Resistance to change
Wi-fi allows for accurate positioning of cargoes on the quay
There can be a reluctance to change, especially in today’s economy where every expenditure is measured and evaluated, says Frans Kok, vice president AMEA (Asia, Middle East, Australia) at LXE.
“However, the most influential technology innovations often come as a result of challenging economic times, as innovators look for ways to dramatically improve operating efficiencies. That’s one reason why it is very important for ports to continually review their wi-fi systems and other technology solutions.”
A noticeable trend is the increased influence of user experience as a factor in industrial environments, says Mr Kok.
“The unprecedented connectivity and technology we all enjoy as consumers sets certain expectations for how our workplace technology should behave, and we’ve seen that productivity can suffer when those expectations aren’t met.”
The most important driver for wi-fi updates is wireless security, he says. “Data privacy concerns have convinced many port operators to upgrade to the latest wi-fi technology in order to have the most robust wireless security.”
In response, LXE has developed products such as its touch screen vehicle-mounted computers Kärv and Förj, featuring faster 1.6 GHz Atom and 1.7 GHz Core 2 Duo processors.
Both computers, and also LXE’s MX9 ultra-rugged handheld terminal, are now available with WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) radio connectivity.
“For ports with an existing wi-fi infrastructure, adding WWAN radio allows the operator to stay connected in remote areas that may fall outside wi-fi’s range – anywhere that a mobile phone could operate,” says Mr Kok. “This presents significant cost savings, as a port could migrate to an entirely WWAN-based network rather than upgrading or installing wi-fi access points.”
LXE’s engineers are focused specifically on the implementation of WWAN because of these advantages, he says. It has also started to implement systems with ‘super’ wi-fi networks that allow a large area to be covered with a limited amount of access points – this being ideal for older container terminals using Narrowband systems.
Other focus areas include packing greater, more efficient computing power into the ergonomic footprint, with multiple data options, including touchscreens, full QWERTY keypads and GPS.
LXE is also preparing to launch a new computer that includes a “very innovative security feature” – a biometric mouse which reads the operator’s fingerprint to awaken or start up the unit and then functions like a normal trackpad or mouse.
