Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Becomes Standard Issue for Harsh Environments

Barrett’s solutions can support voice, email, data, fax and tracking over thousands of kilometres. This sees them used by Governments for a range of applications – such as civil defence operations in the area of land based and maritime disaster management and search and rescue; navy patrols; or humanitarian communications to support the delivery of supplies and medical aid to refugees.

Before TOUGHBOOK came aboard, Barrett found its team was travelling to isolated locations to discover customers struggling with consumer-grade devices that were failing in the field and did not have the capability to support complex tasks. Environmental challenges, ranging from high humidity to extreme weather or dry and dusty conditions, meant devices were regularly damaged, increasing downtime and compromising operations.

Ben Jackson, International Support Manager, Barrett Communications, said, “Because traditional PC support was not readily available in these remote areas, it meant any damages or faults took days, and often weeks, to solve. There were also issues with limited battery life, which is a big problem for mobile workers in the field with no access to a power supply.”

Barrett needed a solution that would better serve end users in harsh, outlying locations. Not only has the guaranteed reliability and durability of TOUGHBOOK reduced the risk of failure in the field, it has the capability to support Barrett’s key HF data and tracking systems.

Another critical factor for Barrett Communications was the need for purpose built, reliable and durable technology to use during customer training at its Perth office or at in-country locations around the world. Training is designed to replicate customers’ field experiences and the company’s demonstration Military Land Rover and Commercial 76 Series Land Cruiser are now fitted out with a rugged TOUGHBOOK for demonstrations.

“TOUGHBOOK is perfect for remote field operations because it’s rugged and reliable to military standards. Often, we’re working without mains power and with intermittent generators, so we need technology that has extended battery life. The ultra bright TOUGHBOOK screen can be easily read in the strongest direct sunlight; and the unit can stand up to use in swirling dust, powerful wind and driving rain,” Ben Jackson said.