Connecting Government Agencies to Field Staff and Beyond · 2018-08-27 · mobile devices and field force automation solutions for your needs and budget. Mobile devices and the networks

Breaking Down Walls With Digital TechnologyConnecting Government Agencies to Field Staff and Beyond

FeaturingIntel® Core™ i7 vPro™ processor

Contents

Executive Summary

Topics

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8 Tips for Successful Field Mobilization ............................................................................................................................

Usability and Versatility ......................................................................................................................................

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Reliability and Durability.......................................................................................................................................

Security ......................................................................................................................................................................

Performance ................................................................................................................................................................

Compatibility

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Serviceability..........................................................................................................................................................

Unified Solution ................................................................................................................................................

Success story: Cafcass Customer

Lightweight, High-performance from the Office to the Field .....................................................................................

Interoperability ....................................................................................................................................................

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Developing a Field Force Automation Strategy .................................................................................................................... 4

02FeaturingIntel® Core™ i7 vPro™ processor

The diversity and bureaucratic nature of government agencies have complicated communication for decades. But today digital technologies offer a path to connectivity and information sharing that could help break the gridlock. Innovative mobile and field force automation (FFA) technologies are helping state and federal government agencies break down the walls that hindered cooperation and decision making between offices and field personnel.

From transportation, highways, and public works to healthcare, social, and financial aid agencies, the missions are as varied as the communities they serve. Infrastructure projects can take government employees from crowded downtowns to remote rural settings for site surveys, safety checks, or construction work. Social workers may need to make home visits, attend cross-town meetings, and lengthy court hearings, all in one shift. Wherever their duties take them, field personnel must constantly update the main office with situational data and assessments, file reports, and receive instructions.

Before smartphones and mobile computers, much of the feedback from the field was based on the employee’s perception and their best judgment. Some of this information was documented, some were anecdotal and subject to loss or degradation, leading to poor decision-making and human errors.

Today, this powerful combination of mobile technologies and field force automation (FFA) tools are already transforming public safety agencies who currently lead the government sector in digital transformation initiatives.

Now it’s time for all state and federal agencies to re-architect themselves: to break down information silos, streamline processes, and cut costs by leveraging the latest mobile devices and technologies, now field-tested by public safety.

This document is designed to help ensure that your mobile device platform selection and processes provide the power, reliability, and flexibility you need to achieve your mission — in the office, in the field, or ten flights up in the air.

Executive Summary


Developing a Field ForceAutomation Strategy

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While public safety professionals are accustomed to using mobile devices to help them stay fully informed and responsive in the field, it was not an easy path to adoption. As state and federal agency budgets continue to shrink and resources are often spread too thin, the decision as to which mobile platformto standardize on is critical.

While the goal of all government departments is to do more with less, one factor should take precedence in the decision-making process: if you intend to leverage field force automation (FFA) and mobile technologies, then the devices you deploy must be able to power and supportthem — easily, rapidly and reliably.

They must be powerful, able to receive and process real-time voice, video and high-volume data in the field. To encourage adoption by agency personnel, they must be intuitive, easy to use and, most importantly, must perform every task without fail.

Considering the wide range of duties and environments assigned to government field workers, it’s critical to develop a strategy based on not only the requirements of your agency, such as cost, value, and serviceability, but also the unique needs of your end users.


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8 Tips forSuccessful Field MobilizationHere are eight ‘must have’ features to focus on when evaluating mobile devices and their manufacturers for public safety use:

1. Interoperability

2. Usability and Versatility

3. Reliability and Durability

4. Security

8. Unified Solution

7. Serviceability

6. Compatibility

5. Performance


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1. Interoperability

Whether performing a site survey or a home visit, good field work has alwaysbeen about collecting and sharing information, getting it analyzed and makingit actionable for everyone invested in the outcome. But seamless integration with diverse data sources, systems, devices, and applications is critical to success.

Technology that ‘doesn’t play nicely with others’ might help vendors lock in customers, but it doesn’t help customers who need their solutions to be interoperable without costly vendor integration projects. And that depends almost entirely on your agency choosing the most advanced and adaptive mobile devices and field force automation solutions for your needs and budget.

Mobile devices and the networks that connect to them must enable field personnel to access information when they need it, record information quickly, and share it using whatever broadband or wireless channels are available to them. The goal is to drastically reduce manual tasks and downtime. The result is agencies ‘doing more with less’.


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To support field force automation, you should ensure that the mobile devices you select offer the following connectivity options:

Interoperability with mission-critical applications and other IP-based equipment, such as body cameras for capturing, sharing, and automatically storing feeds via the device used in the field.

The ability to easily transition from 3G and 4G LTE cellular broadband networks and Wi-Fi, so that field personnel stay connected in and out of their vehicles and wherever duty takes them.

Bluetooth® to connect to peripherals used in the field, such as microphones and headsets. Bluetooth will also enable future capabilities, such as Bluetooth beacons to help pinpoint emergency locations in big cities where GPS-based 911 is notoriously difficult.

Support for your preferred operating system, back-office systems, and software without requiring constant hardware replacement and downtime. A generous number of connectivity options including VGA DP, USB 3.0, SD card slot and HDMI as well as a docking port for expandability and connectivity back at the office.


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2. Usability and Versatility

Government agency field workers can find themselves in sensitive or unpredictable situations in a matter of minutes. They may need to record videos of a bridge collapse, search inter-departmental databases, file reports, interview family members, or take depositions in cramped quarters or out in the open in all kinds of weather. Therefore, ease of use and versatility is critical to performing tasks quickly and effectively in the field.

The most cost-effective option for versatility is the 2-in-1 or hybrid tablet/PC. There has been a major shift recently in the consumer market from single-purpose tablets to multipurpose tablet PCs. It’s notable that public safety agencies are following suit. Half of the public safety IT teams recently surveyed by TECHanalysis Research had already deployed 2-in-1s.1 And they plan on deploying nearly twice as many over the next 12 months. In the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, why not reach out and learn from their experience?

For your agency to select the right type of device with the right features and field force automation capabilities, you need to understand what your field personnel want, but more importantly, how and where they’ll be using their devices. For instance, dual digitizers that allow you to use either your finger or a stylus for input may seem like a luxury, but this nice-to-have feature can become a necessity if you need to annotate an e-doc quickly, or have gloves on, or just prefer to use a pen.

1Trends in Public Safety Devices; http://www.technalysisresearch.com/downloads/Fujitsu%20Public%20Safety%20Devices%20White%20Paper_V3T4B.PDF


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As you adopt new technologies and more powerful applications, you’ll discover that the processing requirements may vary widely. That’s why it’s important to work with a vendor that understands your needs and can offer a variety of form factors and screen sizes to support new solutions and upgrades. Remember, your technology investment may be wasted if the mobile devices you deploy cannot support them with speed, ease of use, and reliability field staff require.

Other device features:

Lightweight foreasy portability with less fatigue

Small footprint, but with full-sized features and performance Pen and

Touch Technology

Backlit keyboardsfor easy visibility

in low-light settings

Daylight displayto avoid glare


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3. Reliability and Durability

Where public sector projects are concerned, field force equipment needs to work. The citizens you serve and the workers you employ depend on you to provide reliable technology and devices. It’s also up to you to choose products that result in fewer repairs and lower total cost of ownership and support.

Because equipment in the field takes a beating, ruggedness is key to a long life in public safety. You should look for a typical lifespan of 5 to 7 years, and select a vendor who will continue to support and help you maintain your equipment long after purchase.

Make sure your mobile devices are U.S. Military Standard (MIL-STD) 810G certifiedfor shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, altitude, and dust to ensure they canstand up to a variety of environments. When devices fail, public safety regresses from the speed and efficiency of automation to the manual intervention of times past - an unacceptable response.


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Other device features:

Long battery lifeThe number one complaint of field personnel is that their equipment

needs to recharge or that they need to carry spare batteries. Because the shift doesn’t end until the situation is resolved, look for devices, especially

tablets, with a long battery life.

Shock-resistanceSpeed, swerving and abrupt stops are all common occurrences, so look for protective casings, shock-absorbing mounts, Solid State Drives (SSDs) or shock-resistant drives that move the computer’s read-write head to a safe zone to minimize the risk of a head

crash and data loss.

Spill-resistant keyboardsThese help avoid

all-too-common mishaps that bring productivity to a standstill

and patrol cars back to the station.


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4. Security

With major security breaches occurring on almost a weekly basis,improving data security is a big concern of state and federal IT leaders. If the personal or proprietary information is stolen and released to the public or used to extort or otherwise compromise citizens or businesses, the impactcan be devastating. To ensure that your mobile devices comply with regulationsfrom federal as well as local agency security requirements, make sure that the mobile devices you deploy support VPN access, software and hardware–based encryption, and sophisticated multi-layer authentication, including the latest biometrics.

In addition to these requirements, it is critical to educate and encourage mobile device users to take responsibility for the condition and safety of their laptops, tablets or PCs. That’s why choosing a technology vendor with deep experience, implementing mobile solutions in your sector, is important for the long-term success of your mobility initiative.

One in three employees believed they were more likely to be struck

by lightning than have their work data compromised.2

2https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/16/only-13-percent-of-government-employees-take-personal-responsibility-for-cybersecurity-survey-finds.html


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Authenticating UsersOther must-have security features to look for include: Authenticating users is the first line of defense for any government

security policy. Multi-layer authentication improves security by requiring a minimum of two forms of information to determine identity. These have typically been ‘what the user knows’, such as a password or PIN, and ‘what the user has’, such as a smart card or One-time Password (OTP) tokens.

Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated. Passwords can be hacked, and smart cards get stolen or even scanned wirelessly from afar. To combat this, a third factor — biometrics, or ‘what the user is’ has been added to the mix. Biometrics is the strongest protective option because it uses physical traits exclusive to the individual. Unlike passwords or ID cards, biometrics can’t be lost or forgotten. Among various biometrics, palm-vein sensors have emerged as the most secure form of biometric authentication.

HDD and BIOS password protection: While BIOS passwords make it impossible to boot the device without a password,this still doesn’t prevent someone from removing the hard drive and inserting it into another device. HDD password protection adds an additional layer of protection to help better secure the device.

Self-encrypting drives: If a device is stolen or compromised, hardware encryption is your second line of defense. Self-encrypting drives (SEDs) use hardware encryption that essentially turns a compromised hard drive into a brick. OPAL is the Trusted Computing Group (TCG's) specification for the SED function.


5. Performance

Performance is all about processing power. State of the art today is the 8th Generation Intel® Core i7™ v-Pro™ processor. If you want a blazing fast start-up, high-speed downloads and mobile devices purpose-built for field force automation — today and into the future — accept no substitutes.

Other must-have security features to look for include:

More productivity: 2.5x faster than a 5-year-old PC

Greater responsiveness: new Speed Shift Technology delivers 45% improved responsiveness compared to processors without this technology

Better visualization: 3D graphics are 30x better than a 5-year-old PC

Longer battery life: up to 10 hours


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6. Compatibility

The mobile solutions you provide your government agency field force must be compatible with other equipment, your preferred operating system, applications, and back-office systems. They need to meet the physical and automation needs of the unique types of field workers you employ — what they do and how they work.

Look for manufacturers that offer multiple form factors and screen sizes, but also have strong partnerships with industry leaders that can provide complete, turnkey solutions ready for vehicle installation. To ensure you have the right footprint, features, and capabilities that will meet and exceed the expectations of your field personnel, work with vendors who offer trial discounts or evaluation installations to get hands-on experience and field feedback before full fleet deployment.

Finally, standardizing on the same software, devices, and mounting systems will provide a consistent user experience across all government vehicles. Your fieldusers won’t need to relearn how to use their equipment. Regardless of the vehicle size or type, personnel will feel right at home so they can focus on the job at hand, operating securely, at top efficiency.

And lastly, field personnel may end up spending hours in cramped or uncomfortable spaces, so consider compatibility beyond the obvious requirements like durability and ergonomic adjustability. Features such as cup holders and control brackets for mounting equipment can make their jobs easier.


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7. Serviceability

After-sale service is critical to both your budget and your ability to keep your people productive and connected in the field. The rough treatment of devices by construction foremen or first responders, for example, can take its toll on even the most reliable devices.

As you evaluate mobile devices and field force automation solutions, you’ll want to strike a balance between premium product quality, low-maintenance technology, affordability, and superior support and serviceability from your supplier.

hyper converged


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You also might wish to inquire about the following to get the most from your investment:

You also might wish to inquire about the following to get the most from your investment:

Extended warranty programsand leasing that allow for regular technology refresh

Accidental damage protection insurance

Hot-swappable components

Having a flexible variety of support, service, and finance programs available to you from your supplier ensures that you’ll find one that best fits the changing needs of your government agency — from the familiar office desktop to field staff’s favorite convertible laptop.

Professional services for deployment and

integration assistance


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8. Unified Solution

Government agencies, at all levels, continue to be under intense budget pressure. But that doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality or fail to equip your field personnel with state-of-the-art mobile and field force automation technologythat helps them serve citizens — and save money.

To help reduce your total cost of ownership, consider a vendor that has the breadth of products and partnerships that can provide you with a complete end-to-end solution, from back-end servers to front-end mobile devices.

A single-vendor solution addresses multiple and often competing requirements, such as:

Shortening the procurement process with a single contract Keeping your backup inventory lean Simplifying training and usage Minimizing compatibility issues

Straightforward troubleshooting; if there’s a problem, you know where to go


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Cafcass CustomerSuccess Story

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) is a non-departmental public body established in England to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in family court proceedings. Every year Cafcass outreach workers help over 140,000 children and young people.

Portable end-user devices enable Cafcass field workers to gather sensitive information, whether they’re at home, in the office, in court, or on the road. However, the organization hadn’t refreshed its fleet of 2,000 Fujitsu tablets and laptops since the original deployment, and it was time for an upgrade — a considerable investment. Cafcass needed lighter, longer lasting, more flexible laptops and hybrid models with touchscreen functionality, and Windows 10 installed. The review team evaluated eight devices, including Fujitsu’s, in several field trials, and asked employees to rank their performance, reliability, and usability.

Following the extensive testing, Cafcass selected the FUJITSU Tablet LIFEBOOK P727 and the FUJITSU Notebook LIFEBOOK U747, both of which enabled easy handling and reliable access to case management software, Office 365, and specialist HR and financial applications.

“It was the little things that really stood out, such as the robustness of hinges on hybrid models, the number of USB and VGA ports available, as well as where the touchscreen pen was docked and how it was charged,” explained Rob Langley, CIO, Cafcass. “The multiple USB ports means staff won’t need to use adapters, unlike in some other models.”


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Cafcass now enjoys improved functionality and better productivity using the Fujitsu devices. Moreover, battery life lasts for a full day, meaning employees don’t need to carry a charger when visiting homes or court.

Long battery life and durable build quality improves productivity for remote workers

Flexible touchscreen interface promotes child interaction

Multiple USB 3.1, USB Type C and a VGA port remove the need for additional accessories

The dockable and chargeable stylus doesn’t require batteries Fingerprint identification enables users to log on in less than two seconds

Mobile workers can boot up in secondsand now have the confidence that the

technology will be available whenever they need it,” says Anji Owens, Assistant Director,

Cafcass. “Everything about the new kit is better — it’s quicker, slicker, and

the touchscreen has helped transform how we work and interact with children.”

Key Benefits:


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Lightweight, High-performance from the Office to the Field

The new LIFEBOOK U747 is a slim, ultra-mobile notebook for Cafcass professionals, supporting optimum mobility by weighing only 1.43 kg. Ergonomic viewing is promoted with the anti-glare HD touch display options, while the embedded fingerprint sensor provides outstanding security. Smart design combines legacy interfaces, such as full-size VGA and easy upgradeability, with a thin, durable housing.

LIFEBOOK U747

LIFEBOOK P727

The FUJITSU Tablet LIFEBOOK P727 is an ultra-light, portable 2-in-1 device with a day-long battery that enables an agile, multi-mode working style, including as a tablet, laptop or ‘tent’. It ships with the Windows 10 Pro operating system and offers industry-leading authentication technology for Cafcass’ enterprise security needs.


Intel®11

FUJITSU AMERICA, INC.

Address: 1250 East Arques Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085-3470, U.S.A.Telephone: 800 831 3183 or 408 746 6000Website: http://solutions.us.fujitsu.comContact Form: http://solutions.us.fujitsu.com/contactHave a question? Email us at: [email protected]

Fujitsu, the Fujitsu logo, STYLISTIC, LIFEBOOK, and “shaping tomorrow with you” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fujitsu Limited in the United States and other countries. CELSIUS is a trademark of or registered trademark of Fujitsu Technology Solutions in the United States and other countries. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Core, Intel vPro, Core Inside and vPro Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

The statements provided herein are for informational purposes only and may be amended or altered by Fujitsu America, Inc. without notice or liability. Product description data represents Fujitsu design objectives and is provided for comparative purposes; actual results may vary based on a variety of factors. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Copyright© 2018 Fujitsu America, Inc.

All rights reserved.

FPC65-7626-02 03/17

Choosing the right mobile device to roll out field force automation across an entire department is a big responsibility. Hopefully, this document will make the job a little easier. With more than 25 years of experience providing end-to-end solutions to all levels of government and through partnerships with industry leaders, Fujitsu offers government agencies a broad portfolio of mobile computing systems that meet all eight must-have features.

To learn more about Fujitsu Field Force Automation Mobile Solutions, please visit https://ffa.fai.fujitsu.com/ or call a representative at 1-800-FUJITSU.

FUJITSU for Government Field Force Automation


Documents

Connecting Government Agencies to Field Staff and Beyond · 2018-08-27 · mobile devices and field force automation solutions for your needs and budget. Mobile devices and the networks