Joe White

Zebra Technologies Corporation, a provider of rugged mobile computers, barcode scanners and barcode printers enhanced with software and services to enable real-time enterprise visibility, has introduced the TC20, a rugged, value-driven mobile computer designed to meet the specific needs of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). TC20 mobile device The TC20 is a light, durable and long-lasting mobile device developed for indoor use for SMBs in sectors such as retail and hospitality, where balancing device functionality and cost is essential. Zebra has leveraged decades of enterprise innovation in the TC20 to revolutionise the SMB market where the use of outdated pen and paper systems and fragile, underpowered consumer devices is widespread. With the rugged and lightweight TC20, SMBs can now enjoy business-ready functions such as a built-in scanner, longer battery life and better connectivity in a no compromise mobile computer that reflects the design and familiar user interface of a consumer device. Key facts The TC20 comes in affordable models designed for 1D and 2D barcode scanning, and pairing it with the Zebra® RFD2000 UHF RFID sled easily adds UHF RFID tag reading, writing and locationing capabilities, making it ideal for retail store environments. Small businesses can now benefit from integrated enterprise quality barcode and RFID tag reading, eliminating the need for unreliable, slower and power-intensive smartphone cameras. The TC20 is designed to withstand dusty environments and accidental drops, reducing costly repairs while ensuring longer and more productive use. With Zebra OneCare™, LifeGuard™ for Android™ solution provides extended security updates over a longer lifespan of the TC20, ensuring the security of the operating system at all times. Easy to deploy without time-intensive staff training, the TC20’s bright 4.3-inch screen and Android interface provides a familiar, intuitive experience that’s easy to use out of the box. Available in all-touch or “touch and keyboard” form factors, the TC20 allows staff more time to focus on customers. Designed as an enterprise line of business smartphone, the TC20 is powered by Mobility DNA™ and its unique ecosystem of software such as Datawedge, StageNow and Mobility Extensions (Mx) which helps streamline deployment management and troubleshooting. Using Zebra’s Workforce Connect Push-To-Talk Express, staff can perform voice communications over wireless LAN to communicate one-on-one or in groups, allowing them to coordinate and react to changing needs in real time and improve customer service. A wide range of accessories, such as a snap-on power pack to support continuous use, hand straps, holsters and a snap-on trigger handle, allows staff to use the TC20 for a wide range of tasks with reduced strain and improved efficiency. Benefits for smaller businesses Bryan Bassett, Research Analyst, Mobile Enterprise Device Solutions, IDC said: “Zebra’s TC20 provides a compelling case for smaller businesses to set aside familiar, consumer-centric mobile devices in favor of a dedicated, versatile and purpose-built device. Improved battery life, durability and better scanning all have the means of improving productivity for workers in a wide range of industries and sectors.” Joe White, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies, said: “Zebra offers the industry’s largest range of Android mobile computers and the introduction of the TC20 enterprise smartphone reinforces our position as a leader in the enterprise Android space. Until now, small- and medium-sized businesses had limited options: either struggling with the risk and frustration of using consumer devices or running their operations manually with pen and paper. The cost-effective TC20 gives SMBs a better choice while delivering a powerful customer experience.”

The museum needed a security solution that could effectively monitor the safety of both visitors and exhibits Canon Europe, world leader in imaging solutions, has announced that the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has selected Canon network cameras as part of a new visual surveillance solution. The museum houses some of the most valuable collections in the art and design world, and needed a security solution that could effectively monitor the safety of both visitors and exhibits. 66 Canon cameras are already in use at the museum, including 14 VB-H630D and 52 VB-H730F, with plans to expand this number exponentially in the next few years as the project progresses. Victoria and Albert Museum The V&A is one the most iconic museums in London, and is the world’s largest museum of art and design, with 145 galleries covering 12.5 acres. The museum has showcased some of the most valuable treasures from the art and design world, including recent exhibitions such as the Bejewelled Treasures exhibition of Indian jewellery, which was the first exhibition to be protected by Canon network cameras.  As the jewellery was best showcased in a darkened room, with each piece individually illuminated by spotlights, the cameras had to be capable of exceptional low and difficult light performance, an area in which Canon’s solution excelled. Following on from the success of this installation, The V&A plans to roll out Canon cameras across the whole museum over the next three years, including areas not open to the public, as well as the perimeter and roof. IP system solution Erik Vieira, Senior Security Manager at The V&A, comments. “Our old analogue system was not capable of providing the high definition surveillance we needed, so we were keen to move across to an IP system. Having conducted a trial with just three cameras on the roof of the museum, the Canon cameras offered a huge improvement in image quality and we’ve been so impressed that we’re continuing to explore what else is possible with the cameras’ in-built analytics and with VMS solutions provided by Wavestore further down the line, for example to monitor how many people are visiting an exhibition and how they move around the gallery space to help improve our visitor experience” Already, the cameras havebeen used to detect pettytheft outside the museumand provide a clear imageof the perpetrator for thepolice Surveillance partnership The V&A has already developed a close working relationship with Canon, and is confident that the partnership will lead to new and innovative surveillance solutions in future. Vieira continues, “Canon has supported us every step of the way, offering excellent support with frequent site visits to ensure the whole upgrade process is running smoothly. Canon’s understanding of our complex requirements has proved them to be the real experts in this area, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with Canon as we complete our system upgrade throughout the museum.” The VB-H630D and VB-H730F used in the installation so far excel in providing visual coverage of a large area thanks to their wide angled lenses. This is already saving the museum money by reducing the number of cameras needed to cover the same area, and the team aims to reduce the total number of cameras used by 25% without losing any visibility over the museum. Joe White, Business Development Manager at Canon UK, adds, “We are thrilled by how successful the installation has been so far. Already, the cameras have been used to detect petty theft outside the museum and provide a clear image of the perpetrator for the police. This is just one example of how the solution has proved invaluable, and we are excited to consider the possibilities, even beyond security, as we continue the installation.”