DiadDude
Well-Known Member
In todays day in age I would think we would have something more simple and high -tech. I would like to see something bluetooth like in the HUB. Something the size of a BlackBerry that would clip to our belt with a bluetooth ring scanner tethered to it. And if a signature was required then you could pull the "BlackBerry" out and have them sign the screen. And if it was a real "communication device", then maybe we could use is as a phone to contact other service providers or members of our management team thru either text or talk. Only numbers programmed by your management team would be able to be used. And to satisfy said management messages between drivers would be duplicated to the center so they knew we weren't using it for personal use.
just some thoughts.
A device like that would certainly satisfy some portion of the users, but it would just as surely upset another portion. Unfortunately there is no way to build a DIAD which fits everyone's idea of what it should be. The DIAD user population is too diverse for everyone to absolutely love any device which is rolled out.
Some folks want a pocket sized DIAD, while others want one they can use to knock a dog out for 5 minutes. Some want keys that they can press with gloves on, while others want a keypad like their cell phone.
DIADs are used worldwide within the UPS operation. They must be usable by drivers from 18 to 80, from under 5' to over 7' tall. They have to withstand heat, cold, wind, rain, falls and dirt. They must be able to be used in over 100 different countries and "speak" 8 different languages. All while lasting for 10 years and not costing the company a fortune to purchase and maintain.
It's not easy to find devices that can do all of those things, let alone try to find one that is universally loved by the drivers. Hopefully the device that is ultimately selected can be said to do those things better than the previous DIADs have, but no amount of research, engineering, or money can guarantee that the next DIAD will seem better to any one particular driver.