Mobile Technology (The Golden Oldies)

In a recent blog post, we mentioned the importance of having accurate census data and how the TOPAZ Mobile Census application is a key part of this picture. The Mobile Census application has been around, in one form or another, for over 20 years. For a while it was called, rather snappily, TOPAZ Tracks, complete with little paw print logo.  Today, it still runs on devices that use the Windows Mobile operating system, which has been long since discontinued by Microsoft. So, why are we still using it?

Topaz Mobile Census applications

The answer is that the devices are still widely used for inventory in a range of industries. They are still available and they have proven remarkably robust. To date, with only one exception, Microsoft’s discontinuation has not caused any issues. In many cases, customers have a sunk investment into the hardware. For a few customers who work in higher BSL facilities, there may actually be many of these devices. These factors, coupled with the fact that we are always busy here at TOPAZ, means we are still reliant on these devices!

The Mobile Census application itself is actually deceptively complex, which adds to the inertia. While many customers use it “just for scanning”, it can also support RFID, can work in two different “modes” (which we secretly call “smart mode” and “dumb mode”), and can allow optional features like the ability to change cage types on the fly.

The hardware providers who sell to all the mega users (Walmart, Fedex, airlines, etc.) are moving to similar devices based on the Android operating system, which, after a few years of uncertainty, seems to have become the new de facto standard. Unfortunately, the old devices, while perfectly robust, are not “upgradeable” to Android.

In the next couple of years TOPAZ will bow to the inevitable and look to migrate Mobile Census to Android so that we can support the current generation of devices, but until then, Elements will continue to support the Windows Mobile devices for the foreseeable future.

You May Also Like…

Clarifying the Reporting Requirements

Clarifying the Reporting Requirements

It's Important to stay aware The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) released its “Request for Information (RFI) on Clarifying the Reporting Requirements for Departures from the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory...

How does Health Check Work?

How does Health Check Work?

In our last blog post, we detailed the importance of conducting regular Health Checks. This week, we will take a look at the different ways that a Health Check can be done, as well as other factors that should be considered when evaluating your processes.   What is a...

The Importance of Regular Software Health Checks

The Importance of Regular Software Health Checks

Purchasing laboratory management software may seem like the obvious fix for an institution’s productivity. Robust software that streamlines processes and improves workflow are highly valued and touted as a must-have for any organization with an animal research...