Unlock the Results of Maximized Visibility

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It’s no secret that customer demands have radically shifted within the past year. While product quality and brand continue to play key roles in purchase patterns, new demands such as delivery times and pick-up convenience have risen, further enhancing the competitive landscape. To keep up with demands and expenses, Avalon Integration turns to maximized visibility in order to provide you with the greatest overview of opportunities within your operations, ultimately unlocking:

  • Faster order processing
  • Diminished operating costs
  • Increased worker connectivity
  • Affordable locationing
  • Actionable intelligence that gives you a competitive advantage

Maximized Visibility Leads to Maximized ROI

Maximize Visibility in the Warehouse with the L10, ZD620 and DS3678

Maximize Visibility in the Warehouse with the L10, ZD620, and the DS3678

The saying goes, you can’t manage what you can’t see. Providing reliable visibility into your operations, Zebra’s L10 Rugged Tablets can help connect your supply chain and facilitate inventory management, all while providing knowledgeable insight into your workflow through your choice of:

  • Android-Powered Mobility DNA – From device management apps to long-range WorryFree WiFi, Zebra’s productivity applications can help you reduce unnecessary deployed devices by tracking technology usage and demands. Furthermore, applications such as DataWedge can capture and integrate data from any source, further expanding efficient oversight into every aspect of your inventory.
  • RFID Technology – Surpassing the standards of conventional locationing systems, RFID solutions give you real-time insights into your assets while integrating into your warehouse management system. Tracking both inventory and assets, RFID can help optimize your storage layout, minimizing inefficient travel patterns, and wasted energy. Moreover, because they can carry multiple codes in one tag, RFID also minimizes paper and printing supplies, further contributing to a lower expense and carbon footprint.
  • Visibility IQ – Converting gathered data into valuable predictions, Zebra’s Visibility IQ equips you with purchase and/or shipping trends, giving you better insight into demand influx to minimize overstocking. This results in streamlined space management and better preparation for high-demand seasons.
L10 Rugged Tablet in a Warehouse that Manufacturers Oil Parts

The L10 Rugged Tablet being used in a Warehouse Manufacturing Oil Parts

Whichever visibility aid you choose, count on the L10’s long battery cycles and ultra-rugged design to maintain unbroken productivity no matter what conditions your workforce faces. Eliminate costly data entry errors along with breakable hardware when you integrate a mobility solution that prioritizes visibility and affordability. Visit our ROI calculator today to get a closer look at how much-rugged visibility can start saving your operations.

Get a free demonstration of the L10 Rugged tablet today to see how you can maximize visibility with a solution built to exceed customer expectations.

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3 Technologies that are Reshaping the Warehousing Future

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Technology has always been one of the greatest drivers of change in any industry. From steam engines to the internet, it is estimated that technological advances have been responsible for a tenfold increase in labor wages within the past 200 years. Not only are advances smarter, but they are also faster. For example, in 2010, collected data intelligence from global outlets comprised 2 zettabytes of information. As of 2019, that number has jumped to 41 zettabytes, which is enough data to fill over 10,000 billion DVDs, collected in a span of nine years.

As our world continues to change, warehousing efficiency continues to adapt to meet new consumer demands. To stay ahead of change, Avalon Integration is taking a closer look at three productivity-enhancing technologies permeating warehouses nationwide.

Take a look in our video:

  1. Breakthrough limitations with virtual reality – Maximizing both worker safety and productivity, hands-free technology such as Zebra’s HD4000 keeps your workforce focused and directs workflows through one lightweight adaptable solution.
  2. Overcome change with the adaptable EC30 – Compact yet strong, the EC30 helps eliminate future software and application issues since it can house your updates without losing functionality over longer periods of time, compared to consumer devices. That means you can continue to add changes and/or new users without recurrently purchasing new devices.
  3. Accelerate efficient picking with voice technology – Boost productivity by 15% when you combine the power of enterprise headsets with Zebra’s WT6000 and ring scanners to optimize order accuracy with high ergonomics. Create intelligent pick paths while providing secured connectivity channels and reliable data capture that expedites order fulfillment without hindering accuracy.
Three Technologies for use in the Warehouse

Three Technologies for use in the Warehouse

Where do these technologies fit?

While there are many different sorts of technologies available, Avalon’s experts make sure your workforce is equipped with solutions that work for them. Stay ahead of change when you create a custom modernization solution, tailored to your needs.  

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The Ultimate Label Performance Checklist

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Chances are, you already know the vital role your labels play in your supply chain. Identifying inventory from production to point-of-sale, labels sustain operational efficiency in every aspect of your business, which is why Avalon Integration works hard to help you maximize label performance for continuous productivity. However, like most technologies, even labels may falter at times. Whether it be from sandy surfaces or weak adhesives, poor label performance can impact your operations by diminishing visibility, traceability, and data capture accuracy. To secure the best labeling practices, we investigate easy-to-deploy solutions to common labeling pain points.

Label Performance in a Warehouse

Label Performance in a Warehouse

Before switching labels, check for the following:

  • Surface Cleanliness – Because warehouses can be dusty environments, it is always best to make sure your surface is free of dust particles and oils which could disrupt the adhesive from setting. 
  • Surface Type – Quality printing supplies such as Zebra’s Certified Consumables can be designed to fit specific application requirements, including surface type. That means your label must match specifications in order to stick properly.
  • Storage environment – Much like surface specifications, your labels may also have storage requirements such as temperature and moisture levels to consider. If labels are stored in inadequate spaces (such as in high temperatures or light exposure) they may become illegible upon printing or fail to stick for the allotted time needed.
  • Temperature changes – Labels must still be cared for after the moment of application. If your label is curling on the sides or fading, that may be a sign of improper surrounding temperature. For example, not every cold storage label is necessarily freezer-grade, which means cold storage labels can be applied 35°F but may not withstand long periods of time in below 0°F temperatures.
  • Label composition – Not all labels are made with the best materials. Fortunately, as a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon equips you with stringently tested labels, designed to meet unique compliance standards and the high heat of direct thermal printing.  
  • Leftover adhesive – When outdated labels are removed, they may leave behind residual adhesive, which impacts the new label’s legibility. When working with reusable containers, consider water-sensitive labels such as the 8000D Dissolvable Label to avoid this issue.
  • Printhead performance – Aging printheads will begin to harm your labels by leaving gaps in your barcodes. Although recurrent printhead replacements can drain your budget, Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program eliminates extraneous costs by providing free printhead replacements when you make Zebra your exclusive printhead supplier.
Water Performance 8000D Dissolvable Label

Water Performance 8000D Dissolvable Label

Think it’s time to switch labels? Take your labeling solution to the next level with Avalon Integration to find the label that best adapts to your workflow. 

Simply put, your inventory management solution is only as good as your labels. Enhance operational visibility when you contact our labeling specialists for a free assessment of your current labeling solution’s performance and experience the ease of maximum productivity you can trust. 

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Ask Raymond: Do I have any hidden improvements?

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Most business operations use labels at some point.  At the very least, labels are used for shipping, product or asset identification, work on process tracking, item location, warning notices, and the list goes on…

While everyone wants to save money, many operations overlook the cost of labels or the cost of not labeling correctly.

Label technology has changed as much as anything else in our high-tech world.  Improvements in adhesives, top-coating, methods of dispensing and applying, and the label materials themselves had undergone myriad changes – many of which are not known to the average manager.

Why ask about labels?

Man scanning a barcode on a circuit board in a warehouse next to a Zebra printer

Why Ask about Labels for Hidden Improvement

Avalon has found many “hidden” opportunities for customers to extract cost savings from labeling operations.  Simple ways to reconfigure label formats or packaging can result in significant operational savings.  Moving from a more optimal form of printing technology can reduce material costs and improve environmental or “green” operation.  Logistics programs to leverage production economies of scale are often underused as are savings in overall printer support.

When to ask about labels?

Peeling a label to place it on a custom part

When to Ask About Labels for Hidden Improvement

Label cost is not considered a major expenditure by companies concentrating on the three P’s – People, Plant, and Product.  Since potential savings can be overlooked in an assessment. An educated label specialist often produces significant savings. If you think your labeling operations are optimized, it is still time to ask about labels.  “Hidden” savings in label costs cannot hide from a label professional.  If you think your labeling operations may not be optimized or it has been a long time since anyone took a good hard look, then, chances are, you may be able to save more than you thought possible.

Who to ask about labels?

Zebra's DS3600 scanning a barcode under a pallet in a warehouse

Who to Ask About Labels for Hidden Improvement

A label manufacturer knows about labels.  However they may not specialize in printer technology, business operations, and logistics, and associated data collection technology – they are all interrelated.  Avalon can not only look at the “label” itself but also all components of your operations before and after the label is applied.

There is a good chance that your labeling system can benefit from an optimized solution. To explore your options, contact our labeling expert, Raymond Scipioni, for an in-depth assessment of your current system.

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How to Face the Friction in Your BOPIS Operations

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Back in 2019, buy-online pick-up instore (BOPIS) transactions were estimated to comprise less than 4% of grocery purchases. While studies suggested BOPIS would rise steadily within the coming years, nothing could have predicted the 62% spike in online orders resulting from extensive stay-home orders issued nationwide. While many companies were slowly in the process of enhancing their mobile ordering systems, less than a fifth of retailers admitted having necessary metrics to properly manage BOPIS transactions. The result has been strained operations and increasing turnover rates as businesses scramble to create safe frictionless fulfillment operations.

Although there are several technologies available to enhance BOPIS operations, Avalon investigates the most seamless and intuitive solutions to protect continuous productivity as well as employee safety and customer satisfaction. Working alongside leading manufacturers like Zebra Technologies, we analyze the core aspects to consider when creating a frictionless BOPIS system.

Staying ahead of Change

Staying Ahead of Change with BOPIS

Staying Ahead of Change with BOPIS

To design a frictionless BOPIS operation, there are several factors to consider. While numerous technologies may play a part in streamlining order fulfillment, your solution should prioritize the following:

  • Communication – Accurate picking heavily depends on reliable communication amongst the entire supply chain, from stocking teams to the end-client. While out-of-stocks can direct your customers to shop elsewhere, poor inventory team communication slows down associates assembling the order, leading to increased worker stress and picking errors. To streamline communication and data capture, Zebra’s TC7X and TC5X mobile computers utilize long-range connectivity and WiFi to keep teams connected through one easy-to-use Android device.
  • Processing Speed – Because of high demand, even the best click-and-collect services can’t offer immediate order fulfillment, yet newer intelligent scanning technologies such as the MC9300 and Zebra’s SimulScan can help drive down wait times by capturing barcodes in virtually any condition, erasing the need for secondary scans.
  • Inventory Visibility –  Needless to say, proper inventory management continues to be a crucial necessity in delivering optimal customer experience. One way to retain optimal identification throughout the supply chain is through quality identification labels. Zebra’s Certified Consumables are designed to meet FDA standards as well as any other specific compliance requirements all while performing in a wide variety of environments. See how Zebra labels are already enhancing BOPIS order identification in our brochure.

For over two decades, our experts have been committed to strengthening operations by providing efficient solutions that empower you to stay ahead of change. Contact us today for a free remote assessment of your current workflow to see how you can maximize any of these factors and more within your BOPIS operations.

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