MobileDemand has released a Tablet PC case study video demonstrating use of the xTablet in a retail environment, specifically a large grocery “chain”.  The rugged xTablet Tablet PC is now installed in over 550 independent grocery stores in the Affiliated Foods Midwest market area of 12 Midwestern states.  Affiliated Foods Midwest (AFM), based out of Norfolk, Nebraska, is a cooperative owned entirely by its independent grocers who wanted to streamline their order entry process, improve efficiency, and as a result, improve their bottom line.

In October, 2006, AFM turned to MobileDemand as a partner to provide the rugged xTablet to their 850 stores.  AFM has written their own custom order entry software intended for the full screen, standard Windows compatible Tablet PC.  The software, combined with the large screen and full PC compatibility of the Tablet PC, gives the AFM store and department managers the ability to make key operational decisions at the point of when they need it most – when the department manager is ordering and standing in his/her aisle and shelf set.

“Since the Tablet PC is a full-function computer, we’re able to process the information when the order is being taken,” said Vic Ching, Chief Information Officer for AFM. “It basically gives us the freedom to roam within the retail space and process the Affiliated Foods Midwest information in a much more efficient manner. It consolidates multiple steps into one, and it gives our retailers the information in a timely manner so they can make the right ordering decision.”

The xTablet is unique in that it has an integrated numeric keypad and an 800×600 resolution screen.

“These characteristics really put the xTablet over and above the other options,” said Ching. “We have previously looked at handheld PDA units, but the real estate on the screen was just too small. And being in retail, we deal with numbers all the time, so having a keypad is really an integral part in establishing a user friendly program.”

For more videos about Tablet PC computers, check out the MobileDemand Tablet PC YouTube Channel.

A Tablet PC is used as a hammer!  MobileDemand likes to say their xTablet Tablet PC is used as a tool in the field by blue collar type workers.  This video clearly brings that point home!  It’s incredible to see the tablet hitting the nails and driving them into the boards while its running.  No glitches.  And furthermore, they attach an accelerometer to the USB port and take g-force readings while the rugged PC hits the nails.  It experiences up to 10 g’s.  It was used to drive in dozens of nails with no problems.  See the video here:

Tablet PC Used as a Hammer!