Mobile Computing Versatility Critical in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The unique environment of pharmaceutical manufacturing poses a multitude of challenges for workers, from lab technicians to warehouse operatives. They need a rugged device that is easy to manage, can withstand rapid changes in temperature, severe vibrations and being dropped, and can be used in multiple environments in quick succession – all whilst delivering superior levels of performance and connectivity to handle large swathes of data.

The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector requires a device that can be used for multiple purposes; carrying more than one device just isn’t an option. Therefore, they require a single solution that is easy and intuitive to operate.

Modularity, versatility, and security a key USP

This is where Panasonic’s TOUGHBOOK G2mk2 and 33mk3 come into their own. As two of the most customisable rugged tablets available, the latest iterations of the G2 and 33 take modularity to new levels, and can be used as tablets or a traditional notebook thanks to a detachable keyboard. 

Both can accommodate fingerprint readers, ideal for users that need to authenticate secure access to sensitive or mission critical data – such as testing data or information around clinical trials and vaccine production. 

The G2mk2 and 33mk3 can also accommodate barcode, smartcard and RFID readers, ideal for logging and processing test tube samples and patient data. Furthermore, the G2mk2’s Top Expansion Area is compatible with a MicroSD memory card slot, enabling personnel to quickly access and transfer important data between devices.

Increased data calls for increased performance

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is harnessing the power of big data to increase innovation and reduce the time to medicine discovery, development and availability, using AI technologies to accelerate research and development programs. 

This has a knock-on effect throughout the entire industry, with different personas needing a device that can comfortably handle complex data sets and run multiple applications. The TOUGHBOOK G2mk2 and 33mk3 feature market-leading performance, both utilising the 12th generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor range, enabling the most demanding applications to be run on Windows 11 Pro.

Ruggedised solutions key for each persona
The multi-purpose design of the 33mk3 and G2mk2 enables them to be used across a full spectrum of roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing. For example, they can be mounted into forklifts when used in warehouses, and detached when required for additional applications elsewhere. Both devices can be equipped with hot swappable twin batteries for continuous use.

The military-grade ruggedness and IP65-rated water and dust resistance capabilities of the G2mk2 and 33mk3 make both devices ideal for any job role, without any fear of drops, knocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures affecting productivity.

The ability to clean and wipe devices thoroughly is essential for using solutions across different personas in pharmaceuticals; any cross-contamination is unacceptable. All TOUGHBOOK devices are rigorously tested with common pharmaceutical cleaning solutions for easy sanitisation, with the glove-enabled touchscreen allowing for subsequent use when wearing gloves, enabling vital accuracy without compromising sanitation.

And while other devices use cooling fans that can bring in foreign particles, TOUGHBOOK devices do not – helping keep cleanrooms clean.

Panasonic’s experience of working with major pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers for more than 20 years has provided it with the insight into what mobile workers and their IT support teams require from a rugged mobile device. Ultimately, decision makers in pharmaceutical manufacturing should be looking to a technology provider than can work to create customised solutions and support, as per an organisation’s requirements.