1. What IP Rating Do I Really Need?
IP65 is the minimum for factory floors — it means dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. If your environment has heavy washdowns (food processing, chemical plants), look for IP67 or IP68. A consumer tablet will fail within weeks on a factory floor.
2. Android or Windows?
Android 12+ offers better app compatibility for custom industrial software, longer battery optimization, and lower cost. Windows is necessary if your team runs legacy desktop apps or requires Active Directory integration. Most field service teams prefer Android for its touch-first interface.
3. Is the Screen Readable Outdoors?
Standard screens are 300-400 nits. For outdoor or warehouse use, you need 700+ nits or a sunlight-readable panel. Ask the supplier for the actual brightness spec — some list “high brightness” but only deliver 500 nits.
4. Can I Customize the Tablet with My Logo?
Many B2B industrial tablet suppliers (including WinTouch) offer OEM customization: logo printing, custom boot screen, pre-loaded apps, and even custom housing colors. Minimum order quantities vary — some accept as low as 50 units.
5. What About Battery Life in Real Conditions?
Lab battery specs are measured under ideal conditions. Ask for real-world battery life: continuous screen-on time, standby time, and whether the battery is hot-swappable. For 8-hour shifts, you need at least 10,000 mAh or a hot-swap design.
6. Does It Support Barcode Scanners and RFID?
If your team scans inventory or assets, confirm the tablet supports 1D/2D barcode scanning and optional RFID modules. Not all rugged tablets come with a built-in scanner — some require a USB sled.
7. What Accessories Are Available?
A tablet alone isn’t enough. Check for: vehicle docks, desk stands, hand straps, shoulder straps, keyboard cases, and multi-bay charging stations. Accessory availability often determines whether a tablet works in your specific workflow.
8. How Long Will the Supplier Support This Model?
Industrial deployments last 3-5 years. Ask the supplier: how long will this model be in production? Will replacement parts (batteries, chargers, screen assemblies) be available for at least 3 years? Some consumer tablet makers drop support after 18 months.
9. What Is the MOQ and Lead Time?
Minimum order quantities vary widely: some suppliers require 500+ units, others accept 10-50 for pilot runs. Lead times also differ — standard models may ship in 2-3 weeks, while custom orders can take 6-8 weeks. Always ask before you plan your deployment timeline.
10. Do You Have Certifications for My Market?
CE, FCC, and RoHS are table stakes. If you’re selling into Europe, you need CE marking. For the US, FCC certification. Some industries (medical, hazardous locations) require additional certifications like UL or ATEX. Confirm before ordering.
Ready to Choose Your Industrial Tablet?
WinTouch offers a full range of rugged tablets from 7 to 13 inches, with IP65 protection, Android 12+, and OEM customization. Contact us for a quote or sample unit.
