Safe communication in explosive environments

To introduce a successful Enterprise Mobility concept, companies can count on effective solutions. Smartphones and tablets enable communication within the plant premises and protect employees in hazardous environments.

Mobile communication devices, such as smart-phones or tablets, are becoming increasingly important to industrial companies. They make data available in plants and industrial environments and facilitate communication between the control room and employees. They also support mobile workers in their daily tasks, ensuring optimized processes and reliable quality management. In harsh and potentially explosive environments, the use of such Enterprise Mobility Solutions can even be life-saving. An integrated emergency solution is the standard here. Thanks to integrated maps and localization via radio, they can optimally locate victims. In this way, mobile devices make the work of our employees safer and faster. They also make it possible to collect relevant accident data even before the emergency services arrive so that appropriate measures can be taken immediately.

High standards for industrial use

Mobile devices must meet high requirements to be suitable for industrial use. For specific hazardous areas, mobile communication devices must be specially designed in accordance with applicable regulations and meet legal safety requirements. At the same time, it is essential for companies that these devices can be effortlessly integrated into digital infrastructures to support work processes and make them more flexible. Today there are state-of-the-art solutions, which guarantee high ergonomics and operability as well as reliable protection and global deployment. Certifications for hardware and software support and for security patches are also part of such comprehensive mobile communication solutions.

Tab-Ex: robust devices for ATEX and harsh environments

With the Tab-Ex series, the Pepperl + Fuchs ECOM brand offers one of the most robust devices for working in explosion-proof environments and harsh environments. The latest addition to our portfolio is the Tab-Ex® Pro for Zone 2/22 and Div. 2. With a 10" display, the Tab-Ex® Pro is perfect for viewing web-based content and for use in demanding applications. In addition, it allows workers to easily switch from field to office and visa versa. Despite the large screen and rugged construction, the tablet is very light and easy to use.

Ergonomic features for optimal operability

Comfortable and easy operation is essential in the daily use of mobile devices. Suppliers such as ECOM therefore focus on high-quality functionality and sleek design. For example, a large display is easy to read even in direct light, and it allows the mobile worker to transmit and share data in the company network in all work situations. In addition, features such as a robust, impact- and scratch-resistant Gorilla glass provide reliable protection against damage. Unwanted disturbances while working in extensive industrial facilities are countered by extra powerful batteries with up to 15 hours of charging time. Details such as a magnetic USB port, which prevents wear and damage to pin points and unsecured USB connectors, also guarantee a long service life.

Smart-Ex®: most advanced explosion-proof smartphone

The intrinsically safe 4G / LTE Android smartphone Smart-Ex® 02 built by ECOM also includes these features. With a large 12.7cm (5 ") display, powerful functions, good ergonomics and an optimized accessory concept, the ECOM device is the most advanced explosion-proof smartphone for Zone 1/21 and Div. 1. It simplifies communication between employees, the control center and backend systems. 

Accessories for smooth operation

Operating a smart device during daily work is a challenging task for the mobile worker, especially if he has only one hand free or if safety regulations require him to wear gloves. That is why devices are as good as their accessories, especially in industrial applications. A versatile and modular mounting plate concept (belt clip, hand loop, charger, docking station) ensures that the devices are easy to carry, attach and charge in any situation. The push-to-talk and alarm buttons, volume control and camera button on the device itself have an extra ergonomic shape. They are positioned for intuitive operation.

Smooth global hardware rollout

International companies face the challenge of deploying mobile devices in different countries by a certain date. Such a rollout is possible when mobile devices support standard frequencies and country-specific certifications. Companies must therefore ensure that their devices are delivered inclusive of LTE frequency bands and SIM-free. For deployment in hazardous environments, vendors must also provide global Ex and approval certificates to enable global deployment and rollout. Suppliers such as ECOM provide on demand, devices with customer-specific pre-configuration ex-factory. Staging, management and real-time monitoring of the smartphone can also be offered by the manufacturer as a digital service. Routine tasks that usually arrive at the IT department can thus be minimized. Moreover, not only is setting up and managing the mobile devices made easier, but also to update them at any time and wirelessly (remotely).

Conclusion

For communications in Ex-secure environments, companies have Enterprise Mobility solutions that not only fully support communications, but also the security of mobile workers. Verifications such as Android Enterprise Recommended facilitate consistent, easy deployment and management of these mobile solutions through hardware and operating system support, guaranteed upgrades and regular security patches.