UK-based Motion Software has launched 1 ATEX-compliant tablet for use in hazardous areas in the offshore oil and gas industry
The company said that it expects heightened demand for its zone 1 ATEX-compliant tablet solution following a sharp rise in the use of tablets offshore in 2013. The product will be launched early 2015.
According to the company, mobile devices including Windows 8, Android and Apple tablets are becoming an ever more familiar feature of front-line work, in areas ranging from asset tracking and stock control to integrity and inspection work.
Andrew Ayton, software manager at Motion Software, said, “What was once seen as a leisure tool or something to play games on is now becoming pivotal equipment for supporting business operations.”
According to Motion Software, the tablets have a number of benefits from asset tracking to being deployed in onshore operations such as warehouse or depots. In addition, tablets and other handheld devices can complement tagging processes such as barcoding and radio frequency identification (RFID).
“The availability of zone 1 ATEX-compliant tablet will open up new opportunities for oil and gas companies looking to increase efficiency, collaborate and collect data for tasks performed in high-risk areas,” said Ayton.
The screen of zone 1 ATEX-compliant tablet will enable desktop applications to become mobile in hazardous areas, allowing workers to view and interact with a series of systems including those for data collection, access to documents, technical drawings and even video conferencing, Motion Software explained further.
“Tablets are being used for an increasing range of practical applications in industries more used to conventional tools and techniques. They offer greater speed, accuracy and efficiency in operational areas where those attributes can make a genuine difference in terms of business performance and safety,” the software manager noted.
