Educating the Utilities Market on Rugged Mobility at Utility Week Live 2025

There is sometimes an assumption that the utilities industry is well-resourced in technology terms. However, speaking to attendees at Utility Week Live, it’s clear that there remains a significant knowledge gap on the importance of deploying fit-for-purpose devices. 

Firstly, utilities companies need to understand the unique requirements of each worker within their organisation. There will be different age profiles, locations, working environments, and application requirements in each organisation – all of which will influence what each mobile worker requires in their mobile devices and support infrastructure.

Without first doing this, many utilities companies continue to utilise non-rugged devices, attempting to maximise their value despite inherent limitations. These organisations often perceive rugged devices as an expense rather than an enabler of efficiency and productivity.

It is crucial to shift this perception by highlighting the long-term benefits of rugged devices, which deliver a vastly superior return on investment, and lower total cost of ownership (TCO). This includes enhanced battery life that can last a full shift, reliable connectivity, superior screen brightness and size, robust processing power, and modularity – not to mention the end-to-end lifecycle support provided by a trusted mobility partner such as Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. 

These elements are vital for delivering long-term efficiency and productivity with a durable, fit-for-purpose solution built for demanding environments.

The transition from Windows 10 to 11 remains a pressing issue within the utilities sector. With just four months until Windows 10 reaches end-of-life, there is a palpable sense of urgency to migrate to ensure enhanced security and operational efficiency. This is where Panasonic can help facilitate a smooth transition, providing the necessary support and compatibility to minimise any operational disruption. 

With many still asking about the finer details of transitioning, utilities will hopefully prioritise this upon returning from the NEC!

Ultimately, Utility Week Live highlighted the critical need to educate the attending IT service management professionals, operations directors, and procurement heads on the benefits of not only deploying rugged devices in the field, but also of having a trusted mobility partner backing them up. 

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK remains dedicated to supporting the utilities sector with cutting-edge technology and comprehensive services that drive operational excellence and long-term success.