Hardware Selection – FieldSync Automotive

Recently I’ve been lucky enough to meet with quite a few Automotive Reconditioning companies that have been interested in going paperless, and I’ve noticed that one glaring question comes to the forefront of each and every conversation “What device do you recommend that can scan a VIN?”

In an attempt to provide some education around that topic I've decided to write this post.

Here are some things to consider

1. (Under the Obvious Category) Will you be scanning VINS, do you service a high volume of cars with a need to capture the VIN accurately?
2. Will the device be exposed to the elements?
3. Do you work on GM vehicles?
4. What is your budget?
5. Wireless Service Provider

All of these thing play an important role when considering device selection.  Most importantly is the need to capture the VIN accurately, and your budget.  Just like our Product Manager Rod Puzey said when he worked at a performance automotive shop “How much money do you have, and how fast do you want to go?” 

Here are some of the most common consumer grade and rugged devices we’ve deployed on.

Device	Manufacturer	Link	Type	Carrier
HP Ipaq 111	Hewlett Packard	http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/handheld/PC/1/storefronts/FA979AA%2523ABA	Consumer Grade	NONE
Dolphin 7600	Honeywell	http://www.handheld.com/Site.aspx/eu/en/product_center/hardware/?product=246	Rugged	GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile, or NONE)
Workabout Pro G2	Psion Teklogix	http://www.psionteklogix.com/products/handheld/workaboutpro.htm	Rugged	GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile, or NONE)
IKON	Psion Teklogix	http://www.psionteklogix.com/products/handheld/ikon.htm	Rugged	GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile, or NONE)

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