Zebra Technologies Improves Worker Productivity with Its First Individually Assigned Enterprise Mobile Computer

Rhea-AI Summary

Zebra Technologies (NASDAQ: ZBRA) has launched its EC5x series of individually assigned mobile computers, designed to enhance productivity and collaboration for front-line workers. These devices resemble consumer smartphones and operate on Android 10, offering enterprise features such as enhanced scanning and a robust software suite. The EC5x series aims to provide a lower total cost of ownership compared to consumer smartphones, while ensuring a longer lifecycle and extensive support. Suitable for various sectors, including retail and healthcare, the EC5x promises to streamline workflows and improve business agility.

Positive

• EC5x series offers a sleek, lightweight design improving productivity and collaboration.
• Longer lifecycle (four years) and eight years of post-sales support reduce the total cost of ownership.
• Durable device with enterprise features designed for multiple industries such as retail and healthcare.

Negative

• None.

Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, today announced the EC5x series, a new category of individually assigned mobile computers designed to keep workers connected and informed while improving individual productivity, collaboration and the customer experience across multiple industries. Featuring the look and feel of a consumer smartphone with the Android™10 operating system (OS), an optional integrated scanner and a robust software suite specifically designed for front-line workers, the durable EC5x series is Zebra’s thinnest, lightest mobile computer.

Ideal for large, global companies as well as small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the EC5x series is designed to be a company-owned, personally assigned device that is carried at all times, keeping workers connected no matter where they are and helping improve business agility and responsiveness to real-time changing conditions. The EC5x series can be used in the retail, hospitality, field sales, courier, government and ancillary healthcare markets to optimize a wide range of front-line workflows including assisted selling, mobile point of sale (MPOS), inventory and task management, concierge service, direct store delivery (DSD), patient transport, staff collaboration and housekeeping.

The versatile EC5x series can easily fit in a pocket or used as a wearable accessory and leverage Workforce Connect to empower better collaboration with enterprise text messaging along with PBX and PTT handset functionality. It is also RFID-ready and has an optional snap-on trigger handle to provide added comfort for scan-intensive tasks. Virtually waterproof, drop-proof and dust-proof, the durable device can transform into a full workstation by simply docking it into a workstation cradle accessory connected to a monitor and keyboard.

“Zebra’s new EC5x series expands the industry’s broadest portfolio of Android-based, enterprise-class mobile computers with our first individually assigned smartphone-like device designed to help businesses significantly improve productivity and collaboration while delivering unmatched total benefits of ownership,” said Joe White, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Enterprise Mobile Computing, Zebra Technologies. “Multi-year deployment and support eliminates the cost and complexities of managing different models. With a long lifecycle, innovative productivity tools and security support for the Android OS, the EC5x series’ total cost of ownership (TCO) is approximately half of a consumer smartphone without sacrificing any of the familiarity or design features that front-line workers now expect.”

Featuring a large five-inch HD screen, the reliable EC5x series gives workers the same familiar look and feel of a consumer smartphone while adding enterprise-grade scanning, enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities and Zebra’s Mobility DNA suite of security features, development tools, and mobile end-user applications to optimize workflows at the edge of business. The EC5x can scan almost any barcode in any condition and its 13-megapixel color rear camera can capture highly detailed photos to document proof of delivery or compliance. In addition, the EC5x’s standard battery can power more than a full shift.

The EC5x series also supports Device Tracker, an enhanced Mobility DNA solution, that allows companies to track and find a misplaced device even when it is turned off. As the devices used by front-line workers evolve to become sleeker and more consumer-like, and as staff increasingly depend on the availability of mobile devices to complete their work, limiting the theft of these devices is critical to business success. Zebra’s cloud-based Device Tracker solution continuously monitors device presence along with tracking and connection status while leveraging existing Wi-Fi network infrastructure, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and audio to aid in locating devices.

Unlike the constant churn of consumer smartphones whose lifecycles average 18 months, the EC5x series will be available for sale for four years, ensuring the same device can be deployed well into the future as businesses grow and technology needs expand. The EC5x also offers four years post-end-of-sale support, ensuring technical support for a total of eight years from first commercial availability. LifeGuard for Android, the industry’s first security lifecycle offering for enterprise-class mobile computers, is also available – providing security updates for up to eight years on the EC5x.

With Zebra’s innovative platform-based approach, businesses have access to the industry’s broadest portfolio of enterprise-class mobile computers running Android 10. As a result, Zebra customers can leverage applications from leading independent software vendors (ISVs) across their fleet of mixed purpose-built devices, including the new EC5x series, with minimal complexity while enjoying robust security protection for years to come.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• With the new EC5x series, Zebra is introducing a new category of individually assigned enterprise mobile computers featuring a sleek, lightweight form factor, durability and business-class features that will help mobile workers drive increased personal productivity and greater collaboration.
• Featuring a consumer smartphone look and feel, the durable EC5x series can be widely used in the retail, hospitality, field sales, and ancillary healthcare markets for a variety of applications.
• The EC5x series offers superior total benefits of ownership compared to consumer smartphones with its longer lifecycle, extended security protection, enhanced optional service plans, expanded software suite for front-line workers and lower TCO.
• The EC5x series further strengthens Zebra’s mobile computing leadership position and the broadest Android 10 portfolio - providing businesses with excellent platform stability, OS continuity, and security protection.

ABOUT ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES

Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) empowers the front line in retail/ecommerce, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, public sector and other industries to achieve a performance edge. With more than 10,000 partners across 100 countries, Zebra delivers industry-tailored, end-to-end solutions to enable every asset and worker to be visible, connected and fully optimized. The company’s market-leading solutions elevate the shopping experience, track and manage inventory as well as improve supply chain efficiency and patient care. In 2020, Zebra made Forbes Global 2000 list for the second consecutive year and was listed among Fast Company’s Best Companies for Innovators. For more information, visit www.zebra.com or sign up for news alerts. Participate in Zebra’s Your Edge blog, follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, and check out our Story Hub: Zebra Perspectives.

ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2021 Zebra Technologies Corp. and/or its affiliates.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210126005027/en/

FAQ

What is the EC5x series launched by Zebra Technologies?

The EC5x series is a new line of individually assigned mobile computers designed to enhance productivity and collaboration, resembling consumer smartphones and operating on Android 10.

How does the EC5x series impact the total cost of ownership for businesses?

The EC5x series offers a lower total cost of ownership compared to consumer smartphones due to its longer lifecycle and extensive support.

In which industries can the EC5x series be utilized?

The EC5x series is suitable for various sectors including retail, hospitality, field sales, government, and healthcare.

What key features does the EC5x series offer?

The EC5x series offers features such as a large five-inch HD screen, enhanced scanning capabilities, and a robust software suite for front-line workers.

What operating system does the EC5x series run on?

The EC5x series operates on Android 10, providing enterprise-class features and security.