You’ve just set up a mobile office, a move that will allow you to better utilize manpower and resources. And with this move toward fleet mobility comes a host of considerations:
- What types of devices will you use?
- In what type of vehicle will the installation occur?
- What is your operating environment?
But perhaps most importantly, ensuring uninterrupted productivity on your mobile job site means having a reliable power source.
That’s why we want to devote some time today to explore how you can make sure your system has a reliable power supply.
1. Understand the application
Defining the application requirements will go a long way to helping determine your best power supply solution. Among the issues you’ll need to consider are whether the device will need power when the vehicle isn’t in operation and whether the devices must remain docked in the vehicle or if they can be removed for use in the field.
The vehicle’s application – along with its make, model, model year and electrical system – will all help determine input voltage requirements for sourcing power, as well as available installation options.
2. Assess your equipment
Your next step is making sure your power supply is compatible with the devices that it powers, meaning that the power supply output voltage matches the devices’ voltage requirements.
You will need to make sure the output power rating of the power supply meets or exceeds the demands of your mobile devices. A lower voltage requirement may not power the device, while continually exceeding a device’s power rating can cause damage such as overheating.
Check to see if the device has an internal battery, which will determine if the device needs a power system with a low input voltage cut off delay to act as a failsafe if the power source is cut.
Lastly, you’ll need to assess the need for accessories and peripherals like scanners, printers, bar code readers and keyboards. Some of these pieces can be powered from a computer or computer dock, while others need an external power supply.
With the latter category, it’s critical that you make sure these peripherals are property integrated with the docking power to prevent failures and equipment damages. For example, poor grounding of a power supply can lead to uncontrolled power output that can damage devices and peripherals.
3. Evaluate the environment
Fleet mobility often means operating in rugged conditions in warehouses, railways, energy and utility plants, and more. Each application has different requirements for selecting a reliable power supply, and factors such as dust, vibration, humidity and temperature extremes must be evaluated.
At the same time, it’s important to understand the power needs of the driver or operator who will be using your mobile office. Ergonomic, space-saving designs can make the mobile office a space that is both comfortable and productive.
Devices should be secured within the vehicle in a way that ensures comfort and safety. The same goes for power supplies, which can be integrated into docking solutions or secured within the vehicle with a mounting solution.
A reliable power supply is one of the most important factors for a total mobility solution, but proper planning can ensure the power supply you use protects your most important investments: the vehicles, equipment and most of all, your people.
To learn more about how you can provide total mobility solution for your fleet, contact Havis. As an in-vehicle docking and mounting expert, we are adept at ensuring fleets can secure their power supplies and keep their workers safe and happy.
Read our Critical Power Guide for Fleet Mobility to learn more.
