LXE, a division of EMS Technologies, announced the launch of the Tecton rugged handheld computer, targeting supply chain applications. The successor to LXE’s MX7 handheld, the IP65-rated Tecton handheld computer is designed to accelerate real-time data capture with a PXA 320 806 MHz processor running Windows Mobile 6.5 or Windows CE 6.0.
“There are some so-called warehouse handhelds that were not specifically designed for warehouse applications, and others that compromise in terms of ergonomics or processing power,” says Steve Newell, LXE vice president and general manager. “The Tecton is purpose-built for the warehouse.”
Lightweight and well-balanced in the user’s hand, and with sleek design, the Tecton handheld unit is designed with multirange scanning capabilities to enable barcode reads from 4 inches to 40 feet, so operators can perform warehouse moves ranging from receiving to full-pallet put-aways with the same version of the computer. Scan-intensive picking can be enabled with the Tecton computer’s available easy-grip removable handle with two-finger trigger, and it comes with LXE’s ToughTalk technology for voice-driven processes. The device also features a scan vibration signal that can be used to verify successful scans in loud warehouses, and multiple built-in data-entry options.
Keypads help protect against airborne and spilled chemical agents, and electrical components are secured to circuit boards to better withstand drops and shocks. An available cold-storage configuration includes programmable touchscreen and scan window defrosters, and a cold-tolerant backup power source that holds a charge longer in environments as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
“The Tecton handheld performs well in so many tasks because it’s light enough for scan-intensive picking, yet able to take a beating,” Newell says. “We purpose-built this computer for the supply chain with the right combination of ergonomics, ruggedness and computing power.”
