Latest Panasonic Rugged Device “Ideal All-Rounder”

22nd June 2018

Logistics BusinessLatest Panasonic Rugged Device “Ideal All-Rounder”

Panasonic has released it latest rugged Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 handheld for mobile workers. The company claims the 5” Android device is the ideal all-rounder for mobile workforces in a wide range of roles and industries, including retail and hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and logistics.

With its voice and data capabilities, integrated barcode scanner, wide range of functionality and a host of accessories available from launch, with an auto-range barcode reader following in early 2019 the Toughbook FZ-T1 handheld can be used in the retail sector for shelf stocking, assisted sales or order taking and queue busting. Its long and short range gun barcode scanning make it ideal for inventory management whether scanning from forklifts, making deliveries or from the production line. The device is also suited to the needs of field workers in repairs and maintenance, for navigation, proof of service, documentation capture and realtime inventory checking.

“This latest Panasonic Toughbook handheld is an important addition to our growing rugged Android portfolio ,” said Jan Kaempfer, General Manager of Marketing for Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “It is one of the most versatile, stylish and affordable Android rugged handhelds for business and is underpinned by our market leading reputation for durable design and flexible functionality.”

Two model options
The Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 handheld will be available in two model options: Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi and 4G capabilities for voice and data. Built for the needs of the modern mobile worker, this high performance device has the Android 8.1 Oreo operating system, a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core CPU, 16GB Flash and 2GB Ram storage.

Slim and lightweight
Visually slim and lightweight at under 240g, the Panasonic FZ-T1 handheld is easy to use but remains true to its Toughbook heritage designed for military standard 810G, dust and water resistant to IP68, tumble tested and capable of withstanding drops of up to 1.5m, and operating within a temperature range of -10 to +50C.

With an easy viewing 5” display, the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 handheld has 10-finger input, display protection film, is capable of operating in the rain or can be used with gloved hands or an optional passive pen.

Barcode scanning options
It has an Enterprise-class, straightline barcode reader built-in with two trigger buttons, either side of the device, to make it easy for use by left- or right-handed operators. Optional standard barcode reader gun grips are available at launch with a long-range barcode reader gun grip following in early 2019. These accessories are ideal for operators scanning regularly or needing to scan at a distance in warehouses or whilst operating forklifts.

Long operating times
Designed to operate a full-shift, the Toughbook FZ-T1 handheld comes with a 12-hour battery life and warm swappable functionality, allowing the user to switch their own batteries without interrupting work.

Clear communication
For clear communication in busy work environments up to construction site noise levels, the device comes equipped with noise suppression technology and loudspeaker. It also has an 8 Megapixel rear camera for easy document capture.

Wide range of accessories
As expected with a multi-purpose device, the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 comes with a wide ecosystem of available accessories at launch to match the needs of different mobile workforces. As well as the barcode reader guns, there are single and multiple chargers and cradles, holster belts, battery packs, passive stylus pens and protective display films.

Management and Security
For ease of management and security, the device is compliant with Panasonic COMPASS (Complete Android Security and Services) 2.0. Panasonic COMPASS offers everything businesses need to securely deploy and manage their Panasonic rugged Android devices. It is designed to take advantage of the flexibility offered by an Android operating system with the reassurance that Panasonic’s devices are business-ready for applications, management and security.

The Panasonic devices also come with Google Mobile Services (GMS), a collection of Google applications and APIs that help support functionality across devices. These apps work together seamlessly to ensure that the device provides a great user experience right out of the box.

Pricing and availability
The Panasonic Toughbook FZ-T1 handheld with wi-fi capability will be available in August 2018, priced at £1,142 RRP plus VAT, and the 4G voice and data version from September 2018, priced at £1,214 RRP plus VAT. Both devices will be available Europe-wide and come with a standard 3 year warranty.