TOUGHBOOK Innovation Forum: Rethinking Enterprise IT Without Limits

Our latest TOUGHBOOK Innovation Forum (TIF) in Bracknell brought together a focused cohort of customers and partners, to tackle the challenges that IT teams face – and how ‘As-a-Service’ models can keep mobile teams working reliably and efficiently.

written by: Drew Braithwaite, Sales Engineering Manager, at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK

Technology Trajectory: What Enterprises Really Think

Panasonic TIFs are always interactive affairs, whereby customers and partners can shape our innovation roadmap. This time, we decided to do something a little different, asking particpants to evaluate emerging technologies on a spectrum from “Too Soon” to “Game Changer,” specifically in the context of mobile field operations.

This really opened everyone’s eyes to how users perceive the value and maturity of different technologies – and where real adoption is happening versus hype.

From the discussion, vehicle routers and reliable connectivity tools stood out as true game-changers. Customers consistently highlighted how dependable connectivity directly impacts their daily performance and reduces operational friction. In contrast, technologies like private 5G networks seemed promising but weren’t seen as critical just yet, since current connectivity solutions already meet many of today’s needs.

Other innovations – such as on-device AI, AR and wearables, and AI computer vision for inspections – were generally rated as “interesting” but not yet ready for mainstream field use. What struck me most was how often simplicity and reliability came up: if a solution feels too complex or unproven, teams are hesitant to adopt it. Even tools such as AI chatbots – such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot – drew mixed reactions; some teams are experimenting, while others are cautious.

My biggest takeaway is the technologies that succeed are the ones that remove operational friction: the faster and more accurately a tool helps field teams get results, the quicker it gets adopted. Anything that adds unnecessary complexity slows progress and hampers productivity. While future-focused innovations will have their moment, today’s real game-changers are the tools that help people work more reliably, safely, and with fewer obstacles.

For decision-makers deploying mobile, rugged technology, the focus should be on practical, dependable solutions that solve real field challenges now, while keeping an eye on promising innovations that are still maturing.

Future Innovation in the Field

We were lucky enough to have Alpesh Doshi at a Panasonic TOUGHBOOK TIF for the first time. As founder and CEO of agile digital transformation advisory, Fintricity, he is well placed to explore how AI can be leveraged to transform operational efficiency for mobile workers.

Listening to Alpesh evangelise about how AI is reshaping field service, I realised that the potential is nothing short of transformative. For years, mobile workers have relied on connectivity and manual processes to get the job done, but that model is reaching its limits.

The next wave is about AI intelligence at the edge. Imagine a rugged device in the hands of a technician that can process complex queries, diagnose issues visually, and guide repairs without ever reaching out to the cloud.

Generative AI and agentic systems are at the heart of this shift. Where generative AI acts like a smart assistant by answering questions, creating content, and instantly summarising information instantly, agentic AI goes further. Together, they’ll enable field workers to not just log problems, but diagnose them, order parts, and schedule next steps without human intervention. For mobile workers, this means less time searching for answers and more time solving problems.

The practical applications have the potential to make a real, tangible difference in the field. compelling. AI can retrieve knowledge from local manuals in seconds, even in zero-signal environments. Visual diagnostics can identify equipment and suggest repair steps on-device, while predictive systems monitor health and prevent failures before they happen.

These capabilities don’t replace field workers; they augment their existing skills, empowering them to work safer, faster, and more accurately. One thing was clear from Alpesh’s presentation: the businesses that act today will set the standard for efficiency, resilience, and customer satisfaction tomorrow.

Enhancing Mobile IT With ‘As-a-Service’ Approach

Our Head of Go-to-Market, Chris Turner, overviewed the challenges facing IT decision makers responsible for procuring rugged technology.

Time and again, projects stall because of rigid budget cycles, devices in the field are often outdated or inconsistent, IT teams are stretched to the limit, and complex procurement processes slow everything down. These hurdles don’t just frustrate IT; they directly impact the efficiency and reliability of mobile teams on the ground.

This is where the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Mobile-IT As-A-Service (MaaS) model is so powerful. By bundling hardware, software, accessories, and services into a single, flexible subscription, we take the guesswork and friction out of field technology. Owning the full lifecycle, from manufacturing to dedicated servicing at TOUGHBOOK hubs in Budapest and Cardiff, enables us to maintain quality, support, and innovation every step of the way.

I’ve seen this approach transform operations for organisations like the AA, where our connected vehicle solutions have made mobile technicians faster, safer, and more efficient. A special thanks too, to Wendy Richardson, IT Operations Improvement & Innovation Manager at The AA, who, on the day, discussed how Panasonic and its partner ecosystem has revolutionised field efficiency for its fleet of mobile technicians, through its connected vehicle solution.

Our MaaS model perfectly encapsulates the TOUGHBOOK proposition – not only as a rugged hardware provider, but a full-service mobility partner that delivers reliable, and scalable solutions and support for field teams, 365 days a year.

Empowering Field Teams For the Future

During the day, we weren’t shy about tackling the challenges that businesses face – including rapidly evolving technology, stretched resources, a generational skills gap, and growing pressure for operate sustainably.

With mobility only increasing in complexity, enterprises therefore need to look at partnering with a true mobility partner, that can deliver long-term, collaborative solutions that empower field teams – today and in the future.

Learn how our Mobile-IT As-a-Service offering can revolutionise full lifecycle device management.

TOUGHBOOK Innovation Forum: Rethinking Enterprise IT Without Limits

Technology Trajectory: What Enterprises Really Think

Future Innovation in the Field

Enhancing Mobile IT With ‘As-a-Service’ Approach

Empowering Field Teams For the Future

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