Hire and Rental News - November 2017

18 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • NOVEMBER 2017 INDUSTRY in FOCUS According to Pervidi’s Gareth Higgins, just as inspection software is adjusted to match the requirements of the business, consideration of the mobile device to complement the inspection software is just as vital to allow inspectors to optimise their time performing and recording inspections. Gareth said there are many factors to consider, including: • Consumer vs enterprise – does the device need to be made for industrial use for functionality and/or cost? • Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – the total costs related to a mobile device over the expected life of the device; • Rugged/non rugged – is the hardware suitable for use in a range of environments? • Company policies – does the company have a preference or experience with similar mobile devices? • Screen Size – what is the optimal size for correct software use? • Industry grade Wi-Fi – does the device need to connect to the internet constantly? • Ease of use; • Accessories. “Consumer mobile devices can provide a cost effective solution for pre/post hire inspections. These devices are often available at local retail outlets or through mobile carriers on a monthly plan,” Gareth said. “However, consumer goods are often Choosing mobile devices for paperless hire inspections Pervidi, provider of innovative data collection to improve businesses' safety and inspection activities, believes choosing the correct mobile device hardware for pre/post hire equipment inspections is vital. fragile with a short product life cycle and may lead to increased IT time securing data on employee/consumer devices. “Opting for commercial or enterprise grade devices has numerous benefits including durability, security, maintenance support, hardware features and the potential for other features consumer goods may not include. “For eg: NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) extended battery life and ability to swap batteries if required. Commercial or enterprise grade devices may also feature intrinsically safe certifications (Zone 1 or Zone 2); durability ie: IP (Ingress Protection) Sealing; the ability to include accessories such as car mounts, lanyards and holsters; and dedicated bar code scanning as opposed to the camera/ imager a consumer might use." Factors to consider might include: • Touch screen: can staff draw and make notes on the screen (eg: using gloves or in harsh conditions)? • Speech to text: can the device create and store notes verbally? • Camera: does the device feature zoom and high resolution imagery? • Screen size: will the screen host the inspection software and still operate? • Mobile device size: is it convenient and mobile? • Storage: can it store large files, equipment manuals, SOP, and databanks? “A protected device simply lasts longer,” Gareth said. “Research by Venture Development Corporation 2003 and Total Cost of Ownership 2007 models surveyed a broad range of mobile device deployments and reported the cost of ownership lead to annual savings of up to 17% for in field profession applications and 32% in supply chain application for rugged mobile device deployments. “The correct choice of mobile device will influence productivity, rates of device failures and wireless transmission failures and maintenance covered by warranty.” Contact: 03 8862 6485 or visit website: www.pervidi.com.au An accomplished businessman, Rob took over his father’s business St George Plant Hire, built it and sold it. He was also one of the founding directors of National Hire Group. Rob was a passionate advocate of the hire industry. He was present at the first meeting in 1968 in Sydney to discuss the forming of a national association. Rob Wallis – his passion for hire is a legacy that lives on Throughout his successful career Rob remained active in the HRIA as both a NSW State President (1979) and later as a member of the strategic HRIAWoRK (Wealth of Rental Knowledge) Group. Rob was known as being both an honest and generous man with a keen sense of community. Rob was regularly involved in fundraising activities for Camp Quality and also made his farm in Robertson (in the Southern Highlands of NSW) available for Camp Quality events. Rob’s work ethos and love of the hire industry was passed on to his three sons (Neil, Jay and Glenn) who have all gone on to have successful careers in the industry. Rob will be keenly missed. Long time hire industry member and stalwart, Rob Wallis has died, with friends, family and the greater hire industry bidding farewell in a beautiful ceremony at St Andrews Anglican Church in Cronulla, NSW early in August. Choosing the correct mobile device hardware for pre/post hire equipment inspections is vital