, so energy-saving mechanisms in the form of intelligent software are also an important criterion here: Motion sensors, standby and energy-saving modes overnight with automatic time switching help to save significant amounts of energy and costs.
Stable solution for the rollout
After the first, very intensive four weeks, a stable terminal solution with industrial tablets was ready for Log+Key and its customers. The task now is to further optimise the solutions: For example, an NFC reader from an external provider is currently installed on the devices. Due to the exposed cable, this represents a source of danger or even encourages theft. As the modular design of the gekartel tablets also makes it possible to integrate an in-house NFC reader directly, without any exposed cables, all tablets are to be purchased from gekartel AG as a complete solution in future.
Goodbye to unknown time wasters
Most companies do not realise how much effort and valuable working time is tied up in outdated administration and documentation processes. For many, key management is an everyday task that is often accompanied by minor annoyances due to incorrectly documented keys. Without realising the time and personnel resources wasted, it is simply accepted. Only when companies are explicitly approached about it do they realise the need and the optimisation potential that the Log+Key solution offers. The tablet is placed directly in or next to the key cabinet. If the key is then removed from the key box or hung back, the tag only needs to be held in front of the NFC reader. The app installed on the stationary device recognises the key and guides the user through the removal or return process with a single click. Once the solution has been rolled out with the touch terminals from gekartel AG, satisfied customers speak of streamlined administrative processes, low documentation requirements and an up-to-date overview of the current storage location of each individual key. A real added value for anyone who has to manage a large number of keys.
