For more than 75 years, Michelli Weighing & Measurement has stood for precision, dependability, and exceptional customer service in the weighing, calibration and measurement industry. As technology continues to evolve, Michelli sought to modernize its field operations by equipping technicians with Microsoft Surface Pro tablets. The devices offered faster data capture, real-time communication, and improved customer responsiveness - but to succeed, they needed protection tough enough for industrial environments.
The Challenge:
The transition to Microsoft Surface devices exposed a critical gap: most available cases weren’t rugged enough for Michelli’s technicians. Working across fields in challenging environments meant that devices were constantly exposed to risk - from drops and vibrations to dust and debris.
Key challenges included:
- Lack of protection capable of withstanding industrial conditions.
- High risk of damage or destruction of tablets in the field.
- Decreased efficiency as technicians handled devices with extra caution.
- Potential interruptions to calibration accuracy and customer service.
Reliable, durable protection was essential to safeguard the technology and maintain the high standards Michelli is known for.
The Solution:
To find the right fit, Michelli’s team conducted the testing of several rugged case options in real-world conditions. The MobileDemand Rugged Surface Pro xCase emerged as the clear winner, meeting the durability and usability needs of field technicians.
Why MobileDemand:
- Rugged bumper protection guards against drops, vibration, and impact.
- Sealed enclosures keep dust, dirt, and other contaminants out.
- Rotating hand strap and shoulder strap improve mobility and safety when climbing or carrying equipment.
- Screen protector shields tablet displays from scratches and debris.
- RAM mount compatibility allows for secure use in service vehicles.
Implementation was seamless - technicians quickly adopted the new setup with minimal training. The Surface Pro, protected by MobileDemand, now serves as their all-in-one workstation for calibration, certification, email, meetings, and documentation.
The Results:
While still in the early stages of Surface deployment, Michelli has already seen strong results. Technicians report feeling more confident using their tablets in tough environments, knowing their devices are built to withstand the rigors of daily fieldwork.
“The MobileDemand case and accessories provide our team with robust protection in rugged industrial environments.” - Jake Fayard, III, Director of IT at Michelli Weighing & Measurement
Notable benefits:
- Enhanced technician confidence when operating in rugged, high-risk environments.
- Increased safety thanks to hands-free functionality when climbing or maneuvering equipment.
- Seamless integration into daily service, calibration, and communication workflows.
- Reduced device handling stress and the potential for costly downtime or replacements.
By combining the flexibility of Microsoft Surface technology with MobileDemand’s rugged protection, Michelli has created a mobile solution that strengthens both operational performance and technician satisfaction.
Looking Ahead:
Michelli is planning several next steps to build on the success of the Surface + MobileDemand case deployment:
- Monitoring and measuring impact over time - tracking damage rates, repair or replacement costs, and downtime to clearly quantify ROI.
- Addressing feedback for improvements, especially around the keyboard mounting: strengthening the keyboard holders to better withstand field wear-and-tear.
- Expanding rugged protection to more devices as new technology gets introduced - making rugged xcases a standard across the fleet, not just for Surface tablets.
- Incorporating additional accessories - more RAM mounts for field vehicles, possibly alternative carrying options, or enhanced protection where required.
Michelli views rugged mobility as a cornerstone of its future - enabling technicians to work faster, safer, and more accurately, no matter the conditions.
By pairing Microsoft Surface tablets with MobileDemand Rugged Surface Pro xCases, Michelli has empowered its field technicians with dependable, mobile technology that performs where it matters most. The result is a safer, more efficient, and more confident workforce - continuing Michelli’s legacy of excellence in precision measurement and customer service.
Company Profile:
Industry: Automation Machinery Manufacturing
Employees: +150
Revenue: $25-$50 million