Category: Blog Commentary
22 April 2024
Learn how to seamlessly deploy rugged mobile computers with our comprehensive guide, covering site surveys, device selection, testing, installation, and ongoing support. Read More >>
27 February 2024
Providing expert insights - we provide a guide to the top 5 rugged handhelds on the market in 2024. Read More >>
27 February 2024
Touchstar underwent a thorough IT process review in Feb 2024 to assess cyber resilience. Excited to share Touchstar earned 'Cyber Essentials Plus' status. Read More >>
26 February 2024
ELIQUO HYDROK select TouchStar for a rollout of the latest rugged tablets and handheld computing devices to secure stock visibility improvements. Read More >>
12 February 2024
How Damart successfully managed a rugged mobile device upgrade to minimise downtime, reduce costs and optimise operational efficiencies. Read More >>
09 November 2023
A blog overview discussing the benefits of upgrading your rugged handheld computers and how these can help deliver businesses with a big competitive advantage. Read More >>
10 October 2023
In this blog we discuss the different types of rugged mobile computers and discuss which devices are best suited to specific tasks. Read More >>
05 October 2023
A blog on the common mistakes made when specifying rugged mobile computers and how to avoid them. Read More >>
26 September 2023
Access next generation advanced scanning with the latest upgrade to TouchStar's TS8200 Rugged Handheld Computer. Read More >>
01 September 2023
Take the proven path to rugged mobile success and understand how the rugged mobile device selection process can make or break an operation. Read More >>
01 August 2023
A blog looking at the need for upgrading rugged mobile computers and the game-changing advantages that device replacements can bring with them. Read More >>
06 July 2023
A blog on the cold storage, how it sits within a warehouse, the challenges and the role rugged devices play in the industry. Read More >>
22 May 2023
A rugged device can be a valuable asset to any business by streamlining operations, reducing paperwork and increasing productivity. Rugged truck mounts are no different; they are vehicle mounted and can be used to maximise efficiencies and revitalise your operations by helping your workers stay connected and provide real-time data. Read More >>
12 May 2023
UK-based rugged mobile computing providers, TouchStar Technologies, is pleased to announce that NGF Europe Limited (NGFE), one of the World’s leading manufacturers of specialised reinforcement cord products has selected TouchStar for a third-generation RFID technology refresh. The upgrade will see the business upgrade their existing data capture technology with the latest, future proof rugged mobile computers enabling real time accuracy and control of their production processes. Read More >>
13 March 2023
Technology has enabled many industries and businesses to increase their work performance, streamline processes, boost efficiencies and improve productivity. Especially key in industrial environments, the technology needs to be able to handle the challenging conditions and be relied on to keep operations going. Read More >>
02 March 2023
Warehouses can be tough environments to work in, with many intricate moving parts and several processes working together. These complications present challenges within the operational management of the warehouses that their workforce face, including wasting time and money on inaccurate inventory and outdated processes. Read More >>
27 February 2023
UK-based rugged mobile computing providers, TouchStar Technologies, is pleased to announce that Silver Mushroom, the family run, premium online kitchen and homeware retailer has selected TouchStar for a mobile computer refresh. The upgrade will see the business upgrade their existing picking operations with the latest, rugged devices for real time stock visibility and control. Read More >>
31 January 2023
Key workers are paramount to our everyday lives, providing an essential service to the public. Whilst many of us were shielded at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they sustained those essential services and kept the country functioning. No matter the industry, whether it be manufacturing, logistics or cold storage, a key worker's environment may be harsh and unusual. Of course, anything that can make it easier is essential, and this is where the latest technology comes in. Read More >>
03 January 2023
Rugged devices are known for being reliable, efficient and long-lasting in the most challenging conditions, making them a valuable asset to many businesses. Conducting regular device management is key to their success and helps keep rugged devices up to date, reduces downtime and ensures they are running as efficiently as possible. Read More >>
08 November 2022
Rugged devices are used by businesses in different industries to work in tough environments. Unlike consumer devices, they are specially designed to withstand heat, shock, humidity and impact, without being damaged. This in-built resilience makes rugged devices ideal for even the most challenging environments and workplaces. Read More >>
01 November 2022
Rugged devices are known for being long-lasting and reliable even in harsh conditions. However, no matter how physically rugged a device is, there are other areas which are less rugged such as its security protocols and network updates. The overall management of the device has an impact on the product’s life cycle so these areas need additional attention to ensure they stay up and running, and the device remains a benefit to a business. Read More >>
06 October 2022
A rugged device is a smartphone, tablet, truck mount, or other electronic gadget that is built to withstand the challenges of commercial use. There are three kinds of rugged devices: semi-rugged, fully-rugged, and ultra-rugged (i.e. indestructible). The ruggedness required by a business is determined mainly by the operational environments such as in a warehouse or manufacturing. Read More >>
19 July 2022
Businesses now have more options than ever before when it comes to mobile technology supporting their operations, with the decision on which devices to use becoming increasingly difficult. Read More >>
04 July 2022
Rugged devices are the ideal technological solution for any business operating in a warehouse, manufacturing plant, cold storage, or other hazardous settings. Due to their durability and high-end features, they make the ideal companion for any workers who experience harsh environments on a daily basis. Read More >>
07 June 2022
Microsoft’s Windows CE was always a popular choice for businesses using rugged and other mobile devices across their operations. Unfortunately, in June 2018, Microsoft decided to end all support for the platform and businesses had to find an alternative to transition to. This is where Android stepped in. Read More >>
18 May 2022
Like many technologies, rugged devices in all forms have continued to develop and grow. Not just with the processing speeds and capabilities, but also with the different types of devices now available. With so many more alternatives on the market, it can be difficult to understand which device will fulfil your company’s needs. Read More >>
31 March 2022
When there are many rugged device suppliers on the market, it can be hard to know who to trust and partner with. With technology continuously advancing, the choice isn’t getting any easier. That’s why, here at TouchStar Rugged Mobile Computers, we make the choice simple. Read More >>
07 March 2022
As everyone has experienced in one way or another, COVID-19 has caused mass disruption around the world. Although we’re starting to emerge from the grey cloud it cast and can start seeing the light again, there are some ways in which the coronavirus continues to impact businesses and their workforces. Read More >>
20 January 2022
Cold storage environments face a number of operational challenges from maintaining temperatures to energy use. Another challenge can be the use of mobile devices in extremely cold temperatures, battling cold, condensation and frost which can all cause damage to standard consumer devices. Read More >>
06 January 2022
Within any warehouse, operational efficiency, real-time visibility and operational accuracy are key. Trying to find a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and the mobile computing device that offers the best combination to achieve this is critical. It can also be quite a challenge given the number of device options available. Read More >>
20 October 2021
If you’re considering buying rugged devices for your business, you want to ensure they’ll stand the test of time and do the job you need them to do. The testing process is vigorous and is standardised across all rugged devices. But how are rugged devices tested? Read More >>
05 October 2021
Rugged devices have continued to develop over recent years, with not only the technology becoming faster and more complex, but with the number of different device types now available. With more options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best to fulfil the needs of you and your company. Read More >>
31 August 2021
In any working environment, it is crucial that the appropriate legal health and safety measures are firmly in place to safeguard workforces, and to ensure that potentially hazardous equipment is fit for purpose and being used safely. Read More >>
02 August 2021
Since launching in the mid-eighties and early noughties, Android and Microsoft Windows operating systems (OS) have helped to revolutionise operations across countless industries worldwide, including warehousing. Read More >>
30 April 2021
With the unpredicted onset of the global pandemic, businesses have been forced to counteract drastic drops in turnover by implementing vital operational efficiencies. Among them is looking at how to streamline operations, preserve cash flow and retain customers. Read More >>
26 April 2021
Very few human-made products are made without any contribution from the chemicals industry. Industrial chemical processing forms the foundation of many other major manufacturing industries, such as construction, agriculture, automotive and pharmaceuticals, making the chemical sector one of the most vital there is. Read More >>
08 April 2021
Mobile rugged devices are not only essential to the streamlining of processes, their highly durable properties and ability to withstand harsh environments makes them the perfect solution across various sectors. Read More >>
24 March 2021
From palletised and international distribution, through to contract logistics and warehousing, Expect Distribution have built long term partnerships with their clients, delivering real competitive advantage through the provision of reliable, flexible and profitable logistics operations. Read More >>
04 March 2021
To describe the last 12 months as turbulent for the manufacturing industry would be a significant understatement. The onset of the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have led to UK manufacturing operations being forced to implement short-term actions to reduce costs to counteract drastic drops in turnover. Read More >>
10 February 2021
The rugged devices industry, like all sectors, has been impacted by the unpredicted events of 2020. Despite COVID-19 and its unquestionable impact on global business operations, the start of the year is the perfect time to reflect on our industry and consider the progress we have made. Read More >>
07 January 2021
It feels as though the rate of technological progress has never been faster than it is right now. Since Intel co-founder Gordon Moore coined ‘Moore’s Law’ in 1965 – the theory that the number of transistors that can fit on a computer chip will double every year – he’s been proven right. Computing power is continuing to grow at an astonishing pace, enabling ever-more advanced applications all the time. Read More >>
19 November 2020
Following a £9million investment in a brand new cold storage facility in Portadown Northern Ireland, Carn Coldstore, a leading provider of temperature-controlled services, has selected TouchStar’s TS8200 handheld mobile computer to support real time data capture within their order picking processes. Read More >>
30 September 2020
The battle between Windows and Android for dominance in the warehouse appears to be coming to a close with Microsoft’s decision to end support for mobile devices that use their software by 2022.
But will Microsoft’s “slow sunset” mean an automatic win for Android? TouchStar’s Jon Hall looks at some of the most frequently asked questions to offer an understanding of OS choice in a warehouse environment. Read More >>
29 September 2020
The cold chain is one of the most vital parts of the UK’s food industry – it’s what keeps the food we produce and import fresh and safe to eat, and massively reduces food waste. According to the Cold Chain Federation, there are more than 3.5billion cubic metres of cold chain storage space nationwide. Read More >>
21 August 2020
Like many manufacturing sectors, the food manufacturing industry has a unique set of requirements. Not only is it the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, accounting for 17 percent of all UK manufacturing GVA (£28.2 billion), food manufacturing is also one of the most heavily regulated. Hygiene, health and safety have always been of paramount importance within the industry, but the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it further safety and hygiene procedures from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Read More >>
26 March 2020
At the time of writing, many logistics workers in the UK are now considered ‘key workers’ in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means that, rather than staying at home, healthy logistics workers can continue to keep the nation’s supply chains moving, carrying out essential duties that ensure we all have what we need during this period of uncertainty. Read More >>
02 March 2020
When it comes to business, every investment made must prove its value. However, as a company develops, it is inevitable that some resources will become less useful and fit for purpose, and others will take their place. Read More >>
28 January 2020
A new year is a great time to reflect on our industry and consider how far we’ve come. While undoubtedly built to take hard knocks, at one point opting for a rugged mobile device meant sacrificing considerably on performance, whereas today’s rugged devices are as operationally efficient and user friendly as they are tough. Read More >>
19 December 2019
No warehouse team would be without their forklifts. They make light work of lifting, transporting and loading pallet loads and other heavy items, quickly, smoothly and even at height. Read More >>
28 November 2019
UK-based manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, TouchStar Technologies, is pleased to announce that Avon Freight Group, a leading 3PL, has selected TouchStar’s TS8000 handheld mobile computers. The hardware upgrade follows a major investment in Avon Freight Group’s IT and warehouse management systems. The new devices will be utilised within the full spectrum of warehouse processes with the objective of streamlining current operations. Read More >>
18 November 2019
Safety should be top priority in any workplace, but some settings are more hazardous than others. Many industries include manufacturing or processing practices that create potentially explosive conditions, such as the gas supply sector, and the pharmaceutical and varnishing industries. Read More >>
05 November 2019
Elastic logistics. If you’re in the supply chain industry, it’s likely that you’ve heard the sector’s latest buzzword, but what exactly does it mean? Read More >>
26 September 2019
Your warehouses contain the lifeblood of your business; your inventory. In an ideal world, the stock you hold would move through your warehouse and be replenished seamlessly, with no time to erode tight profit margins. Read More >>
02 September 2019
From cold chain to potentially explosive atmospheres, there’s no limit to the variety of working environments within which workers need digital back up. At many of these demanding workplaces, workers also need their hands free, which is where rugged vehicle mount computers come into play. Docking securely on truck and van dashboards, as well as on forklifts, pallet trucks, order pickers and other types of material handling equipment, rugged vehicle mount devices provide easy and robust access to the digital systems and data workers need on the operational front line. Read More >>
19 August 2019
The key goals of implementing new technology in a warehouse environment have traditionally fallen into two camps: increasing staff productivity and replacing inefficient (often paper-based) processes. Read More >>
26 July 2019
More and more commercial organisations are discovering the many benefits of rugged handheld devices. A recent report from Technavio predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) within the global rugged device market of nearly eight per cent before 2023. Read More >>
22 July 2019
At TouchStar, we provide UK based design, manufacture and support of fit for purpose rugged mobile computers. With our 'Brexit Busting' deals and interest free payment plan, we are helping more and more users upgrade to the latest handheld, truck mount and tablet devices. Read More >>
03 May 2019
Your warehouse operatives know their working environment better than anyone. It’s their job to run your warehouse like a well-oiled machine, and that means ensuring that every item is in the right place at the right time as it moves from goods in to despatch. Read More >>
26 April 2019
The average digital device doesn’t do well in the cold. In fact, extremes of temperature in either direction are a good way to impair the functionality of a standard PDA or mobile computer, particularly if they’re repeatedly moved between a normal environment and one that’s intensely hot or cold. Read More >>
26 March 2019
Most businesses need a central point of operations; a hub that acts as a focus for organisational performance.
Yet, when it comes to the manufacturing industry – or indeed any industry that makes use of separate points in a supply chain such as factories and/or warehouses – having just one source of complete operational control can limit and even impede productivity in these secondary sites and place unnecessary pressure on the nerve centre. Read More >>
25 February 2019
Increasing productivity, accuracy and ensuring the smooth-running of processes, wearable mobile computers are dramatically streamlining operations across the entire warehousing, manufacturing and production industries.
Also referred to as wearable terminals, wearable mobile computers offer a robust, hands-free tech solution which enables warehouse workers the freedom to focus on the job in-hand. Read More >>
25 January 2019
Over the last decade, the level of connectivity offered by the mobile devices that we carry with us has evolved from a luxury feature to an essential part of our everyday lives.
With that in mind, it’s little surprise that connectivity has become just as essential in the workplace. It’s especially important in environments where mobile workers rely on the connectivity between the mobile device they use and a central management system in order to do their job. Read More >>
18 January 2019
Back in the late 1800s, the introduction of hoists shook up warehousing operations across the world. In the early 1900s, forklifts did the same all over again, boosting productivity for commerce businesses of all kinds. Fast forward a hundred years or so, and it’s time for the next big revolution: automation. It’s clear that significant changes are afoot, and while the world’s big-budget businesses are the ones making the most notable moves at present, all signs point to robots and artificial intelligence becoming the norm in warehouses of all sizes before too long. Could you be next? Read More >>
18 December 2018
Mobile computing systems have the power to revolutionise operational processes across a vast range of industries, but to what extent are businesses taking advantage of this?To find out just how mobile technology is viewed and implemented right now, we gathered the thoughts and opinions of industry customers and partners* to create our Mobile Computing Survey 2018 – click the link below to see what our key findings were. Read More >>
05 December 2018
With Black Friday behind us, the year’s busiest retail season is well and truly here. For many businesses, the countdown to Christmas holds more commercial opportunity than any other time of year, so the pressure is on to optimise processes and maximise profits. Read More >>
12 October 2018
Part of our commitment to providing mobile solutions that facilitate operational excellence is understanding how mobile technology is perceived and implemented by different industries. To what extent are mobile computing systems already helping businesses achieve their goals, and in which areas could extra support or information be put to use? Read More >>
04 September 2018
Your customers probably don’t spend much time thinking about what happens in your business’s warehouses, and that’s exactly the way it should be. The complexities of warehouse management happen in the background; a continuous cycle of logistical processes that ensures each order gets where it needs to be and when. Read More >>
09 August 2018
In most busy warehouses, the only constant is change. With inventory continuously moving from one place to another, a stream of new and updated picking instructions and a large rotational team of warehouse personnel, the efficiency of your supply chain relies on smooth operational processes. Vehicle mounted computer systems can provide a robust infrastructure for the day-to-day running of your commercial warehouses, helping your business tackle everyday challenges and move towards a futureproof way of working. Read More >>
12 July 2018
Designed to withstand the unpredictability of demanding outdoor working environments, rugged mobile solutions are ideal for the waste management industry. Yet, rugged mobile systems have benefits for waste management that extend far beyond simple suitability; the right hardware can help to optimise operational performance and efficiency, cut costs and provide invaluable business insight. Read More >>
22 May 2018
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30 April 2018
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23 January 2018
Back in the late 1800s, the introduction of hoists shook up warehousing operations across the world. In the early 1900s, forklifts did the same all over again, boosting productivity for commerce businesses of all kinds. Fast forward a hundred years or so, and it’s time for the next big revolution: automation. Read More >>
24 August 2017
Mobile devices are all but essential in a modern warehouse environment, but choosing the right ones can be daunting. Whether you’ve only recently realised their importance or are looking to upgrade existing hardware, you’ll have no doubt considered both rugged and consumer handsets. Which option is right for you? The truth is that both have their benefits, and it pays to understand these before making any decisions. Read More >>
10 February 2017
A recent report looking at the logistics sector in the UK has shown a slight rise in confidence among businesses. Following four successive reports of a fall in confidence levels, this rise is seen as significant, although the level still remains lower than the highs of 2014 and 2015. Read More >>