There is no doubt that this century can be referred to as the “Innovation Century.” We have witnessed numerous innovative technologies, ranging from nanotechnology to advancements in space technology. Mobile computers are one such technological innovation. Mobile computers are self-contained computers that include all the peripherals and interfaces necessary for collecting, managing, and storing the data accumulated via barcodes. All the components of a computer are combined in a mobile computer, such as a display, wireless connection, operating system (Windows® or AndroidTM), keyboard (virtual or physical), battery, and scanner.
Mobile computers improve efficiency and reliability across all tracking activities for businesses. In retail companies, they can be used for activities such as price checking, inventory management, and sales assistance. Inventory management and stock rotation can also be done on mobile devices in the backroom. They play an imperative role in Transportation & Logistics (T&L) companies as they act as each employee’s business companion. From the docking locations where goods are unloaded to warehouses and other areas of the facility, to where goods are delivered, operators use mobile computers at every stage.
Furthermore, mobile computers have been gaining popularity among manufacturers thanks to the market’s increased demand for these specialized mobile computers that are becoming trusted companions of various business operators. According to a new study conducted by Grand View Research, Inc., the global mobile computer market is expected to reach USD 6.49 billion by 2028, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period. Mobile computers are in high demand as they can manage inventory and track shipments for growing businesses with high production capacity.
Global Mobile Computers Market: Drivers and Challenges
Businesses are using mobile computers to stay on top of customer preferences, as they need to understand the demographics of their customers. It allows the company to make more accurate decisions by using mobile computing devices. Further, a rise in demand for rugged computers in military applications is driving growth in the global mobile computers market. However, businesses face a few obstacles that are adversely affecting the global mobile computers market’s growth. Data breaches are one of the main factors limiting the use of mobile computing devices. Further, better network connectivity is required to use the advanced features of mobile computers. The lack of advanced wireless networks in most developing countries is holding back the growth of the mobile computers market.
The impact of the COVID-19 on the Mobile Computers Market
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the global market, causing businesses in industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, construction, and logistics to shut down. In 2020, the overall sales of mobile computers were hampered by the temporary shutdown of industries. However, the increasing need for inventory management in growing businesses with high production capacity, as well as the ability to track shipments, is driving up demand for mobile computers. Furthermore, the lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and higher Return on Investment (ROI) offered by mobile computers, which are ideal for harsh environments, have increased their demand significantly across industries.
Mobile Computers Market Highlights
- The Nautiz X9 Android ultra-rugged enterprise handheld personal digital assistant (PDA) from Handheld Group in Lidköping, Sweden, is designed for field work in outdoor and industrial harsh environments in 2021
- JLT Mobile Computers, a leading provider of dependable computers for demanding environments, announced in December 2021 that they had signed an agreement to acquire ID Work, their French sales partner, effective January 2022
- JLT Mobile Computers, a leading supplier of reliable and consistent computers for demanding environments, received a SEK 12M order for a European agriculture customer in December 2021. VERSOTM 10, JLT’s high-performance 10-inch vehicle-mount computer, is included in the order
- Zebra Technologies announced the release of its first Wi-Fi 6-enabled Mobile Computer in August 2021, along with the completion of its $290 million acquisition of Fetch Robotics
- Zebra Technologies launched the new EC5x series of smartphone-style mobile computers for COVID-19 front-line workers in January 2021, such as couriers and other professionals
- JD Logistics, a Chinese company, partnered with Zebra Technologies in January 2021 to offer Chinese SMEs more efficient and cost-effective warehouse management solutions
Competition and Mobile Computers Market Players
The mobile computers market under examination is competitive, with several regional players, as well as small-to-medium-sized businesses, international players, and local players. Further, lead companies use mergers, extensions, acquisitions, collaborations, and new product development as strategic techniques to enhance brand recognition among consumers.
Among the key players in the Mobile Computers Market are:
- Opticon Sensors Europe B.V.
- Ankaref
- Advantech Co., Ltd.
- KEYENCE CORPORATION
- Zebra Technologies Corp.
- Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
- CIPHERLAB Co., Ltd.
- DatalogicS.p.A.
- Honeywell International, Inc.
- Handheld Group
The Future of Mobile Computers Market
Mobile computing technologies have advanced a few notches in recent years. Now, users can work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have access to a secure network. The importance of mobile computing has grown in the world of information, communication, and technology. Even though mobile functionality has now been made available, performance remains a concern. The future of mobile computing is without a doubt going to be extremely influential on the world economy. However, there is still room for improvement and much work to be done to take technology to the next level.
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