Tablet-Computer

What is a tablet computer in intralogistics?

A tablet computer is a mobile device with a large touchscreen that operates without a physical keyboard and connects to warehouse management systems, ERP systems, or other operational applications via Wi-Fi or cellular networks. Unlike stationary terminals, a tablet can be carried anywhere in the warehouse, enabling flexible work across changing locations. In contrast to MDE terminals – which are optimized for high-frequency scanning processes – tablets offer a larger display area, multimedia capabilities, and a broader selection of operating systems and apps.

In intralogistics, a common distinction is made between consumer tablets and so-called rugged tablets. Rugged tablets meet defined protection ratings (IP certification) against dust and moisture, as well as drop resistance according to military or industrial standards. Whether a standard consumer device is sufficient for a specific use case or whether a rugged device is necessary depends heavily on environmental conditions – such as temperature, dirt exposure, and frequency of drops – as well as the intensity of daily use.

Typical use cases in the warehouse

Tablet computers are particularly well suited to applications where a large display area or visual content adds value:

• Goods receipt and quality inspection: Checklists, photographic documentation of damage, and comparison with delivery note data can be handled more comfortably on a tablet than on small MDE displays.
• Maintenance: Technicians can retrieve and document checklists, technical drawings, or maintenance histories directly on the device.
• Mobile reporting and control center functions: Shift supervisors or warehouse managers use tablets to view KPI dashboards or assign tasks on an ad hoc basis.
• Pick support: At low scan volumes, a tablet with a connected Bluetooth scanner can serve as an alternative to a dedicated MDE terminal.

What to consider when selecting a tablet

Several factors need to be evaluated when procuring and operating tablets in the warehouse. Battery life is a critical point: many consumer devices do not last a full shift under intensive Wi-Fi use and high display brightness. Hot-swap battery concepts or charging infrastructure in the warehouse must be planned accordingly.

Wi-Fi stability depends on both the device and the warehouse infrastructure. Tablets used in poorly lit or radio-challenging areas such as cold stores or high-bay racking may require devices with more powerful Wi-Fi antennas.

An often underestimated aspect is Mobile Device Management (MDM): in a professional environment, devices must be centrally managed, kept up to date, and quickly replaced in the event of loss or failure. The choice of operating system – Android or iOS – influences which MDM solutions and WMS clients are available. Not all warehouse management systems offer native apps for every platform.

The lifecycle of consumer tablets is shorter than that of industrial rugged devices. For logistics operations that want to keep devices in service for several years, the higher purchase price of a rugged model may be more economical – however, this is vendor- and use-case-dependent and should be evaluated in a concrete business case.