BARTEC: Intrinsically Safe Smartphone for Communication in Hazardous Areas | PT Panca Makmur Baru

In industries ranging from oil and gas, petrochemicals, and energy to mining, field communication involves far more than just sending messages or making calls. Information such as equipment status, inspection results, maintenance tasks, photos of damage, asset data, and work instructions must be transmitted rapidly and accurately from the field to the control room or office.

The challenge, however, is that not all industrial areas are suitable for the use of standard electronic devices.

When work is performed in hazardous areas locations with potentially explosive atmospheres due to flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dust the choice of communication devices becomes a critical safety consideration.

This is where the concept of Enterprise Mobility and BARTEC’s intrinsically safe devices become relevant.

BARTEC develops a wide range of solutions for mobile work, communication, wireless connectivity, and digitalization within hazardous environments. Its portfolio includes smartphones, smart scanners, mobile computers, tablets, and cameras, as well as connectivity solutions designed to support the needs of field workers.

From “Communication” to “Field Digitalization”

Imagine a technician conducting an inspection in a processing area. Previously, the workflow might have looked like this:
Inspect → Record on paper → Take photos with a camera → Return to the office → Input data → Submit report

This involved numerous steps and multiple devices.

With an Enterprise Mobility approach, parts of this process can be shifted directly to the field:
Inspect → Capture data → Photos/video → Scan barcode → Update system → Communicate → Report

Everything is handled via mobile devices specifically designed for use in industrial environments.

BARTEC explains that Enterprise Mobility enables workers to bring access to data, documentation, communication, and digital workflows right to the operational area. These mobile systems connect field workers to corporate data and systems in real time via connectivity such as WLAN or LTE.

Thus, BARTEC devices are not merely replacements for standard radios or smartphones.

Their function is to bring the company’s digital processes directly into the hands of field workers.

Why Can’t Standard Smartphones Always Be Used in Hazardous Areas?

Commercial smartphones are generally designed for everyday use, whereas hazardous areas have different requirements.

Potential ignition sources can originate from various electrical or electronic components. Therefore, devices used in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres must be selected based on area classification, the type of hazard, and appropriate device certification.

IECEx defines a hazardous area as a location where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or combustible dust may be present in quantities that could cause a fire or explosion. Examples include oil refineries, processing facilities, offshore drilling units, chemical plants, and certain energy facilities.

This is where the concept of “intrinsic safety” or “Ex protection” becomes crucial.

Devices with Ex certification are not merely built to be drop resistant or water resistant; they are designed and tested to meet specific protection requirements against risks associated with explosive atmospheres.

Rugged ≠ Intrinsically Safe.

A rugged device may offer resistance to impacts, water, and dust, but such physical durability does not automatically make the device safe for use in hazardous areas.

BARTEC: Combining Communication, Data, and Safety

BARTEC has been developing explosion protection solutions since 1975 and offers a portfolio catering to diverse needs in hazardous areas. A key area of ​​focus is mobile working and digital communication for field personnel.

Within the Enterprise Mobility category, BARTEC provides various types of devices, such as:

• Intrinsically safe smartphones
• Smart scanners
• Mobile computers
• Tablet PCs
• Industrial cameras
• Barcode scanners
• Wireless connectivity solutions

These devices allow companies to select the right equipment based on the specific tasks involved, the operating environment, and requirements for communication and data capture.

This means that not every project requires a smartphone.

• For asset scanning, for instance, a smart scanner might be the more suitable choice.
• For tasks requiring a larger data display, a tablet may be more appropriate.
• For technicians requiring communication capabilities, photo documentation, video calls, and application access, an intrinsically safe smartphone can offer a more practical solution.

What Can Be Done with BARTEC in the Field?

1. Digital Inspection

Workers can conduct inspections while carrying mobile devices suitable for the work environment.

Inspection results can be recorded digitally, allowing companies to reduce their reliance on manual forms.

Photos, videos, inspection data, and equipment information can also be collected from the field, in accordance with the applications and systems used by the company.

BARTEC positions mobile devices as an integral part of the digitalization of field operations and smart data capture in hazardous areas.

2. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

When a technician encounters an equipment issue, information regarding the actual condition is crucial.

Equipped with camera and data communication capabilities, the device allows technicians to:
Capture → Document → Communicate → Follow Up

• Photos of the equipment’s condition can serve as documentation.
• Videos can help explain the situation to the maintenance team or engineers.

Data can be transmitted to a system or relevant parties, depending on the application and connectivity used.

For facilities requiring remote support, BARTEC also supports the use of intrinsically safe devices for live video communication and troubleshooting in hazardous areas.

3. Barcode & Asset Tracking

What if a company has thousands of assets?
Manual record keeping can certainly be time consuming.

Specific BARTEC devices are equipped with scanning capabilities to assist with processes such as:

• Asset identification
• Barcode scanning
• Inventory
• Equipment tracking
• Material identification
• Data capture

For example, the BARTEC SC9EX1 Smartscanner utilizes the Zebra SE55 Advanced Range Scan Engine and is designed to capture various barcodes within areas compliant with its certification.

Thus, mobile devices serve not only as communication tools but also as data capture tools for industrial operations.

4. Faster Communication between Field and Office

A common issue in field operations is that information often stalls at a single point.

• Technicians know the equipment status.
• Supervisors need updates.
• Engineers need documentation.
• Management needs reports.

With the right connectivity, mobile devices can help bridge the gap between:
Field → Supervisor → Engineer → Control Room → Management

BARTEC emphasizes that wireless connectivity in hazardous areas is a crucial component of digital transformation, as data from operational areas can be leveraged to enhance efficiency, productivity, and workplace safety.

5. Video Calls and Remote Assistance

Imagine a technician encountering an unusual equipment condition.

Instead of simply explaining it over the phone:
“Sir, there’s a part here that looks like it’s having an issue.”

The technician can use the camera to show the actual condition to someone at another location, provided the device, network, applications, and site procedures support this capability.

This can facilitate processes such as:

• Remote troubleshooting
• Technical consultation
• Maintenance support
• Inspection verification
• Field training

For specific devices, BARTEC provides a front facing camera for video calls and voice communication capabilities designed to meet the needs of mobile workers.

6. Paperless Workflow

Digitization is not merely about purchasing industrial-grade smartphones; the ultimate goal is to improve workflows.

For example:
Before Digitization
Form → Photo → Laptop → Data Entry → Email → Review

With Mobile Workflow
Inspect → Data Entry → Photo → Submit → Review

Naturally, actual implementation depends on the software, ERP, CMMS, EAM, inspection platforms, network infrastructure, and IT systems utilized by the company.

However, the concept remains the same:
Data is collected as close to the source as possible.

The less manual data transfer involved, the lower the risk of input errors or information loss.

BARTEC for the Oil & Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is a sector with a significant need for equipment designed for hazardous areas. Such equipment is utilized in a wide range of activities, including:

• Refineries
• Petrochemical plants
• Oil and gas processing
• Tank farms
• LNG/LPG facilities
• Offshore operations
• Inspection and maintenance
• Field services
• Asset management

IECEx itself cites oil refineries, rigs, processing plants, and offshore drilling units as examples of environments that may require equipment suitable for hazardous areas.

In this context, BARTEC devices can function as part of a digital ecosystem for field workers, rather than serving merely as standalone communication devices.

BARTEC Smartphone, Smartscanner or Tablet?

This is one of the questions that comes up most often when companies start looking for industrial mobile devices.

The answer:
It depends on the job.

1. BARTEC Smartphone
Suitable when workers require a combination of:

• Voice communication
• Messaging
• Data connectivity
• Camera
• Video calling
• Mobile applications
• Field documentation

An example is the BARTEC SP9EX1, marketed for Zone 1/21 environments, which features 5G connectivity for both public and private networks, a 48 MP main camera, an 8 MP front camera, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage.

2. BARTEC Smartscanner
Better suited for tasks requiring intensive scanning.

For example:
Barcode → Scan → Identify → Record → Update

The BARTEC SC9EX1 features the Zebra SE55 Advanced Range Scan Engine and supports 5G connectivity.

3. BARTEC Tablet
For tasks requiring a larger screen, a tablet can be a more practical choice.

The BARTEC Agile S-NI 10.1″ Tablet PC, for instance, is designed for Zone 2/22 environments and features connectivity options such as Bluetooth, WLAN, and LTE. The device also supports data acquisition via barcode and NFC/RFID scanners.

So, before making a purchase, do not simply ask:
“Which BARTEC handheld device is good?”

A more appropriate question would be:
“What work will be performed, in which area, and what certifications are required?”

ATEX vs. IECEx: What’s the Difference?

These two terms appear very frequently when searching for hazardous area equipment.

ATEX	IECEx
ATEX is a European Union regulatory framework concerning equipment and protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.	IECEx is an international certification system for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. IECEx specifies that the Certified Equipment Scheme involves third party testing and evaluation of product conformity with relevant international standards.

Therefore, when selecting a device, do not simply look for the label:
“Explosion Proof”

Check the full certification details for the model you intend to purchase.

For example, the BARTEC Pixavi Phone carries ATEX and IECEx markings for Zone 1/21 applications, featuring Ex ib protection and an IP68 rating.

Don’t Just Look at the IP Rating

This is also a fairly common mistake.

For instance, suppose a device has an IP68 rating:

Does that automatically mean it is safe to use in a hazardous area?
Not necessarily.

An IP rating relates to the level of protection against the ingress of solid objects and water, based on the IEC 60529 standard.

In contrast, Ex certification concerns the suitability of equipment for environments with potentially explosive atmospheres.

For example, the BARTEC Pixavi Phone holds an IP68 rating as well as specific ATEX and IECEx certifications.

So, when procuring equipment, do not stop at specifications like:
“Waterproof, dustproof, rugged.”

Instead, also check:
“Does the certification match the hazardous area where the device will be used?”

BARTEC from PT Panca Makmur Baru

PT Panca Makmur Baru provides BARTEC solutions to meet industrial needs in Indonesia.

PMB positions BARTEC as part of the solution for requirements regarding explosion protection, hazardous area mobility, communication, and the digitalization of industrial operations.

BARTEC solutions can be determined through a consultation process based on:
Industry → Area → Application → Certification → Device

This approach allows companies to move beyond simply looking for an “explosion-proof mobile phone” and instead identify the specific device that is truly relevant to their operational needs.

PMB also provides access to information on BARTEC products and assists with the consultation process for industrial requirements.

Digitalization Does Not Have to Stop at Hazardous Areas

Industrial digital transformation extends beyond the office environment. Crucial data is often found out in the field at equipment sites, pipelines, tanks, warehouses, machinery, inspection points, and production areas.

The challenge lies in deploying digital technology to these locations without compromising safety requirements.

BARTEC addresses this need through an Enterprise Mobility ecosystem comprising intrinsically safe mobile devices, smart scanning capabilities, wireless connectivity, and digital solutions designed for hazardous areas.

From communication, inspection, and maintenance to barcode scanning, asset tracking, and remote support, mobile devices serve as the link between field personnel and the company’s digital systems.

However, one thing remains critical:
Do not select a device based solely on a rugged appearance or high specifications.

For hazardous areas, the following factors must be aligned:
Area Classification + Hazard + Certification + Application + Connectivity.

If your company is looking for BARTEC intrinsically safe smartphones, smart scanners, industrial tablets, or communication devices for hazardous areas, PT Panca Makmur Baru is ready to help match your requirements with the appropriate BARTEC solutions.

Want to know more or place an order? Contact us at PT Panca Makmur Baru – the official distributor of BARTEC HP Explosion Proof products. Click the “Contact Us” button now!