Introduction

The recent announcement by MilDef to wind down Handheld’s main operations has left many businesses facing a handheld end of life scenario. In industries where robust, reliable mobile devices are critical—such as logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and field services—this presents a unique challenge. Finding handheld alternatives that match or exceed your technical requirements is essential for maintaining productivity and limiting total costs in the long run.

Understanding the Impact of Handheld’s Operational Changes

For existing Handheld users, the news of alternatives for handheld products and support uncertainty raises important concerns. Without guaranteed long-term availability and services, you risk interruptions in your workflows and a potential dip in productivity. Now is the time to review your hardware strategy, explore new partnerships, and plan for longevity, continuity, and total costs.

Why Preparing Early Matters

Proactive planning is crucial for any technology-dependent operation. By researching new hardware suppliers far in advance of an anticipated replacement cycle, organisations can avoid last-minute compromises. This forward-thinking approach helps you:

• Ensure consistent performance and service levels.
• Maintain or improve barcode scanning capabilities.
• Lock in trusted long-term support arrangements.
• Anticipate and manage total costs effectively.

Finding the Right Alternative: Key Considerations

When evaluating new options to replace Handheld devices, consider the following:

• Technical Requirements: Ensure any new rugged device meets your performance, scanning, and integration needs.
• Durability and Reliability: Look for truly rugged solutions capable of withstanding tough working environments.
• Support and Warranty: Assess the level of after-sales service, repair turnaround, and warranty coverage.
• Life Cycle Management: Investigate each vendor’s roadmap to ensure continuity and easy upgrades.
• Cost of Ownership: Factor in support, potential downtime, and repair costs, not just the initial purchase price.

Introducing Conker: Your Trusted Partner for Rugged Mobility

Established in 2008, Conker has developed extensive expertise in supplying rugged mobile devices for barcode scanning and data capture across various industries. Our experience positions us as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to replace Handheld products and avoid disruption to daily operations. Conker’s commitment includes:

• Wide Range of Competitive Products: From handhelds to tablets, we provide versatile solutions for diverse use cases.
• Accidental Damage Warranty: We understand rugged devices must endure the toughest conditions—our coverage minimises your risk.
• One-Day Repairs: Minimising downtime is paramount; our rapid repair service keeps you up and running.
• Unrivalled Support: Our customer-focused approach ensures queries and issues are resolved efficiently.

Actionable Steps to Secure Long-Term Success

Organisations facing a handheld end of life situation should:

1. Conduct a Thorough Needs Analysis: Document how your current devices are used and what critical tasks they support.
2. Research Multiple Rugged Providers: Compare handheld alternatives, focusing on the combination of product capability, support, and total cost.
3. Engage with Vendors Early: Involve them in discussions around custom features, warranty, and future proofing.
4. Plan Your Rollout: Coordinate device testing, pilot programmes, and phased deployments to ensure a seamless transition.

Potentially Impacted Devices

Handheld Devices

• NAUTIZ X2: See Alternatives to the NAUTIZ X2
• NAUTIZ X41: See Alternatives to the NAUTIZ X41
• NAUTIZ X6
• NAUTIZ X81
• NAUTIZ X21: See Alternatives to the NAUTIZ X21

Tablet Devices

• ALGIZ RT8: See Alternatives to the ALGIZ RT8
• ALGIZ RT10: See Alternatives to the ALGIZ RT10
• ALGIZ 8X: See Alternatives to the ALGIX 8X
• ALGIZ 10X: See Alternatives to the ALGIZ 10X

Conclusion

As MilDef phases out Handheld’s operations, businesses need to secure reliable, long-lasting solutions to avoid disruption. Conker’s rugged devices, developed and refined since 2008, offer a well-established and dependable alternative for barcode scanning, durable field use, and efficient operations. By carefully evaluating your future hardware partners, conducting in-depth technical assessments, and planning ahead, you can confidently navigate the handheld end of life transition—maintaining productivity, minimising total costs, and positioning your organisation for sustained success.