Mobile Computer Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Business Size (SMBs, Large Businesses), By Industry, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global mobile computer market size was valued at USD 4.64 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2021 to 2028. The need for a rugged mobile computer device that can gather inventory data and withstand at least a 5-foot drop, dust, dirt, and moisture is driving the market growth. Furthermore, the need for aligning the workflow with the appropriate mobile solution among industries is generating the demand for mobile computers across manufacturing, transportation, warehouse, and other industries. The market is constantly witnessing demand for these rugged devices as they can also read barcodes from a greater distance, making them appropriate for scanning vehicles passing from the toll or cartons stored at height in warehouses and ports.

The demand for mobile computers with a small form factor has increased rapidly in the last five years. The expansion of consumer electronics and FMCG markets led to the rise in production and manufacturing, thereby boosting the sales of mobile computers. The introduction of IoT, virtual reality, and augmented reality in consumer electronic products have led to an increase in customer base, especially garnering attention from the new generation. According to China Information Technology Industry, the growth rate of China’s electronics production volume increased to 14% in 2017 from 10% in 2016. The increasing production was attributed to consumer demand for smart gadgets, smartphones, virtual reality devices, and drones. Additionally, the industries in Japan increased their electronic device production due to increasing demand for export. A similar shift in production and shipment is expected to impact the demand for mobile computers across industries.

The ease of use and improved Return On Investment (ROI) offered by mobile computers have favorably impacted the market growth. The increased demand for mobile computers across the healthcare industry is also expected to drive market growth. However, the global market was impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the halting of business across industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, construction, and logistics. The temporary shutdown of industries hampered the overall sales of mobile computers in 2020. However, the growing need for managing the inventory of growing businesses with high production capacity and the readiness of tracking shipments are augmenting the demand for mobile computers. Furthermore, reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and improved RoI offered by mobile computers that are ideal for harsh environments have considerably increased their demand across industries.

Component Insights

The hardware segment dominated the mobile computer market with a revenue share of more than 70% in 2020 and is expected to expand at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Handled terminals/PDAs and smartphone mobile computers, and their accessories, are the hardware required to streamline business operations in manufacturing floors, warehouses, field services, and ports. Technological advancements have helped mobile devices attain all-in-one functionalities. For instance, PA692 includes integrated 1D/2D scanning capability, along with a high-resolution 5.0-megapixel digital camera, GPS, UHF, and HF RFID reader/writer. The multifunctional device is available in a compact size, which helps buyers avoid the additional cost of buying separate devices.

The service segment is expected to witness promising growth opportunities. The number of mobile devices used across industries for a longer period is higher and these devices need to be maintained after using for at least three to four years. Although these devices are rugged and manufactured specially to withstand changing or harsh weather and survive a drop from a minimum of five feet, maintaining them is essential to ensure their operation during critical times. Moreover, repairing is often preferred if an issue in usage is encountered in the device in less than five years.

Business Size Insights

The large businesses segment dominated the market in 2020, accounting for more than 50% of the overall market. The segment growth can be attributed to the high demand for mobile computers to manage a large volume of inventory. A large business continues to expand its offerings across regions and countries, creating the need for increased production and subsequently the demand for mobile computers. Additionally, mobile computers help manage operations as there is a continuous need to avoid damage of perishable goods in the FMCG industry and meet the standards of products with correct information labeled on each product.

SMBs continuously try to leverage upcoming opportunities to grow in their respective markets. Medium-sized businesses have the highest growth potential and many medium-size vendors are concerned about maintaining their manufacturing plants to ensure continued market growth. However, non-streamlined production or loss of goods can reduce their profit margin and hinder growth. Hence, SMBs have been using mobile computers to maintain the flow of production and track reports of damaged and defective goods to improve their production process.

Industry Insights

The manufacturing industry is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of over 5% during the forecast period. The demand for mobile computers across FMCG, machinery, machine parts, plastic goods, and other areas of manufacturing spiked as consumer consumption increased over the year due to the growing population. Mobile-handled computes designed for the manufacturing industry help accelerate the process of tracking inventory with an error-free application. Factors such as an increase in exports, population, and capital growth are steering the growth of the manufacturing industry. Countries such as China, the U.S., Japan, Germany, India, and South Korea are the fastest growing manufacturing hubs contributing to the overall demand for mobile computers. Although COVID-19 negatively affected the manufacturing industry production capacity, revenue growth and led to disruption in the supply chain, the industry has picked pace in 2021 and positively contributed to the growth trajectory of the market

Warehouse emerged as the second most dominant segment in 2020. The segment growth can be attributed to a large number of warehouses across industries with small to large volume storage depending on size. A warehouse stores surplus goods until the products are ordered by the customers. The introduction of digital platforms has helped many large manufacturers to sell without the need for a physical store, which allows them to store products in the warehouse and ship as per the orders. The number of warehouses is expected to increase with the increase in the number of online purchases, subsequently increasing the demand for mobile computers over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America emerged as a dominant region with a revenue share of over 40% in 2020 and is expected to expand at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Currently, the U.S. houses more than 630,000 manufacturing businesses that adopt mobile computers and purchase new PDAs as outdated ones get discontinued from the market. Moreover, the number of warehouses is increasing in the U.S. owing to the rise in online shopping. This is expected to boost the demand for handheld terminals/PDAs and smartphone mobile computers.

Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of more than 6.0% over the forecast period. Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and Vietnam are a hub of manufacturing industries and also have large warehouses of well-known e-commerce giants such as Amazon and Alibaba. Moreover, a high population density, an increasing number of smartphone users, and growing internet bandwidth are encouraging users to invest in digital devices, thereby increasing the production of these consumer electronics. The increased production is expected to create the demand for large production facilities and subsequently mobile computers at these facilities.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is fragmented with the presence of rugged terminal manufacturers. Product upgrades, new product development, and the formation of strategic collaborations are some of the key initiatives adopted by vendors to maintain their market position. For instance, in July 2021, Honeywell International, Inc. announced the introduction of CT45 and CT45 XP mobile computers. These mobile computers are all-purpose productivity tools that help workers efficiently sort, pick, and deliver e-commerce orders. These mobile computers support Android 13 and feature Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.’s IoT mobile solutions. Some of the prominent players operating in the global mobile computer market are:

• Opticon Sensors Europe B.V.

• Ankaref

• Advantech Co., Ltd.

• KEYENCE CORPORATION

• Zebra Technologies Corp.

• Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

• CIPHERLAB Co., Ltd.

• DatalogicS.p.A.

• Honeywell International, Inc.

• Handheld Group

Mobile Computer Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global mobile computer market based on component, business size, industry, and region:

• Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2028)

  • Hardware

  • Software

  • Services

• Business Size Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2028)

  • SMBs

  • Large Businesses

• Industry Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2028)

  • Retail

  • Manufacturing

  • Healthcare

  • Warehouse

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • MEA