Panasonic Computer Solutions and Venture Development Corp. (VDC) have jointly published a white paper addressing the importance of using total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis in acquiring mobile technology solutions. The paper, entitled “Mapping Technical and Operational Challenges of Mobile Computing Deployments: Using TCO Analysis to Identify the Ideal Mobile Computing Solution for Frontline Workers,” is available at http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/about-knowledge-center-white-paper.asp.
According to Panasonic, supply chain logistics and transportation organizations often make mobile investment decisions with incomplete information or have a general misunderstanding of the environments in which their solutions are to be deployed. Combined with the economic climate, Panasonic said, companies will make decisions based on perceived savings because of the purchase price. VDC said mobile device purchase price accounts for less than 30% of total deployment costs.
“Unfortunately, it’s fairly common for companies to make mobile technology purchases based on insufficient data,” said Kyp Walls, director, product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions. “This often results in a poor return on investment and lost revenue and efficiency opportunities. We believe this white paper will empower companies with mobile technology needs to make more informed decisions, resulting in a positive long term impact.”
The white paper outlines the hard and soft costs associated with mobility projects and discusses improving mobile investments decisions through TCO analysis; the evolution of mobile computing; segmenting mobile workers; the impact of TCO; and performing an accurate TCO analysis.
