Panasonic Creates Global Docking Solutions Business To Meet Mobile Workforce Needs Worldwide

First vehicle mount designed and produced by GDS for launch of the rugged Panasonic CF-20 detachable notebook

Panasonic Computer Products Europe today announced the creation of its Global Docking Solutions business (GDS) to meet the needs of rugged Toughbook notebook and Toughpad customers who require specialised docking solutions for their mobile workforce.

The GDS team, headquartered at Panasonic Manufacturing UK Ltd. in Cardiff, Wales has many years of experience in integrating Panasonic docking solutions into all types of vehicles. The team will design, develop and certify its specialised docking solutions in-house, thus ensuring all docking solutions are brought to the global market at the same time as their accompanying Toughbook or Toughpad product.

In addition to the design and development of proprietary vehicle docks, the GDS team have access to the latest 3D scanning and rapid prototyping capabilities in-house, which enables them to quickly turn around any bespoke development projects that customers may require.

The first docking solution designed by the new GDS team is a vehicle docking solution for the latest fully rugged Panasonic CF-20 detachable Toughbook notebook. The Toughbook CF-20 offers the best of all worlds for mobile workers – a fully rugged notebook with detachable tablet that can be used in 6 different modes to meet every business need. Target industries for the CF-20 and its vehicle dock include utilities and telecommunications, aerospace and defence, field service and the emergency services.

Introduced alongside the Toughbook CF-20, the device’s purpose-built vehicle dock was also the first vehicle dock to be launched simultaneously with the product, offering customers an immediate solution for mounting the device in their vehicles.

Lightweight with full functionality
The dock is constructed from Polycarbonate ABS and Aluminium for reduced weight and sustained durability. It provides full port replication and an optional antenna pass-through (TNC) for full functionality and enhanced connectivity.

Flexible installation options and added security
The universal mounting system, with a 75mm mounting plate as standard and other plates available upon request, ensures the dock is customisable for different mounting options. A secondary locking arm allows the device to be secured in either storage mode or convertible mode, the latter enabling job routing and GPS functionality from the vehicle. The tablet is removable when the device is docked and locked in clamshell mode for quick and easy access when leaving the vehicle.

Built for rugged use
The dock has a rugged, self-cleaning docking connector tested to at least 30,000 cycles and built to withstand use over a long period. It is tested to MIL-STD-810G standards and undergoes UNECE Reg 17 impact testing (EU equivalent to SAE J1455) and will meet global standards as required.

“This first solution from the GDS team underlines the benefits of bringing the entire docking solution capability inside the Panasonic business,” said Kevin Jones, Managing Director, Panasonic Computer Products Europe.

“It means that we are able to design the docking solution in conjunction with the Toughbook or Toughpad to be available at launch and it is built with the flexibility and needs of our customers in mind. Our GDS team is then available to work alongside our customers to integrate the device into any vehicle or workstation requirement and to design further customised peripheral solutions to meet our customers' requirements.”