When should I change my scanner or PDA’s for new ones especially now that the economy is down?

I have been in this industry for over 25 years half the time on the user’s side using Telxon, Symbol, and yes even MSI and now I am on the service side. I have heard almost every reason why companies make the difficult decision to change out the old gear and deploy new. I have witness many painful transitions and many smooth ones. I have to say that when changing out your old equipment for new equipment you get instant rewards and benefits but some of the time it does not make economic sense.

Some manufactures will tell you its time to change your gear because your model is being discontinued or end of life which sound a lot more terminal. Don’t panic. This is not the true end of your gear. Companies like DBK can keep your gear up and running for more than a decade after it has been end of life. We have many customers that will testify to that.

I always recommend that you ask yourself several questions before you continue down the path of refreshing your gear. If you answer yes to one of these then and only then should you explore a refresh.

• Is my business at risk because my wireless network and radio compatibility keep me from securing my network?
• Am I adding new software changes to my application that will make my existing equipment not run properly?
• Do I need to make this change to increase my productivity by adding new working tools to my work force?

Don’t be pressured into making a decision and always evaluate your business needs and not the business need of those selling you new equipment.

Luis Barroso
DBK Concepts-President

Tags: DBK, Industry, MSI, Symbol, Telxon