Warehouses and distribution centers were one of the first industries to quickly spot the benefits of a connected digital workflow. As internet connectivity gained traction on the consumer front, supply chains had been able to adequately adjust operations to meet steady growth in online transactions; however, today’s highly globalized industries, increasing e-commerce demands, and labor turnover rates have pressed warehouses to rapidly upgrade connectivity solutions, thus increasing operational costs by incalculable amounts as connectivity empowers:
- Access to the WMS from anywhere – Your warehouse management system contains critical data for effective tracking and traceability. Unbroken connectivity allows your automated data capture devices to effectively communicate with the WMS, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
- Real-time inventory visibility – As turnaround times become shorter by the day, workers require a faster way to quickly locate stock and track threshold levels. When devices are connected onto a shared network, workers can track down inventory while monitoring stock levels to prevent surprise out-of-stocks or overstocking.
- Updated picking lists – To minimize unnecessary steps in the picking process, connected devices can quickly update workers of more efficient travel paths based on the pick list.
- Device unification through tap-and-pair – Unlike consumer WiFi services, enterprise-ready connectivity must be ample enough to accommodate many devices running at once. This facilitates hardware modernization while keeping devices in a secured network.
- Communication across the supply chain – When change happens, it affects the entire supply chain. Secured connectivity both in and out of the warehouse can minimize disruptions by unifying teams.
- Asset tracking – Lastly, like inventory tracking, connectivity enables seamless asset tracking to augment device availability and curb extraneous expenses from misplacements and overlooked maintenance schedules.
3 Ways to leverage unbroken connectivity with Zebra Technologies
Sustaining several key workflows, proper connectivity has already proven vital to today’s supply chains. To continue maximizing the benefits of unbroken connectivity, many warehouses have adopted the following initiatives:
- Deploy a push-to-talk system similar to Zebra’s Workforce Connect for instant communication channels available through your enterprise handhelds.
- Streamline crucial workflows through one ergonomic device. Mobile computers like Zebra’s MC9300 combine data capture, mobile computing, and PPT in one Android interface to reduce the number of devices running on your network without reducing productivity rates.
- Integrate apps that favor stronger connectivity such as Zebra’s WorryFree WiFi to capture stronger WiFi signals for no-drop sessions.
Dependable connectivity will continue to be a foundational factor in tomorrow’s modernization plans. To learn how you can adapt your systems, contact SSE Technologies for a free assessment.
