Smartphone platform and new peripherals launched

Complemented by new, innovative peripherals such as the intrinsically safe Cube 800 thermal image video camera and the explosion-proof Smart-Ex Watch, the Smart-Ex 02 accompanies the mobile worker in a wide range of tasks and provides future-proof solutions. In addition, ecom presents its new product line ‘Digital Products and Services’ which offers a comprehensive solution for the staging and management of mobile devices as well as device analytics.

With a large 12.7cm display and powerful features, good ergonomics and an optimised accessory concept, the newly developed Smart-Ex 02 is the most advanced intrinsically safe smartphone for zone 1/21 and Div. 1. In addition, global Ex and approval certifications enable worldwide use and global rollouts. The Smart-Ex 02 supports 21 different LTE frequency bands.

It is delivered unlocked and without a SIM card. With the latest Android 9 operating system, the smartphone is particularly fast, secure and efficient. The Smart-Ex 02 will also be the first device certified for Zone 1/21 and Div. 1 to meet Google's demanding Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) validation.

The AER validation ensures consistent, easy deployment and management of mobile solutions through hardware, OS support and regular security patches. The worldwide support of Pepperl+Fuchs also ensures safe operations. Short distances to the service technicians enable fast help with questions and problems. Users also benefit from the collaboration with ecom's own system engineers and development teams, who can advise and support with changing software requirements.

Depending on requirements, the Smart-Ex 02 can be supplemented with numerous additional, coordinated and optimised peripheral devices from ecom such as headsets, microphones, video cameras, scanners or Bluetooth beacons and smartwatches.

With its new product line ‘Digital Products and Services’, ecom offers a solution that combines automated staging, mobile device management and device analytics, and can be used as a full-fledged enterprise mobility management system if desired.

The Smart-Ex 02, as well as all other mobile devices from ecom, can leave production at the customer's request with the necessary configuration secured in a container, such as security settings, application or wireless setup. Thus, they can be used by the mobile worker immediately and anywhere after delivery without further error-prone manual configuration.

On request, device diagnostics and device analytics can collect real-time operating data and error analyses of the mobile devices, permanently monitoring their condition and remedying malfunctions preventively or directly. The devices can be managed via the ecom online platform and updated at any time during operation (over-the-air), without having to be sent to the local IT department or even to the head office.

The hosting of cloud servers in Germany meets the highest data protection standards and enables high data availability and security. One-time staging or enrolling can also done internally via ecom's own production servers, if required.

Additionally, the platform enables the detection of critical software events or software installations and other security-critical processes through the analysis of historical data. Statistical accumulation of events can be used to establish correlations and causalities, for example between software errors, geographical data and Wifi coverage.

For hands-free operation in potentially dangerous areas, the Smart-Ex 02 can be extended by the Ex-camera Cube 800, formed by the cooperation between Librestream and ecom. This intrinsically safe thermal image video camera is certified for use in Zone 1 / Div. 1 Ex environments. Workers can safely inspect processes and analyse complex assets. The Cube 800 enables simultaneous streaming of HD and infrared video.

Upon request, pictures and documents are also available live in the digital workspace. Experts as well as the control room can support the technician live on site. This way, remote diagnostics are possible, critical areas in the plant can be identified using thermal images and instructions for repair can be given remotely.

For a new form of hands-free cooperation and better employee protection in hazardous areas, the Smart-Ex 02 can also be synchronised with the ecom Smart-Ex Watch (based on the Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch). Integrated GPS and motion sensors make monitoring of the current status regarding critical values possible and guarantee rapid location determination in case of an emergency.

A hands-free navigation simplifies operation and a rotatable bezel allows quick and easy scrolling through apps and commands, even with gloves. Hands-free workflows and operator communication support enterprise-wide solutions. The Smart-Ex Watch is fully B2B-capable, offering up to five days of performance and up to 28.5 hours of GPS time.