Professional devices vs. smartphones in the retail sector: What do the manufacturers say?

In the REGAL advertorial, our managing director, Manuela Hagenauer, asked leading Auto-ID manufacturers Datalogic, Denso Wave, Honeywell and Zebra: Why do retailers still opt for professional terminals despite having smartphones?

Professional devices vs. smartphones in the retail sector: What do the manufacturers say?

The experts’ responses paint a clear picture. On closer inspection, the supposed cost advantage of consumer smartphones often turns out to be a fallacy. Whilst smartphones may score points in terms of the initial investment, professional devices demonstrate their strengths over their entire lifecycle: a more robust build for everyday use, replaceable battery systems, targeted security and software updates over many years, and specialised functions such as high-performance barcode scanning from any distance.

There is also a world of difference when it comes to the lifespan: whilst smartphones are usually replaced after 2 to 3 years in a private setting, professional devices are designed for a 5 to 10-year lifecycle – including contractually guaranteed availability and a supply of spare parts. For businesses that require investment security and a predictable total cost of ownership, this is a decisive factor.

What’s more, professional devices usually come with suitable accessories as standard – from charging stations to protective cases – whereas with smartphones, additional equipment often has to be purchased, which further puts the supposed savings into perspective.

Our management’s conclusion: the demands of the retail sector are high, and many factors play a role in the choice of technology. Professional devices offer precisely those features that are tailored to reliable, day-to-day use in retail.

You can find the full article, including all the experts’ views, here.