Over the last two decades, enterprise mobility has been caught in a delicate device balancing act. On one side we have rugged, durable mobile computers purpose-built for the demands of enterprise workflows. On the other: consumer-style devices that offer aesthetic appeal, familiarity and cost flexibility, but often at the expense of the very durability that make their counterparts so attractive to enterprise customers.
To address this, Zebra Technologies is cutting a new path – one that combines the reliability and performance of enterprise-grade devices with the sleek design and intuitive ergonomics users have come to expect from consumer devices. Introducing the EM45 Enterprise Mobile.
To be clear, this is not a “rugged PDA”, nor is it a consumer device. It’s something entirely new and in-between. It’s a corporately owned, personally enabled (COPE) mobile device built specifically for workers who don’t need a heavy-duty barcode scanner or ultra-rugged housing, but who do need all-day performance, secure connectivity, enterprise-grade manageability and a seamless user experience.
Let’s take a look at the EM45.
Rethinking Enterprise Mobility for a Changing Workforce
With the increasing rise of gig economy roles, decentralised workforces and task-based mobile applications, the enterprise is faced with a diverse set of mobile users with just as diverse needs. In industries like retail and transport, workers now require personal communication, business apps and task management tools all in the same place.
For a long time (too long, really), organisations met these needs by either equipping workers with consumer-grade devices or operating with a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. But the limitations of that approach have become increasingly apparent. Plus, who really wants to have to bring their own device in just to do their jobs?
Now, enterprises are demanding a better, more suitable alternative. Something that will return control to them with an emphasis on security and longevity – all without thrusting upon the user bulky, complex hardware. The EM45 is designed to meet that demand.
Designed for COPE Excellence
The EM45 is aimed primarily at COPE deployments. This approach allows businesses to maintain the same high standards of security, lifecycle management and IT oversight they enjoy with shared-use enterprise devices, while giving the user a device that’s tailored to their specific needs. Both the enterprise and user win here. The former retains control over their devices with the added peace of mind that they’re secure, while the user enjoys a “personal” device they don’t need to worry about replacing or maintaining.
Picture a store manager greeting customers, responding to team queries and reviewing workflows while having to move all around the shop floor. Or what about a field service engineer reviewing job orders and submitting reports between appointments? Or a hospital porter coordinating patient transfers across departments? These workers don’t need an industrial barcode scanner – it would be like driving a supercar to the shops (as tempting as that might be). The EM45 strikes the balance perfectly.
Power and Performance Built for Business
With 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, the EM45 delivers seamless, high-speed connectivity for voice and data in even the most demanding environments. The device is powered by a Qualcomm 5430 octa-core processor and supported by Zebra’s enterprise-grade Android platform, ensuring smooth performance whether workers are running AI applications, accessing cloud-based systems or using high-resolution video tools.
It also comes with a 50-megapixel rear camera for barcode scanning and image capture which is perfect for the occasional scanning use cases described above, like inventory lookup, damaged goods documentation or proof-of-delivery.
The device is designed for 25 hours of continuous use, keeping workers powered throughout long shifts without the need to recharge or hot-swap devices. And when service is required, the EM45 fits seamlessly into Zebra’s OneCare™ ecosystem, which provides the same comprehensive maintenance and support options available for rugged TC-series devices.
The New Standard in Manageability
Because the EM45 runs on Zebra’s common enterprise platform, IT teams can use the same tools and workflows they rely on for managing Zebra’s rugged portfolio. Zebra Mobility DNA™ offers a comprehensive suite of tools that simplify and drastically streamline provisioning, remote management and security enforcement – no matter where and how the devices are being used.
Zebra features like Identity Guardian enable secure facial recognition login, while StageNow and device tracking capabilities make it easy to deploy, locate and even lock devices across large fleets. With Zebra’s VisibilityIQ™ Foresight, IT teams also get real-time operational analytics.
The result: less friction for users, fewer headaches for IT and a consistent, scalable approach to enterprise devices for you.
Built for the Roles that don’t Sleep
Not every role requires rugged devices, but that doesn’t mean every role should default to consumer technology either. The EM45 fills a critical gap in Zebra’s portfolio, delivering the right middle ground for personally enabled, mobile-first workers in industries including:
- Retail – Ideal for store managers, boutique sales associates and area supervisors who interact with both staff and customers and need mobile access to enterprise apps, scheduling tools and communication platforms.
- Field Services – Designed for engineers, technicians and mobile contractors who don’t need heavy barcode scanning, but do need task tracking, documentation and workflow access in a reliable, portable format.
- Healthcare Support Staff – Perfect for porters, security and facilities personnel who work in clinical environments but don’t require antimicrobial housings or regular disinfection—yet still need a dependable, secure mobile device for navigation, communication, and documentation.
- Transportation & Logistics – Well-suited to “lifestyle couriers,” postal staff and above-the-wing airline personnel managing flight logistics, load checks or passenger information on the go.
- Hospitality & Events – For event coordinators, guest services teams or facilities managers at hotels, arenas or resorts, the EM45 provides a polished, professional experience that supports real-time collaboration and customer engagement.
When to Choose the EM45 (and When Not To)
It’s important that any business or IT team interested in the EM45 knows whether they should be. To be clear, the EM45 is not designed for use cases where industrial scanning, rugged durability or shared shift usage is the norm. In those environments, Zebra’s TC or MC series devices remain the optimal choice, which are designed to withstand the rigours of such environments.
But for enterprise users who need a business-first mobile solution with a lighter touch, the EM45 is the perfect fit. It gives teams the flexibility of a personal device without sacrificing manageability or security, coupled with the long term value thanks to Zebra’s maintenance offering.
Simple. Scalable. Future-proof.
From its sleek form factor to its robust feature set and enterprise-class manageability, the EM45 is built to streamline mobility for today’s modern workforce in a stripped-back, functional way. It fits into existing Zebra deployments, supports next-gen applications including AI-driven workflows and enables teams to do more with less – without compromising on performance or control.
