5 Ways Samsung’s Rugged Devices Help Frontline Workers Be Ready for Anything

The retail, healthcare and construction industries employ the highest number of frontline workers in the country. In 2021, the Canadian Occupation Project System (COPS) estimated that there were about two million frontline workers in the healthcare industry alone, representing five percent of Canada’s population.

Frontline workers routinely deal with heavy machinery, protective gear and rough environments that can make handling electronic devices even harder.

Picture inventory workers who move goods using hand trolleys all day. It’s not unusual for someone to accidentally drop their device in this work environment. Healthcare workers and nurses who operate touch screen devices with surgical gloves may also face a similar situation.

More than 40 percent of construction workers in a survey conducted by Samsung Canada said  that none of or less than half of their mobile devices were fit for harsh conditions. At the same time, nearly 31 percent of respondents said that up to five mobile devices are broken or damaged every year on the job.

It is apparent that frontline workers expect their devices to:

• Be more resilient to damage
• Function well in demanding conditions
• Have a longer service life and avoid frequent replacement
• Offer rugged features tailored to their line of work

The Samsung Galaxy Rugged lineup features rugged mobile phones and tablets purpose-built for frontline and field workers. In addition to being Android-powered devices, they are designed to bear accidental damage, are resistant to water or dirt exposure and carry several advanced tactical features.

This unique range of devices includes:

Frontline work that involves frequent drops, bumps and rough handling requires the device to be physically resilient to damage. Construction, manufacturing and field workers often share this fate.

Samsung Galaxy Rugged devices come with MIL-STD-810H compliance that tests devices against brazen environmental conditions such as shocks, vibrations and even drops from significant heights. This durability ensures that workers can rely on their devices without worrying about frequent repairs or replacements, ultimately reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

It also brings down the costs associated with device lifecycle management and long-term maintenance.

Outdoor work, which involves extended exposure to dust and water, can affect a device’s hardware. Certain device parts such as touch screens, onboard chips and charging slots are vulnerable to water and dust.

To avoid device corrosion from water and dust, Samsung’s Rugged series come with an IP68/65 rating. It ensures that the devices can withstand 1.5 metres of water depth for up to 30 minutes and offer resistance to atmospheric dust without an additional protective case.

This feature allows workers to use their devices confidently in harsh environments, whether it’s a dusty construction site or a rainy outdoor setting. The Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro comes with a touch screen display that can be easily operated in damp or wet conditions, meeting the rugged needs of frontline workers.

The S pen included in the Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro is also IP68/65 rated, which allows workers to digitally sign documents, draw illustrations or tap through web pages with near-zero latency in dusty or wet conditions.

means workers can digitally sign documents or take notes in dusty conditions.

The ability to operate seamlessly in these conditions enables workers to stay connected and productive, regardless of the environment.

Most workers need devices that can last through long shifts without needing frequent recharges. Many times, workers are unable to carry extra battery packs with them or have easy access to a safe power outlet.

To solve this recurrent issue, Samsung has come up with long-lasting, removable batteries in their devices. For instance, the Galaxy Tab XCover7 Pro and Tab Active5 Pro come with 450 mAh and 10,100 mAh batteries, respectively.

These batteries provide extended usage time, allowing workers to focus on their tasks without the constant worry of running out of power.

Additionally, the dual hot-swap battery feature means that workers can quickly swap out batteries and continue working without requiring to reboot their devices. It also features a No Battery Mode to extend device usability with the help of fixed power supply in case the batteries completely run out.

Most parts of Canada deal with winter temperatures that can drop well below minus 20, which may render electronics inoperable outdoors.

Samsung’s rugged devices are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, ensuring reliable performance in any weather. The sensitive parts of the devices, such as the touch screen glass, continue to function even during heavy rain or snowstorms.

This extreme weather tolerance is crucial for workers in industries such as agriculture, logistics and emergency services, where operations would not be halted due to adverse weather conditions.

Device performance and connectivity are essential for frontline workers as they juggle work tasks and communicate with their crew. Sometimes, construction companies require workers to operate proprietary software, which should be compatible with their devices.

Samsung’s rugged devices are powered by high-performance processors, such as the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, ensuring smooth and efficient usage.

These devices also support 5G connectivity, providing fast and reliable internet access. This enables workers to access real-time data, communicate with team members and use advanced applications without any lag.

The combination of robust performance and seamless connectivity ensures that frontline workers have the tools they need to perform their tasks, even in remote locations.

CDW Canada, in partnership with Samsung, simplifies the procurement of Galaxy Rugged devices to empower your frontline workers with the right technology.

Our rugged mobility experts consult with you to understand the unique needs of your frontline workforce. Whether your organization operates in heavy construction or you need rugged smartphones for your healthcare institution, our advisors can help you meet your specific goals.

From the warehouse to the hands of your workers, we facilitate the entire device lifecycle. Our integrated device offerings bring down the complexity of obtaining devices, no matter the size of your business.

Since we set up the devices for uninterrupted use, your organization can focus on the next important milestone.