Rugged mobile terminals (Smartphones / Tablet Computers) don’t only extend work efficiency in the field, but also bringing low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and fast Return On Investment (ROI) to your business.

True ruggedness is much deeper than external looks. From end user’s perspective, rugged device, is a piece of equipment with an ability to operate in any type of environment and work condition, not just for a project, but in long term assignment, we are talking years.

Depending on the environment the device is being constantly exposed to, it’s lifespan might differ, for example, device that is constantly used in extremely hot and humid environment, will become obsolete much quicker than the same device that is used in the field in normal weather conditions, so understanding of term rugged will vary from user to user.

Three main aspects of environmental testing define device’s ruggedness, operational temperature ranges, IP rating test and military standard evaluation (MIL-STD)

Temperature specifications define device’s ability to maintain normal operation within the specified temperature ranges. Rugged devices manufacturers are purposely targeting broad range of temperatures: Most of the products Industrial One offers, can operate in temperature ranges from -20°C (-4°F) up to 60°C (140°F), going beyond the specified temperature ranges, may disrupt normal functionality and/or damage the device.

A United States defense standard, often called a military standard, “MIL-STD”, “MIL-SPEC”, or (informally) “MilSpecs”, is used to help achieve standardization objectives by the U.S. Department of Defense. Defense standards are also used by other non-defense government organizations, technical organizations, and industry. MIL-STD-810G is a set of environmental, engineering, considerations and laboratory tests in a variety of environments, from high-altitude performance to surviving ballistic shock.

IP stands for Ingress Protection, classifies and rates the degree of protection provided against intrusion (body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact and water by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures. IP is followed by two numbers to best describe the protection rating of the device, first digit states the protection against solid particles (dust) and has seven levels from zero to six, where zero is “no protection” and six is “complete protection against contact (dust tight)”. The second digit describes Liquid ingress protection and has eleven levels of protection, where zero is “no protection” and 9K is “Protected against close-range high pressure, high temperature spray downs.” All of the rugged equipment Industrial One offers is at least IP65-rated, which means, it’s completely dust-proof and can withstand jets of water, some IP68-rated equipment can be submerged under water.