Avalon cold storage RFID technology image

Seize Your Edge: This is what modernized real-time tracking is like without RFID.

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RFID technology has long been at the forefront of modernized locationing systems given its ability to track in-motion products and assets. However, while still adaptable to most applications, RFID tags are not always the best option for every environment, particularly cold storage, where a combination of metal, ice, and condensation, can impact label and reader performance. With cold chain operations expected to grow by 7.24% in the coming year, supply chains must find a way to combine durability and adaptability in their tracking system. Today’s ideal cold storage tracking system should integrate:

  • Minimized touchpoints – To mitigate germ spread and accelerate throughput, warehouses should minimize points of contact either through long-range scanning or wireless connectivity.
  • Scalable growth opportunities – Resource shortages such as the current microchip shortage can increase demands, thus putting more strain on your devices. Consequently, deployment should be easy to accommodate changing numbers of inventory and personnel as needed.
  • Durability that extends beyond the freezer – Because field teams now travel much farther than before, tracking technologies should be packed with long-lasting batteries or flexible charging options to keep workers connected during longer routes.

Zebra’s electric temperature sensors deliver it all.

Seamless temperature tracking is only half the battle. To create a competitive tracking system, sensors should be paired with enterprise-grade and freezer-ready mobile devices that withstand constant temperature swings and long-distance shipping routes. In combining mobile computers and electric sensors, modern tracking systems can:

  • Certify the correct products are packed correctly for timely shipping
  • Prevent early spoilage after products leave the loading dock
  • Scan frozen barcodes at a distance without label repositioning
  • Update receiving stores on ETAs, delays, and product condition in real time
  • Facilitate audits since traceability records are all digitally available

To see how Zebra’s electric sensors interact seamlessly with your device of choice, download our fact sheet.

Whether through Bluetooth locationing or RFID technology, clear workflow visibility has become indispensable for the modern-day warehouse. Reach out to our modernization experts today to see how you can start amplifying operational visibility in your facility with technology that grows alongside your goals.

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intelligent automation DD8701_Avalon-Blog-11-Image-6_15

How Zebra’s Mobility DNA expands the edge of hardware intelligence

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We’ve been discussing the rising popularity of intelligent automation in today’s warehouses. However, while a vast majority of operations are enhancing teams with multi-functional hardware, many businesses still struggle to use new technologies since well over half of workforces are outsourced and/or cyclical. Outsourcing crucial workflows, such as picking and shipping, creates a challenge in user adoption since new hires must be constantly re-trained, halting productivity and order throughput.

While Android-based devices have been shown to decrease adoption rates through a familiar interface, workers may still face issues when it comes to other core applications such as inventory management, WMS updates, and communication channels. Studies show that almost half of warehouses experience IT breakdowns at least a few days a week, most stemming from:

  • Dropped connectivity
  • Inefficient scan engines
  • Missed software updates
  • Lack of standardization
  • Missed maintenance schedules

To prevent these issues from diminishing the impact of automation efforts, Zebra’s Mobility DNA applications offer an additional level of adaptable intelligence to modernized devices that’s easy to adopt by your changing labor force.

Competitive intelligence is built from the inside out

Designed with simplicity in mind, Zebra’s Mobility DNA apps tackle the pervasive problems of IT breakdowns by:

  1. Securing WiFi connectivity within the four walls – Connectivity is the backbone of unbroken uptime, which is why Zebra’s WorryFree WiFi delivers no-drop WiFi connectivity to protect productivity with near-instant response times.
  2. Integrating intelligent data capture – Digitization eliminates the failures of manual data entry, but applications like SimulScan and DataWedge go a step farther by enabling multiple barcode scanning and instant data transmission for minimized keystrokes and faster throughput.
  3. Automatic updates and security patches – With the high prevalence of cyberthreats in today’s digital world, companies can no longer compromise on security. Zebra’s LifeGuard works alongside Android’s automatic OS updates with recurring 90-day security patches, extending device lifecycle up to 10 years.
  4. Converting legacy apps without backend modifications – Although touchscreen apps are more conductive for faster adoption, legacy green-screen apps are more familiar to the older workforce and contain a clear workflow layout. That’s where apps like All-Touch Terminal Emulation come in handy in order to convert TE apps right out of the box for immediate use without app rewriting.
  5. Facilitated remote device management – As the workforce grows, so does the need for more devices, which makes device management indispensable. Apps like PowerPrecision held track battery lifespan, virtually eliminating downtime from battery failure.

These are just a few of the benefits Mobility DNA brings. Download the full guide to see more.

Intelligent modernization takes many forms. Create a system that best adapts to your workforce with Avalon. Contact our automation experts for a close evaluation of your current solution to see how you can get started.

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Efficient Mobile Computing

Seize the New Edge: Discover how Zebra redefined enterprise mobility with a new evolution of handheld computers

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Despite the high demand for fast order fulfillment, warehouses nationwide continue to grapple with the increasing labor shortage since pre-pandemic years. As the older workforce ages out, warehouses struggle to retain younger and experienced team members, with 51% of employers citing outdated technology as one of greatest hurdles in keeping operational success. While familiar to a selected few, legacy devices can ultimately lead to:

  • Higher adoption rates for new hires
  • Increased likelihood of user errors
  • Longer processing times
  • Breakdowns in communication
  • Frustrated and/or disengaged employees

To prevent these issues and meet customer demands, Zebra’s latest mobile computers bring a new level of familiarity and ease of use to the supply chain, empowering workers to accomplish more in less time.

Meet a New Level of Efficiency

Built on a foundation of durable enterprise-grade devices and 2020’s demand for flexibility, newer mobile devices like Zebra’s rugged handhelds quickly adapted to eliminate repetitive tasks and workflow complexities by leveraging…

  • Android’s user-friendly interface – Unlike Microsoft’s outdated Windows OS, Android offers a familiar user platform that resembles consumer-grade smartphones, drastically accelerating adoption rates for fast and seamless deployment. Zebra’s EC50/55 takes familiarity a step farther with integrated push-to-talk capabilities straight out of the box for instant telephony functions and decreased TCO.
  • Digitized operational visibility – Inventory and asset identification becomes easier when paper-based systems are out of the picture. Automated data capture and intelligent scanning bypass manual data entry for updates and workflow notifications. This equips the workforce with near real-time visibility on stock counts, available personnel, and pending tasks all through one handheld device such as Zebra’s TC52.
  • Fortified data security – Besides beating consumer-grade devices in rugged durability, Zebra’s handheld computers also maximize security with government-grade encryption, two-factor authentication, and 90-day recurring security patches to keep devices up and running for as long as 10 years. Devices like the MC9300 combine design and computing strength to deliver one long-lasting mobility device that fits even in the most demanding environments.

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon facilitates upgrades through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Simply upgrade mobile devices from any manufacturer and get cash back rebates towards your new device.

Modernized mobility can take many shapes. Find yours when you reach out to our modernization experts to see how you can enhance worker performance in your operations today with a new edge of enterprise mobility.

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