The EZ-Tech solution consists of a Panasonic Toughbook mobile computer loaded with diagnostic software and the vehicle interface cables. Navistar selected the fully-rugged Toughbook line because it was durable enough to withstand the service bay environment and would deliver strong return on investment. In addition, Navistar is able to remotely manage the software and push updates out to its dealer network.

Navistar recognized early on that it needed to work with a partner to manage the product orders, billing and administrative functions of the program. The company partnered with Bizco Technologies, a full service technology firm, to develop an online portal that allows dealers to purchase product directly. Navistar also works with Panasonic’s National Service Center, Heartland, where the devices are configured, imaged and shipped directly to the dealer – reducing the burden on a dealer’s IT department.

One of Navistar’s dealers, Diamond International, has been part of the EZ-Tech program and a Toughbook customer for 15 years. Diamond International, a full line International dealer, has Toughbook 29s, 30s and 52s running a suite of International software deployed in its service bays. On average, Diamond issues 50-75 repair tickets a day with at least 50-60 trucks on the lot to service. Toughbook computers are ideal devices for Diamond due to their drop/shock protection and ability to stand up to the dusty and dirty environment of the service bay. Port durability is also important as the USB ports are frequently used to connect vehicle-interface modules.

Through the EZ-Tech program, Navistar has deployed more than 3,500 Toughbook units to its dealers worldwide. Navistar and its partners have created a system that proves a centralized approach to service technology offers dealerships high-end solutions without the burden of management costs.

Click here to read the full Navistar case study.

BizTechReports, an independent research and reporting agency, found 74% of HIT decision makers feel that consumer-grade tablets present challenges for entering data into healthcare applications. Furthermore 58% of survey respondents agree that enterprise applications, like EHR management, are not designed for consumer-grade devices, like the iPad.

Results from the study have been published in the white paper “Diagnosis Danger: Governance & Security Issues Cause IT Concerns About iPad in Healthcare Setting*.” The report focuses on media tablets – specifically the iPad’s adoption in healthcare, and is based on a national survey of healthcare IT executives.

Healthcare IT reporter and blogger, Anne Zieger recently shared concerns about the iPad’s security vulnerabilities, in a recent post entitled, “Apple Security Issues Linger, Raising iPad, iPhone Concerns For Hospitals.” For example the mobile Safari browser used on most iPads, is infamous for security flaws. Zieger references a report from NSS Labs that found while Explorer 9 blocked 100% of malicious URLs, with Application-based filtering enabled, Safari 5 blocked just 13%.

According to the BizTechReports white paper, reliability and durability proved to be a major point of concern for HIT decision makers as well. 94% of participants feel that device durability and “ruggedness” are important requirements in hospital and clinical settings. After all, because of the highly mobile and occasionally chaotic nature of healthcare, the likelihood of a mobile device falling, being dropped or spilled upon is high. Consumer grade technologies are simply not designed to operate reliably in such a demanding setting.

The full white paper is now available for a free download on the Panasonic website.

Are you interested in using this new generation of tablets in healthcare? If so, let us know where you see the opportunities and obstacles.

* Diagnosis Danger: Governance & Security Issues Cause IT Concerns About iPad in Healthcare Setting was commissioned by Panasonic

At the 101^st Annual National Retail Federation’s (NRF) “Big Show” last week, Panasonic exhibited an array of solutions for the retail sector. According to show statistics, NRF 2012 had record-breaking attendance at New York City’s Javits Center. The show focused on technology for the retail market, with a lot of attention on mobile point-of-sale (POS) devices and software applications for both back and front house retail environments.

At the show, Panasonic featured the company’s suite of products, including digital signage, security solutions for loss prevention, a variety of POS workstations and various mobile computers, including the Toughpad A1, the recently announced Android-powered tablet. In an acknowledgement of the growing importance of tablets in the retail market, partners Stratix, Data Capture Solutions, MagTek and RBM Technologies highlighted applications for the new Toughpad that addressed planograms, asset management, scheduling, workforce management, merchandising and other back-office capabilities.

Based on our experience at NRF 2012, we’re excited about the year ahead.

What was your NRF experience like and what technology trends do you expect to see in 2012?

While the President’s announcement highlighted the urgent need for mobile broadband for all Americans as a way to ensure global competitiveness, those in the public sector in particular have received the news extremely well. Many of these agencies, because of limited adoption and budget constraints to date, have been forced to resort to the use of legacy  communications systems, such as two-way radios, for example, which offer only extremely limited capabilities.  In today’s fast-paced, technologically-advanced world, this type of communication is inadequate, decreases effectiveness and delays response time during emergencies.  Because of this, public sector officials have viewed the latest news as a welcome, and, much needed, call to action for their industry.

According to a recent report by Bharat Book Bureau about the public safety wireless broadband market, The report states that, “wireless broadband is essential [for public safety officials] for addressing mission-critical needs requiring high data throughput for applications such as video surveillance, automated vehicle license plate recognition, biometric identification, mobile crime scene units and mobile incident command…”

So, for those who work in the Public Sector, how will 4G benefit you?  Whether you work for a fire department, a police department, or for a school, 4G is expected to provide significant benefits, including, but certainly not limited to:

• Better efficiency, increased mobility and improved job performance overall: With greater mobility, increased security and larger data storage capabilities, work performance and output production improves.
• Increased data rates:  Allows for greater capacity of data storage and even enables video applications, information that can be vitally important to officers in the field.
• Improved multipath and power performance: Minimizes intra-cell multiuser interference, thereby guarantee the securing of confidential information.

Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, is one example of a school that is already bridging the digital divide.  Earlier this year, the university deployed a wireless network to extend broadband coverage throughout the campus, and even into the city itself.  The next-generation network not only provides high speed broadband access to those students who live off-campus, but it also offers businesses and other public service users with the access and mobility needed for them to successfully live and work more efficiently.

In response to this revolution, technology developers have already introduced a variety of products that have built in 4G, or optional 4G broadband access.   Panasonic is one such company.  The Panasonic Toughbook computers, including the new Android^TM-powered Toughpad business tablet, are built with optional integrated 4G mobile broadband access, which enablers public safety officials to access data faster and from remote areas, keeps their information safe and secure, and overall enables them to more efficiently and productively perform their important duties.

Tell us what benefits 4G will have for you and your organizations!

Today, tablet computers – with features including high-powered processors, wireless broadband connectivity and large screens designed to display rich media content – make all this possible and more. As a tool for retailers, tablets have the potential to transform the industry, changing the way stores do business and enhancing the shopping experience for customers.

Interest in tablets is growing across all types of businesses – results of a Forrester Research survey released earlier this year showed that one in four large enterprises were planning to implement or had implemented tablet computers as part of their technology strategies. By 2015, the tablet market in the U.S. alone is expected to generate more than $7 billion in revenue, according to Yankee Group analysts.

While some companies in recent years have experimented with the use of consumer-grade tablet devices, their lack of enterprise-ready features have held back full-scale deployment. Today, purpose-built tablets such as the Toughpad A1 and the Toughpad B1 – with rugged design, security embedded at the hardware level, enterprise-focused app stores offering applications customized for business needs, and mobile device management tools allowing centralized control of devices – offer all the power and usability of consumer tablet devices but are built specifically for enterprise use, allowing adoption across all types of enterprises to shift into high gear.

Tablets have the potential to be a “game changer” in retail, where they can empower shoppers and sales staff alike, said Joe Skorupa, editor in chief of Mobile Enterprise and Retail Info Systems News, in a special supplement on tablets in retail published in June. He noted that smartphones and other high-powered mobile devices have become a common sight in customers’ hands, but retailers have been slower to catch on; however, tablets have the potential to level the playing field and “provide sales associates with the same amount of fire power.”

On the sales floor, tablets can provide sales associates unprecedented ability to enhance customers’ shopping experiences, by giving them on-the-spot access to everything from product specs to photos of alternate colors and videos of the product in action. Tablets’ screens of up to 10 inches make them the perfect fit for sharing this content with customers, and their other functionalities allow for a multitude of other uses including serving as a mobile point of sale system. Devices with daylight-viewable screens such as the Toughpad tablets can even be used in outdoor sales environments like car lots or home and garden centers.

Even outside of customer transactions, tablets can streamline business processes by allowing for real-time access to sales or inventory data – for example, a manager can instantly view how much of an item is left on the shelf of a warehouse miles away without ever leaving the store. Cameras on next-generation tablets can be used as barcode or QR code scanners, and they can be equipped with accessories such as printers or card readers for usage across a retail enterprise.

Today’s availability of tablets built tough enough for the sales floor means we’re at the brink of a transformation in retail. As a tool to empower sales staff and to enhance customers’ shopping experiences, tablets have countless possibilities to be a true “game changer” for retailers.

Over a six-week period this past summer, the United States Army tested the viability of using touchscreen phones and tablets in the field.  The trial was such a success that Army officials anticipate that soldiers overseas could potentially receive the first wave of smartphones later this year.

In the meantime, the Army is already seeing tremendous value in using tablet computers for training, administrative purposes, situational awareness in the tactical environment and location tracking, among many other uses. In fact, Michael McCarthy, operations director of the Army’s Brigade Modernization Command’s Mission Command Complex, has said that he has seen a 10% increase in average scores and a 14% increase in grade point averages by students who use tablets in Army classrooms. In these controlled environments, consumer-grade tablets have performed well.

But, as conditions become more demanding, not just any tablet will do. The requirements of controlled classroom environments or event briefing centers are a stark contrast to harsh battlefield conditions.  To sustain the abuse that soldiers in the field endure, such as sandstorms, windstorms, and the effects of other extreme conditions, a tablet suitable for the Army must be ruggedized if its to emerge unscathed and intact.  In order to do that, it must pass the following tests:

• Drop and shock resistance
• Vibration resistance
• Liquid resistance
• Particle resistance
• Temperature resistance (both hot and cold)
• Humidty resistance
• Electromagnetic energy testing

More importantly, whether it is being used in the field or in the Army’s classroom, the tablet absolutely must meet the security standards set by theUnited States government.

The Army is in the process of trying out multiple tablets to determine which meets their needs and standards, and which fall short.  The search is ongoing as they have yet to find the “perfect” tablet that is fully ruggedized in order to sustain the beatings it must endure, yet also meets the government’s rigid, yet necessary, security standards, such as:

• Encryption capabilities
• Authentication capabilities
• Data protection
• Compliance logging
• Auto-blur
• Lockout functionality
• Plastic privacy filters

In response to the Army’s search, and that of many other federal government and public sector entities who are also investigating the possibility of incorporating tablet technologies into their day-to-day operations, Panasonic recently unveiled the Toughpad^TM  family of professional-grade Android^TM powered tablets.    The needs of mission-critical and highly-mobile workers were at the forefront of the Toughpad’s design requirements.

Developed by the team responsible for Panasonic’s line of Toughbook^R mobile computers, the computer of choice for many of the country’s federal government and public sector departments for its promise of reliability, durability, and quality, the Toughpad meets the rugged and security standards required by these agencies. Backed by Panasonic’s world class service and support infrastructure, the product is poised to become the “tablet of choice federal government and public sector entities.”

As Michael McCarty has said when discussing the value of the tablet, “The potential is limitless.”  In today’s world, which many experts are referring to as the “post-PC era,” it is vital that government agencies keep up with the changing technologies in order to stay current and stay relevant. Test out a tablet today!

As the GSA prepares itself to be a model for other government agencies, it appears that telework is part of a greater movement to create spending efficiencies and increase employee productivity. In an executive order from November 9th, President Obama called for agencies to explore opportunities for cost reduction, specifically in the areas of travel and information technology (IT). The directive does not look for across-the-board cuts in IT, but rather it looks for agencies to invest more strategically in IT. In these times of budget constraints, the President is looking for opportunities to reduce some technology redundancies, from limiting the number of mobile phones employees are issued to duplicative software.

In the President’s order, telework was specifically called out as an example of a trend driving agencies to evaluate their IT practices. As telework becomes a standard practice, the need for desktop computers diminishes. A question arises: does the Federal Government still need desktop computers? Mobile computers allow for the vision of anywhere, anytime work for virtually all Federal employees and diminishes the concern of lost hours spent commuting.

There are also efficiencies on the IT side. Technologies, such as desktop virtualization, move management of each employee endpoint from the desktop to the datacenter. These moves make it easier for IT departments to maintain PCs and conduct major upgrades, giving IT departments more time to spend on strategic initiatives.

So, are desktop computers relics of an ancient way of work? For some, the answer is yes, and these organizations will shift quickly to new mobile technologies.

But, as more and more organizations shift to telework, we should realize that work environments will, and must, change with the times. Mobile computers have to be flexible and adaptable in various usage scenarios. Some employees will work in a comfortable home office , while others will have the unpredictability of accessing information from the road or in the field.  However, the one constant, regardless of one’s work environment, is the requirement of reliability.

Recognizing all of the varied work conditions, Panasonic delivers a broad range of mobile computers, designed to offer zero compromise between performance and mobility. For example, our semi-rugged Panasonic Toughbook® 53 laptop,. With a 14.1” HD LED display, the latest Intel® Core™ processors and an oversized multi touch touchpad, it performs like a desktop.  And, with options like a sunlight-viewable touchscreen and 4G LTE mobile broadband, it the most versatile semi-rugged PC for mobile workers.

“Work is what we do, not where we are,” said GSA Administrator Johnson. The GSA and many other government agencies are empowering their employees and embracing telework.  Is Telework part of your company’s policy? Share your thoughts with us.

Chicago was bustling with thousands of law enforcement officials at this year’s 118^th International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference at the McCormick Place Convention Center.  Each year, the conference garners over 15,000 attendees and 800 exhibitors who showcase the latest in police vehicles, firearms and technology at the largest exposition designed specifically for law enforcement.

Panasonic Solutions Company (PSC) was one of the technology leaders exhibiting at this event. The company’s products are geared to specifically meet the security requirements of law enforcement officers.  Showcased along with their range of Toughbook mobile computers and the Toughbook Aribtrator 360^o in-car digital video system was a full line of fixed video security products.  The addition of these cameras, video management suites, and related items, make PSC a world class provider of total solutions for public safety.

In conjunction with the conference, Panasonic announced that the Florida Highway Patrol recently selected PSC’s mobile digital video solution for statewide deployment, to streamline evidence collection and management processes, and to enhance officer safety. This deployment is a true testament to the crucial role the device plays in helping officers meet their day-to-day duties and to ensure their safety.

As the exhibit floor overflowed with the latest and greatest in technology and products, one can only imagine what 2012 has in store. With the New Year ahead, new ideas and solutions that will benefit the men and women who put their lives on the line in order to keep our cities and our families safe are sure to come.

However, there are methods to successfully engage your employees and ensure a smooth and positive rollout. A significant investment in new hardware will end up collecting dust in a corner if not properly adopted and integrated into your workforce. At Panasonic we’ve established some best practices to garner employee buy-in early on and streamline the deployment process.

Understand the needs and pain points of your mobile workers
Many times the organization’s IT department has its own agenda and goals for a new technology deployment. This is often driven by the need to streamline IT processes or capture additional data in the field as the result of a new corporate initiative. However, it’s extremely important that you invest the time to understand the culture and needs of your workforce. This is a critical element of a successful deployment rollout.

We advise IT planning personnel to conduct ride-alongs with field teams or host focus groups in order to get a sense of the their day-to-day challenges and pain points. This allows you to observe redundancies and inefficiencies and collect feedback directly from the end-users. It also communicates to your workforce early on that you’re interested in addressing its needs and helping make their jobs easier.

Initiate small pilot or trial programs
Once you understand the needs of your workforce and began evaluating solutions, initiate pilot programs to test different solutions in the field. A small pilot program with a select group of users can be valuable. They can get a feel of the workflow with the possible devices and communicate their feedback. Tracking key information, such as the number of repairs/service calls per day or turnaround times, during the pilot phase will help earn management and financial buy-in and acceptance from the larger team.

Select partners that offer ongoing support once the solution is deployed
Choose partners that will provide support and services once the technology is in the field. As with any new rollout, it will take time for the devices and associated software to be fully accepted and usable. Partners that provide on-site assistance and support after the initial purchase will significantly reduce the time your IT department spends training and assisting workers with technology transitions.

Offer comprehensive training for all your mobile users
Once you’ve selected the best solution, prepare a detailed rollout plan that includes employee training. Without the proper training, we find users often don’t use the technology to its maximum potential. To get the most out of your investment, we recommend choosing a day and time to roll out the solution to the entire team. During this training, use advocates of the technology to share success stories from the pilot program and share the key improvement metrics that you captured and quantified. Using the participants from the pilot program to engage their peers will help create excitement and lower resistance to the new processes.

With any mobile technology investment, you are purchasing a solution, not individual devices. Without training and acceptance from your workforce, you’ll likely be facing an uphill battle. Engaging your field workforce early on and listening to your employees’ needs will create interest in the new solution and expedite your return on investment.

*David Krebs and Balca Korkut. “2011 Enterprise & Government Mobility Solutions,” VDC Research, June 2011.

Panasonic Solutions Company (PSC) was among the technology leaders exhibiting at this expansive event. It showcased its newest solution offering, the Panasonic Tactical Video Teleconferencing (VTC) solution, alongside its Toughbook mobile computing product line.

Panasonic’s VTC solution combines the high-definition imaging of a Panasonic plasma or LCD display with Polycom’s HD videoconferencing and JELCO’s custom mobile lift case for a best-in-class mobile product that has significant advantages over rolling cart or wall-mounted VTC installations. This type of mobile technology is ideal for military branches and government agencies engaged in training, mission planning and other situations where communication between personnel on the field and the command center is critical. At AUSA, PSC also showcased other new products, including the Toughbook 53, a semi-rugged computer and the Toughbook H2, a rugged hand-held tablet.

Military technology is one of the fastest growing sectors. We can only imagine what will be showcased in 2012.