MANUFACTURER: Honeywell
MODEL: Dolphin CT40
OPERATING SYSTEM: Starts from Android 7.1 (upgradeable to R)
The Honeywell Dolphin CT40 was released in 2018 and was designed specifically for retail and logistics companies. Built on Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, the CT40 is an Android-based handheld mobile computer that has won two awards for product design: iF Design Award in the product design discipline and a Red Dot Award in Industrial Equipment, Machinery, and Automation category.
Since BlueFletch is continuously evaluating and recommending hardware for our clients, we decided to conduct an in-depth device review of Honeywell’s CT40 touch computer.
How easy is it to manage?
The device comes pre-installed with Android Pie in the Google Mobile Services (GMS) variant, so you can take advantage of the Android Enterprise API’s and all the additional features Google has built into the operating system.
For extended management support, Honeywell’s OEMconfig can be found on the Google Play Store to allow for customizations and extensions to your EMM such as Workspace ONE, SOTI MobiControl, or the BlueFletch Playbook. Honeywell provides access to proprietary settings for the hardware and their custom Android OS. With OEMconfig, EMMs. now have immediate access to proprietary settings as Honeywell makes them available. The setting features are added to EMM consoles with no effort on the part of the EMM. This includes Honeywell’s unique settings for camera, USB port, Wi-Fi, display, provisioning, and more.
How easy is it to secure?
Building on Android’s top-level security, Honeywell guarantees their hardware to support five generations of Android plus security updates for up to two years past the last Google patch through Honeywell Sentinel™.
For hardware security, it’s important to note that the device does not have a standard USB-C port for data transfer. Instead, the CT40 has a proprietary port. While this is less convenient when developing on the platform, the tradeoff here is that this adds an extra layer of physical security for the device when deployed at remote sites.
How easy is it to stage?
Honeywell provides a free desktop Windows application to assist with staging their handheld computers prior to deployments. Enterprise Provisioner includes options to customize:
- Device settings
- OS updates
- Installing files (APK, licenses, etc.)
- Run an app
- File operations on the device
- Create file/directory
- Rename file/directory
- Delete file/directory
- Delete directory content
- Wait for network, reboot, intent
- Reboot the device
- Delay provisioning for X number of milliseconds
Once settings have been changed and provisioning tasks have been defined, you can generate 2D barcodes that a device scans to be provisioned. The app has a built-in HTTP server for transferring files to devices. The app also supports remote file servers such as Staging Hub.
Developer Support & API Availability
Overall, the Dolphin CT40 is a very easy device to work with. The tools and support surrounding the device are mature, although there are still some kinks and room for improvement in regards to the documentation.
Also, it’s important to note that the device does not have a standard USB-C port, which is helpful for developers when debugging applications. Instead, the CT40 has a proprietary port. The tradeoff here is that this adds an extra layer of physical security for the device.
Scanning Performance
We are impressed with the scanning ability of the CT40. When testing in our lab, we found that it can comfortably scan a 1×1 inch QR code from 20-inches away.
Honeywell is said to be releasing an updated spec later this year, the CT40p, which will include an even longer range scanner.
Battery Life
Honeywell claims the battery life of the CT40 can last up to 12 hours with a single charge. The smart battery can report on its health via Operational Intelligence platform and can be swapped out without ending a session or turning off the device.
Cellular Performance
The Dolphin CT40 has very fast Wi-Fi performance. It’s also equipped with a 4G LTE antenna, which gives drivers and other associates on-the-go quick access to business-critical information, even when they’re not connected to WiFi.
Look & Feel
Overall, the CT40 has a really nice look and feel. The rugged, sleek device is ergonomic, lightweight, and has a large 5-inch screen with great button feedback. As mentioned, it’s a recipient of two noteworthy awards in 2019: iF Design Award in the product design discipline and a Red Dot Award in Industrial Equipment, Machinery, and Automation category.
The one thing we wish the device had is a front-facing camera, so that it could utilize the BlueFletch Enterprise Launcher’s Visual Authentication feature to re-authenticate users when logging into a device.
Accessory Ecosystem
As far as accessories, the cradle for the CT40 has an extra bay for charging a second battery, in addition to a USB port. Honeywell also has other cradles that include ethernet ports and can hold up to 4 devices in total.
Other noteworthy accessories for the CT40 include a rubber boot you can put on the device to increase the drop spec rating, as well as a trigger for easier scanning.
BlueFletch Enterprise Mobility Suite Score
The BlueFletch team installed the CT40 with our Enterprise Mobility Suite software to see how the device performs, supports, and scales in the enterprise.
We gave the Honeywell Dolphin CT40 an “EMS Support Score” of 4.6/5 based on the following categories: technology, 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.
We’ll be posting new device reviews every month. Let us know if you have any suggestions or if there’s a device you’d like us to review!
Use Cases and Applications
The Honeywell CT40 is a versatile and powerful handheld device that has found widespread applications across various industries. Here are some specific examples and use cases:
Retail
- In-store inventory management: Retail associates can use the CT40’s advanced scanning capabilities to quickly and accurately track inventory levels, reducing stockouts and overstocking.
- Price verification and updates: With the CT40’s real-time connectivity, retailers can instantly verify and update pricing information, ensuring consistency across all channels.
- Mobile point-of-sale (mPOS): The CT40 can function as a mobile POS terminal, enabling checkout anywhere in the store, reducing long queues, and enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Logistics and Warehousing
- Receiving and putaway: The CT40’s rugged design and scanning performance make it ideal for receiving and putaway operations in warehouses and distribution centers.
- Picking and packing: With real-time access to inventory data, workers can use the CT40 to streamline the picking and packing processes, reducing errors and improving efficiency.
- Cross-docking: The CT40’s mobility and connectivity allow workers to quickly scan and process incoming shipments, facilitating cross-docking operations and minimizing dwell times.
Field Service
- Work order management: Field service technicians can access and update work orders, service histories, and customer information directly on the CT40, improving productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Asset management: The CT40’s scanning capabilities enable technicians to quickly and accurately identify and track assets, ensuring proper maintenance and minimizing downtime.
- Proof of service: With the CT40’s camera and connectivity, technicians can capture and transmit photos or videos as proof of service, enhancing transparency and customer trust.
Tips and Best Practices
To optimize the usage of the Honeywell CT40 and maximize its potential, consider the following tips and best practices:
Accessory Selection:
- Invest in a rugged protective case or rubber boot to enhance the device’s durability and extend its lifespan.
- Consider a hand strap or trigger handle for extended scanning sessions to improve ergonomics and reduce fatigue.
- Utilize multi-bay cradles with Ethernet ports for efficient charging and data synchronization during device staging or shift changes.
Battery Management:
- Take advantage of the CT40’s hot-swappable battery feature to minimize downtime during extended shifts.
- Monitor battery health using Honeywell’s Operational Intelligence platform and replace batteries promptly when their capacity drops.
- Optimize battery life by adjusting display brightness, disabling unnecessary features, and closing unused applications.
Scanning Optimization:
- Ensure proper scanning techniques, such as maintaining the recommended distance and angle for optimal performance.
- Customize scanning settings, like scan delay and timeout, to suit your workflow and environment.
- Regularly clean the scanner window to prevent obstructions and maintain scanning accuracy.
Software Integrations:
- Leverage Honeywell’s OEMConfig tool to integrate the CT40 with your enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution, enabling remote device management and configuration.
- Explore third-party software applications and SDKs tailored for the CT40 to enhance functionality and streamline operations.
Security and Data Protection:
- Keep the CT40’s software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates from Honeywell to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Implement secure device enrollment and authentication mechanisms to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
- Regularly back up device data and settings to ensure business continuity in case of device loss or failure.
User Training and Support:
- Provide comprehensive training to end-users on the CT40’s features, best practices, and efficient workflows to maximize adoption and productivity.
- Establish clear support channels and procedures for troubleshooting and addressing user concerns or issues promptly.
By following these tips and best practices, organizations can unlock the full potential of the Honeywell CT40, enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and overall return on investment.
