The Sustainability Gap in Mobile Computing: How to break the four-year refresh cycle

Written by Lisbeth Lashmana, Head of the European Marketing for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK

Sustainability is a priority watchword at the top of the agenda for most organisations.

So, it was worrying to see in Panasonic’s latest research that there appears to be a Sustainability Gap when organisations purchase their mobile computing devices. Despite an increasing awareness of sustainability issues and a general desire to use computing devices for longer, many businesses were still stuck in the mindset of the four-year technology refresh cycle for their mobile workforce.

The reality is that with the new modular design of mobile computing devices and the extended support available for the latest generation of notebooks and tablets, there really is an opportunity for businesses to extend the life of the technology used by the mobile workforce, simplify management and improve total cost of ownership.

So just how do organisations reset their approach to buying technology for the mobile workforce and close the Sustainability Gap? We think there are a number of ways. First, by engaging the workforce more in pilot projects before purchase, buyers can ensure devices are much more closely matched to the users’ needs.

Secondly, by purchasing the latest modular designed devices, the technology can be customised by users in the field to different requirements or repurposed later for another purpose within the business.

Combine this with the incredible CPU and memory performance available in the latest generation of devices, with the ability to upgrade as required and the long-term extended support being offered by some manufacturers and there are reasons to be optimistic

For example, Panasonic has recently expanded its range of rugged modular laptops and tablets with the updated TOUGHBOOK 55, the introduction of the TOUGHBOOK G2 rugged tablet and the launch of the TOUGHBOOK 40, the ultimate 14-inch modular rugged notebook designed for Defence and ideal for Police and Utilities. To ensure the security and long use life of devices, Panasonic supports its products for a further five years after they have been withdrawn from sale and the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK ProTect Warranties can be extended for up to five years for all devices.

As you can see, all the elements are now in place for organisations to extend the usability of mobile computing equipment – by years in many cases. So, hopefully that Sustainability Gap will be closing in 2023!