It’s Time to Revisit your Reverse Logistics System

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Back in 2019, bracketing – otherwise known as the act of buying multiple similar products with the intent of returning them – was estimated to cost businesses up to $550 billion by 2020 as more online retailers move to offer free shipping. Now, while businesses continue to accommodate the surge in online shopping, that estimate can be expected to rise as home shoppers are unable to shop directly in store. 

Moreover, research suggests that four out of ten customers return products bought online. Because returned transactions can cost businesses up to 12$ per parcel, it is highly crucial that supply chains learn to maximize profitability at the face of increasing return rates. Expenditures are further increased when the following responses are taken into account:

  • Products may be stored in the wrong place and lost
  • Products may no longer be usable, ultimately ending up in landfills 
  • Workforce must spend extra time inspecting and refurbishing returned goods 
  • Customers will most likely turn elsewhere to find the product their seeking.

To minimize financial loss and chaos, Avalon Integration recommends revising your inventory management plan to provide your reverse logistics team with maximum visibility from door to dock.

Visibility is King

Warehouse worker in red shirt scanning barcodes

Protect your workflow from sudden influxes with a transparent inventory management system.

Between social distancing limitations and holiday surges, it’s safe to say reverse logistics will not disappear anytime soon. Protecting your workflow from sudden influxes, a transparent inventory management system allows your workforce to accurately track and move products and resources to where they are needed more. A few technologies currently increasing inventory visibility are:

  • RFID Locationing – Tracking moving inventory in real-time, RFID locationing allows you to verify incoming orders, accelerating your sorting and refurbishing process. 
  • Bluetooth Locationing – Serving as a more cost-effective solution compared to RFID technologies, BLE can help define storage zones within your warehouse, ensuring returned goods aren’t lost or misplaced on the wrong shelf. As a result, this also reduces the number of products disposed in landfills. 
  • Color labels – Stringently tested to endure harsh environments, Zebra’s Certified Consumables can maximize visibility by adding color into your labeling system. This allows workers to quickly identify products at a glance and minimize unnecessary labor efforts. 
  • Versatile data capture technology – Paired with either RFID tags or enterprise-grade labels, visibility technologies such as Zebra Rugged Tablets, give you access to your inventory’s status at the palm of your hand while also streamlining other functionalities through one ergonomic and durable device.

When done with the right tools and expertise, maximizing inventory visibility can be both seamless and profitable. To see how these technologies can fit into your workflow, contact our automation experts for a free assessment of your current reverse logistics strategy.

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How to maximize worker safety in your post-COVID production line

While the bulk of COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, it is clear that the enterprise landscape will look starkly different from what it was six months ago. In addition to numerous new health guidelines, your business may also face increasing customer demands while dealing with a shrinking workforce. Surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center show that well over half of polled Americans are uneasy about returning to the workplace. However, the 345% surge in online shopping within the past months illustrates the increasing demands for more accuracy and productivity from a much smaller manufacturing workforce.

While worker safety products such as bracelets and mobile applications can help ensure worker safety, manufacturing plants often require higher levels of safety to comply with OSHA guidelines. Consequently, additional safety items may pose more of a liability instead of promoting safety. As leaders in innovative efficiency, Avalon Integration. That’s partners with Zebra Technologies to raise productivity through compliant safety measures within a smaller workforce – all without increasing labor costs or worker strain.

Combining the Power of the MC9300 and Zebra Motionworks Proximity

2 Warehouse workers using the MC9300 safely distanced in a warehouse

Zebra Motionworks Proximity being used with the MC9300

Instead of deploying additional infrastructures or integrating consumer-grade devices, Avalon helps you leverage your current enterprise-grade technology. Using Zebra’s versatile mobile computers such as the MC9300 along with Zebra MotionWorks Proximity, your team is equipped with durable safe productivity  that allows them to:

  • Maximize data capture accuracy while scanning multiple barcodes at once
  • Communicate through secured networks with preloaded push-to-talk capabilities
  • Quickly pair with Bluetooth-enabled devices without disrupting internet connectivity
  • Integrate proper social distancing alerts to avoid germ spread
  • Track contact events to mitigate costly large-scale quarantines 
  • Minimize touchpoints with long-range data capture and versatile productivity apps
  • Comply with OSHA guidelines by providing efficient contact tracing without additional compromising gear
  • Add layered data protection that enables safe device sharing and efficient employee privacy

Download our infographic to see how Proximity turns work zones into safe zones.

MotionWorks Proximity Infographic Download

MotionWorks Proximity Infographic Download

Avalon Integration helps you adapt to a changing workplace

Two warehouse workers moving pallets while wearing masks

Create adaptive mobility solutions to safeguard your workforce

As more demands are made of your workforce, Avalon’s specialists work closely with you to create adaptive mobility solutions that safeguard the foundations of a successful operation such as:

  • Reliable accuracy rates – Correctly assembled products translate into higher accuracy rates, which in turn, leads to satisfied customers. Zebra’s mobile computers come with SE4850 scanning, so you can accurately capture 1D and 2D codes in lightning speed as far as 70 ft, prioritizing both speed and accuracy so you can safeguard brand identity with each product.  
  • Cost-effective labor expenses – With high labor costs still dominating the market, Avalon empowers you with user-friendly solutions, such as Zebra’s fortified Android, that minimizes repetitive tasks and extensive training times, so your teams can stay focused on more crucial tasks. 
  • Supply chain connectivity – As supply chains become ever more complex, reliable communication systems linking production to storefront are crucial to overall success. From push-to-talk networks to long-range adaptable networking, Avalon’s mobility solutions integrate next-generation technologies to connect your workforce onto an intuitive platform.

When change comes, Avalon Integration is ready to help you successfully navigate through it and make the most out of every opportunity. Contact us today to schedule a demonstration of the MC9300 to see how you can maximize productivity in a brand-new industrial landscape.

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What is Zebra MotionWorks Proximity and how can you get it?

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As warehouses across the nation begin to resume operations, it is crucial to maintain a high focus on maximizing employee safety in addition to workflow productivity. To keep workers safe and efficient, Zebra has once again broken through expectations by upgrading its trusted MotionWorks service, delivering a safe balance between productivity and safety. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration is here to answer your questions on the new Zebra MotionWorks Proximity.

What is Zebra MotionWorks Proximity and how is it different from regular MotionWorks?

A warehouse using Zebra MotionWorks Proximity

Zebra’s Proximity MotionWorks uses locationing technology deployed into your workforce

Developed by the leaders in intelligent automation, Zebra’s Proximity MotionWorks uses locationing technology deployed into your workforce using your staff’s handheld devices to help enforce social distancing measures without halting operations. Sustained by WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, Zebra MotionWorks can help:

  • Maintain stipulated social distancing guidelines with vibrational alerts
  • Track proximity events lasting over 5 minutes to help manage high-density workspaces
  • Integrate safe fast contact tracing in the event of contamination to deploy sectionalized quarantines

How does Proximity work?

2 Warehouse workers using the MC9300 safely distanced in a warehouse

Vibrational signals help your workforce maintain social distancing guidelines

Zebra Proximity MotionWorks can be downloaded onto your staff’s handheld, serving as a seamless contact tracing solution. Assigned devices are able to generate sensing data, recording proximity events without using personal data. Moreover, devices also alert you of close/prolonged proximity events through vibrational signals to help your workforce maintain social distancing guidelines.  

How can I protect my workers’ identities with this solution?

Two warehouse workers moving pallets while wearing masks

Zebra Proximity MotionWorks doesn’t require any sensitive information or medical data to work

Because it’s deployed directly on your enterprise device, Zebra Proximity MotionWorks doesn’t require any sensitive information or medical data to work. Each worker is assigned a unique employee identifier used to link to their handheld device. Proximity events are stored for up to 50 days.

What sort of hardware will I need to deploy this?

Forklift driver looking at screen with hardhat in a warehouse

A number of devices work with Proximity MotionWorks

In addition to an MB6000 Mobile IoT Bridge, you can choose any of the following devices in your current workforce or purchase new devices with preinstalled Proximity MotionWorks.

How do I start?

To start integrating Zebra Proximity MotionWorks into your workflow, contact us here. 

Download our Fact Sheet to learn more.

Zebra MotionWorks Proximity Fact Sheet Download

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What does reliable customer support look like now?

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For the past twenty years, Avalon Integration has always prided itself in being able to offer in-person development and maintenance support, yet with the coronavirus spread, on-site services are no longer recommended. However, this has not changed our commitment to providing quality service. That’s why our experts have taken the time to round up all the resources you need to facilitate remote technical assistance. From specialist advice to hands-on virtual assistance, we are here to make sure you receive reliable and knowledgeable technical support no matter the crisis.

Jump to a Specific Resource:

How to Build Your Mobile Workstation

Dan Mccabe Shows You How to Build Your Mobile Workstation with the Newcastle PowerCart

Dan Mccabe Shows You How to Build Your Mobile Workstation with the Newcastle PowerCart

Now more than ever, mobility is crucial to keep operations running smoothly, which is why Avalon continues in its partnership with Newcastle and Zebra Technologies to provide you with mobile workstations that streamline data entry with:

  • One long-range Zebra handheld scanner
  • One industrial yet movable Zebra printer
  • Newcastle’s mobile cart and display screen. 

See how it comes together in our video:

What Specialized Types or Media Should You Integrate Into Your Operations

Integrate into Your Operations

Integrate Zebra Certified Consumables into Your Operations

Print and apply labels dominate most applications, yet at Avalon, we are always striving to take efficiency up a step, which is why we equip your operations with Zebra’s family of certified consumables, designed to accelerate processes with your choice of:

  • Continuous labels – Eliminating paper waste, continuous labels allow you to choose label length to fit your applications.
  • Peel-and-present labels – These consumables accelerate labeling by removing the liner as labels are printed. They are ideal for low to medium volume operations.
  • Linerless labels – Get more prints per roll with a label that has no liner at all. This is ideal for mobile printers since it eliminates hanging liner paper, which could cause an accident on the warehouse floor.  
  • Custom labels – Choose from over 300 pretested materials to assemble a label tailored to your operations’ needs. Plus, count on fast replenishments since Zebra labels are sourced from your nearest label converting facility.
  • Dissolvable labels – Remove the stress of time-consuming label removal with the 8000D label which dissolves readily in water.

Explore Zebra’s full range of certified consumables here.

How to Properly Clean Your Zebra Printhead

How to Properly Clean Your Zebra Printhead with Raymond Scipioni

Raymond Scipioni Explains how to Keep Your Zebra Printhead Clean

In time, even the best printheads can become worn down. While Zebra Certified Consumables are designed to minimize adhesive buildup and printhead scraping, we still recommend cleaning your printhead to avoid surprise downtime. Discover a quick and fast way to clean your Zebra printhead in our video below:

Further eliminate premature printhead failure when you enroll in the Zebra Printhead Protection Program and make Zebra Consumables your media of choice, so you get:

  • Free printhead replacements
  • Consistent print quality devoid of scannability and reprinting issues
  • Convenience of a one-source supplier

Download our flyer to learn more. 

How to Properly Clean Your Mobile Devices

Cleaning Zebra Mobile Devices

Cleaning Zebra Mobile Devices

Improper cleaning and harsh chemicals can damage your device, and with hundreds of bacteria inhabiting warm handheld devices, establishing proper sanitation practices is crucial to ensure workforce safety and device availability. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration helps you create proper disinfection strategies tailored to the device type. 

Further, protect your operations by referring to your device’s user guide for proper cleaning methods.

How to Run Diagnostics Independently on Your Zebra Device

Run Diagnostics Independently with Zebra Devices

Run Independent Device Diagnostics with Zebra Mobile Computers

Your workforce needs their technology to keep operations running, so when devices are out for repairs, your overall workflow is impacted. As part of Zebra’s valued Mobility DNA family, Device Diagnostics increases device availability by empowering you to run simple diagnostics on-site without prolonged wait times or extensive repairs.

  • Certify issues are found and resolved through an easy-to-understand interface
  • Test scanner operability, audio, and touchscreen/button functionality at the palm of your hands
  • Troubleshoot connectivity issues no matter your networking preferences
  • Monitor battery performance and cradle functionality

With the press of a button, test your devices’ major systems to either eliminate common errors or accelerate the repair issue by targeting the problem before your device reaches the repair center.

How to Repair/Replace Your Zebra Device

Repair or Replace Your Zebra Device with Zebra OneCare

Repair or Replace Your Zebra Device with Zebra OneCare

When your device truly needs to be repaired, Avalon works hard to match your needs to qualified experts while providing quick replacement solutions to uphold productivity. Zebra’s OneCare service stands as an excellent example of timely support tailored to your business size. Choose from three tiers of coverage to get:

  • Trusted comprehensive coverage
  • 3-time repair turnaround time
  • Entree to restricted software
  • Cloud-based view for your mobile devices
  • Up to 24/7 live-agent support
  • Assisted Device commissioning and spare pool management (Available for Select and Premier tiers)

See how easy it is to integrate Zebra’s OneCare service into your support system when you download our flyer here.

Still Having Trouble?

If you need more in-depth assistance, ask our warehousing experts to find the answers to all your questions. To see how you can maximize uptime with Zebra hardware, contact us for a free demonstration of any device of your choice.

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