ATEX Mobile Computers and Scanners for Hazardous Areas
Mobile Data Capture with Smartphones, Tablets and Scanners for Hazardous Environments
Digital processes should not stop at the boundary of a hazardous area. ATEX mobile computers, scanners, smartphones and tablets enable safe and seamless data capture in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, refineries and other hazardous industrial environments.
ICS provides vendor-independent support in selecting suitable ATEX devices and accompanies your project from technical assessment and configuration through software integration and rollout to long-term lifecycle management.
Mobile Data Capture in Hazardous Areas Requires Specialized Solutions
In hazardous areas, mobile computers and ATEX scanners must meet requirements that go far beyond those of standard rugged devices. The appropriate certification for the respective hazardous zone, safe operation and reliable integration into existing processes and IT systems are key considerations.
Scanning performance, glove-friendly operation, battery life, approved accessories and long-term device support must also match the application. ICS takes a holistic approach to these requirements and recommends a solution that is safe, cost-effective and reliable over the long term.
What matters when selecting a device?
- Hazardous zone and device certification
- Gas or dust atmosphere
- Temperature class and operating environment
- Scanning performance and ergonomics
- Battery life and shift operation
- Connectivity and software
- Accessories and lifecycle services
Hazardous Zones for Gases and Dusts at a Glance
Hazardous areas are classified according to how frequently and for how long an explosive atmosphere may occur. A distinction is made between gases, vapours or mists and combustible dusts.
An explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
An explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
An explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation or, if it does, exists only for a short period.
An explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently.
An explosive dust atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally during normal operation.
An explosive dust atmosphere is not likely to occur during normal operation or, if it does, exists only for a short period.
The representation of hazardous zones is based on Directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX Workplace Directive), Annex I.
Important: The hazardous zone alone does not determine which device is suitable. Additional factors such as the equipment category, gas or dust group, temperature class, operating conditions and complete Ex marking must also be assessed.
Mobile Device Categories for Hazardous Areas
Explosion-protected mobile computers and scanners are available for a wide range of applications and working environments. The portfolio ranges from ATEX mobile computers and smartphones to tablets, barcode scanners, wearables, specialized solutions and compatible accessories.
ATEX Smartphones
ATEX smartphones support communication, photo documentation, digital checklists and app-based workflows in hazardous areas.
ATEX Tablets
Explosion-protected tablets provide large displays for equipment diagrams, work instructions, maintenance reports, checklists and comprehensive mobile applications.
ATEX Barcode Scanners
Explosion-protected barcode scanners capture 1D and 2D barcodes. Scanning range, barcode quality, operation and interfaces are selected to match the respective process.
ATEX Handheld Computers
ATEX handheld computers combine barcode capture, data processing and mobile communication. They support material transactions, inspections, inventory processes and maintenance tasks.
Add-ons and Wearables
Complementary solutions such as wearables, RFID and NFC readers or explosion-protected smartphone cases extend mobile applications for specialized use cases.
Accessories and Charging
Batteries, chargers, docking stations, mounts and carrying solutions must be compatible with both the device and the intended application. ICS assesses the complete device configuration.
Integrate ATEX Devices Securely Into Your Processes
Selecting suitable explosion-protected hardware is only the first step. What matters is that devices, applications, IT infrastructure and operational processes work together reliably.
ICS supports you from requirements analysis and vendor-independent device selection through evaluation units, configuration and staging to software and system integration and company-wide rollout.
We also consider long-term operation, with suitable support and lifecycle concepts and, where required, appropriate wireless and network infrastructure for hazardous areas.
Your Benefits with ICS
- Vendor-independent device selection
- ATEX, AIDC and integration expertise
- Connectivity and wireless infrastructure for hazardous areas
- Evaluation units and pilot projects
- Configuration, staging and rollout
- Software and system integration
- Support and lifecycle management
- Flexible procurement and financing models
- One point of contact for the entire project
Beyond Hardware: Complementary Solutions and Services for Hazardous Areas
Depending on your application, ICS complements your mobile hardware with suitable software solutions, centralized device management, flexible procurement models and labeling solutions.
Field Service Management Software
The 4Mobile Service FSM software supports mobile maintenance and service processes with digital checklists, equipment data and inspection reports.
Mobile Device Management
Mobile Device Management enables devices across multiple locations to be centrally configured, secured and managed – for example with the SOTI ONE Platform.
Hardware as a Service (HaaS)
HaaS combines flexible device provisioning with predictable costs and services such as rollout, swap pools, support and consistent IT lifecycle management.
Labels from Our Own Production
ICS supplies industrial and hazardous material labels as blank, preprinted or fully printed labels – including solutions for GHS labeling and equipment identification.
Customer Success Story: Explosion-Protected Devices at Momentive Performance Materials
Momentive Performance Materials required a standardized device solution for mobile processes in hazardous production areas across several European sites.
Together with Momentive and BARTEC, ICS evaluated explosion-protected smartphones and smart scanners for Zone 1 and tested them during live operations. This was followed by a phased rollout in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Project at a glance
- Chemical production and Zone 1 hazardous areas
- Evaluation and testing during live operations
- Cross-site rollout in Germany and the United Kingdom
Manufacturer Partners for Explosion-Protected Mobile Devices
Frequently Asked Questions About ATEX Mobile Computers and Scanners
Contact us for expert advice on ATEX mobile computers and barcode scanners.
Max Tittlbach
Key Account Manager
Tel.: +49 30 473 920 200
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