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Editor’s note: our team conducted this device review for the Datalogic Memor 20 in February 2020.
MANUFACTURER: Datalogic
MODEL: Memor 20
OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 9 Pie
Datalogic recently added another addition to their growing roster of rugged Android devices, the Memor 20. Released in April 2020, this rugged personal device assistant was designed to support scanning-enabled applications in Retail, Healthcare, Transportation and Logistics, and Manufacturing.
In addition to its large 5.7″ touch display, the Memor 20 has some other unique scanning and battery features that set it apart in the rugged Android space.
Since BlueFletch is continuously evaluating and recommending hardware for our clients, we decided to conduct an in-depth review of the Memor 20 from Datalogic.
How easy is it to manage?
The Memor 20 comes preinstalled with Android 9 (Pie) in the Google Mobile Services (GMS) variant and has been validated by Google as an “Android Enterprise Recommended” rugged device. This will allow you to take advantage of the Android Enterprise API’s and all the additional features that Google has built into the operating system.
How easy is it to secure?
Customers can obtain “Datalogic Shield”, a software security offering that provides quarterly Android security patches and OS upgrades, as well as support for 2 years after the device’s end of sale.
For hardware security, the Memor 20 includes a front-facing combination home button together with fingerprint sensor for secure authentication. Also, the Smart Dock feature provides a unique locking function that further secures devices from unauthorized use.
How easy is it to stage?
Datalogic includes their Scan2Deploy functionality for their Android lineup, similar to what they supported with their Windows CE devices. Scan2Deploy includes functionality for MDM/EMM enrollment, file deployment, and application installation. They also support the Android Enterprise OEM config. Lastly, they have a tool called DXU for configuring device logging and remote management.
Scanning Performance
We found the maximum reliable scanning range for a 1×1 inch QR code is 21 inches, right under 2 feet.
The 2D ultra-slim imager, featuring the patented “Green Spot” technology for good-read confirmation, is the thinnest industrial scanner on the market. Having the green dots appear on the scanning output will be useful in loud environments, where workers may need visual validation that a successful scan occurred.
We have heard that Datalogic has plans down the road to release a longer-range version as well.
Battery
Memor 20 incorporates Datalogic’s industry-first wireless charging system for reliable contactless charging, eliminating the need for cleaning contacts and pins – a frequent point of failure in heavily used retail and industrial deployments. The device also comes with a one-piece battery that can quickly be swapped by users in the field.
Datalogic also has a newly developed connected smart dock with locking functionality, which helps protect against unauthorized device use, loss, or theft.
Cellular Performance
The cellular network will support two SIM cards. So if you wanted to have a higher cost or least cost network associated with the device, it would be useful in field scenarios (especially when you’re in fringe areas between two cell providers).
Developer Support & API Availability
We tested the Memor 20 in our lab, but haven’t had a chance to take it out in the field since the device was just recently released.
We’ve really enjoyed working with Datalogic’s API’s and SDK so far, and we’re excited to continue testing our Enterprise Mobility Suite software on the device.
Look & Feel
The first thing that stood out to our team was the large 5.7″ display size, which is comparable to a large-format iPhone or Pixel XL, and it swipes very nicely.
The touch and overall lighting is a little darker than we’d like it to be, but we’ll see what updates they’ll roll out with future releases.
The 2-line LED top display screen is one of our favorite things about the Memor 20. This second display is very useful for sending notifications to employees (such as BOPIS alerts), especially during multi-tasking scenarios.
The devices also has front and rear color cameras. To see the full spec list, click here.
Accessory Ecosystem
Datalogic has a variety of available accessories for the Memor 20, including a rubber boot to withstand drops from 6 ft, a pistol grip handle for intensive quick scanning, vehicle mount dock for transportation applications, as well as 1-slot and 3-slot charging docks.
Comparative Analysis
When it comes to industrial scanners, the Datalogic Memor 20 stands out as a robust and versatile solution. To help you better evaluate its capabilities, let’s compare it with two other popular options in the market: the Zebra TC52 and the Honeywell Dolphin CT60.
Scanning Performance: The Datalogic Memor 20 features a 2D ultra-slim imager with patented “Green Spot” technology for good-read confirmation. This imager provides a reliable scanning range of up to 21 inches for 1×1 inch QR codes, making it suitable for most industrial scanning needs. In comparison, the Zebra TC52 offers a slightly longer scanning range of up to 24 inches, while the Honeywell Dolphin CT60 has a similar range to the Memor 20.
Durability: All three devices are designed for rugged industrial environments, but the Datalogic Memor 20 stands out with its IP67 rating for protection against dust and water ingress. It can withstand multiple drops from 6 feet onto concrete when equipped with a rubber boot. The Zebra TC52 and Honeywell Dolphin CT60 also boast impressive durability ratings, but the Memor 20’s drop resistance is slightly higher.
Battery Life: Battery life is crucial in industrial settings, and the Datalogic Memor 20 delivers with its large 5,000 mAh battery. It also features a one-piece battery design that allows for quick swapping in the field. The Zebra TC52 and Honeywell Dolphin CT60 both have smaller batteries (around 4,000 mAh), which may require more frequent charging or battery swapping, depending on usage.
Ease of Use: All three devices run on Android, providing a familiar and intuitive user experience. However, the Datalogic Memor 20 stands out with its large 5.7-inch display and 2-line LED top display screen for notifications and alerts. This can be particularly useful in multi-tasking scenarios or loud environments. The Zebra TC52 and Honeywell Dolphin CT60 have smaller displays, which may be less ideal for certain applications.
Cost: While exact pricing may vary based on configurations and vendor agreements, the Datalogic Memor 20 tends to be more cost-effective compared to the Zebra TC52 and Honeywell Dolphin CT60. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking for a high-performance industrial scanner without breaking the bank.
Expert Insights and Best Practices
Deploying and managing industrial scanners like the Datalogic Memor 20 can be a complex process, and it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure optimal performance and security. Here are some insights and recommendations from industry experts and experienced users:
Deployment Strategies:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your scanning requirements, including the types of barcodes, scanning volumes, and environmental conditions.
- Involve key stakeholders, such as IT, operations, and end-users, in the device selection and deployment process to ensure all needs are addressed.
- Consider implementing a staged rollout or pilot program to identify and address any potential issues before full deployment.
Device Management:
- Leverage mobile device management (MDM) solutions like Android Enterprise to centrally manage and secure your Memor 20 devices.
- Establish clear policies and procedures for device usage, updates, and maintenance.
- Regularly monitor device performance and usage data to identify potential issues or bottlenecks.
Security Considerations:
- Implement strong authentication methods, such as fingerprint scanning or smart card authentication, to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep devices up-to-date with the latest security patches and firmware updates from Datalogic.
- Consider deploying mobile threat defense solutions to protect against malware and other cyber threats.
Optimizing Performance:
- Ensure your wireless infrastructure (Wi-Fi, cellular) is robust and can handle the increased data traffic from your scanning operations.
- Leverage the device’s scanning features, such as the “Green Spot” technology, to improve scanning accuracy and efficiency.
- Provide comprehensive training to end-users on proper scanning techniques and device care to maximize performance and longevity.
By following these expert insights and best practices, you can ensure that your investment in the Datalogic Memor 20 delivers optimal results, enhancing productivity, accuracy, and efficiency across your industrial operations.
BlueFletch Enterprise Mobility Suite Score
The BlueFletch team installed the Memor 20 with our Enterprise Mobility Suite software to see how the device performs, supports, and scales in the enterprise.
We gave the Datalogic Memor 20 an “EMS Support Score” of 4.7/5 based on the following categories: hardware, performance, development, supportability, and look & feel.
Here at BlueFletch, we understand how critical it is for software and hardware to work in tandem.
We want to ensure the software we build can function properly on the Android device it’s deployed to.
Although BlueFletch doesn’t sell hardware, we continuously evaluate devices so that we can make the best recommendation for our customers.
If you have any questions, or if there is a device you’d like our team to review, feel free to reach out to us at info@bluefletch.com.
