CASIO Europe announced today that it will release (in August this year) a new generation of industrial handheld terminal, the DT-X30GR-30C, which will come equipped with GPRS connectivity that can be used to send and receive detailed data in real time by parcel delivery drivers and office-based management staff.

The DT-X30GR-30C will allow office-based management staff working for post office parcel delivery services and private courier companies to collect in real time information sent by their drivers. To accomplish this, the new terminal will be equipped with wireless WAN (EDGE/GPRS/GSM) and GPS, as well as an on-board digital camera.

Office management staff will not only be able to receive notifications of loading, delivery completion, etc., from their drivers; they will also know current driver location. This will allow management to achieve more efficient operations by, for example, dispatching the nearest driver to pick up goods from a customer wishing to send a consignment. Moreover, thanks to the terminal’s 2.0-megapixel digital camera (with auto-focus), office staff will be able to receive, via wireless WAN, photos that drivers take of such things as the condition of consignments or signed delivery receipts, ensuring that they have an accurate appreciation of the situation on the ground.

The development of the DT-X30GR-30C terminal also carefully took into consideration the perspective of the drivers who will actually carry and use one. The design was developed using ISO 13407 human-centered design processes. The grip-type shape is easy to hold, and key input and scanning are effortless. The display uses a Casio original 3.5 inch advanced 2-way color LCD, offering superlative visibility even outdoors. It also boasts superior durability and performance in a variety of tough environments. For example, it is IP64 rated dust/splash proof, can withstand the shock of a fall of 1.5 meters, and has an operating temperature range of -20 C to +50 C. With these specifications, users can be confident in all outdoor conditions - in the rain, in bright sunlight, or in the extreme cold.