Enterprise Computing Power Now fits on Your Wrist – and it doesn’t even need a keyboard

Technology developers are constantly raising the bar in intelligent automation, which is why it’s no surprise that Zebra Technologies has once again revolutionized mobile computing with the world’s smallest enterprise computer – the WS50 Android Wearable Computer. 

Developed with worker connectivity in mind, the new WS50 gathers several tools such as push-to-talk capabilities, intelligent scanning, and swappable batteries all within a 2-inch touchscreen frame that can be adjusted for either wrist, back of hand, or two-finger mounting. Combined with Zebra’s Mobility DNA apps and Android’s versatile interface, the device ultimately empowers…

  1. Lightweight streamlined inventory updates since data can be scanned and stored in real-time through one device.
  2. Flexible usage across the supply chain from the production line to the loading dock to the retail storefront.
  3. Around-the-clock task management via a low-power-consumption touchscreen.
  4. Dependable data security delivered through Mobility Extensions and LifeGuard for Android.
  5. Instant detailed documentation realized through one 13MP embedded camera.

With so many similar and new benefits integrated in one device, the question still stands: why would operations need a smaller computer?

Why pick a smaller device in place of a standard mobile computer?

Traditional handheld and touch computers still play a vital role in connecting workers and digitizing inventory management. However, as workspaces adapt, future-forward technologies must also evolve to maintain these functionalities in new challenging spaces. For example, the increase in micro-fulfillment centers has fueled a need for accurate real-time connectivity between customers and delivery teams simultaneously. Labor shortages have created a demand for simplistic technologies that are easily adoptable by younger generations seeking employment. With all these considerations in mind, the WS50 may be a more beneficial option for companies seeking to…

  • Simplify battery management for lower TCO since the wearable device consolidates several tasks onto one terminal. 
  • Unify teams without deploying and tracking two-way radios through embedded push-to-talk and dependable WiFi connectivity.  
  • Lower onboarding and training costs with Android’s future-proof and familiar operating system.

New challenges empower innovation. As customer demands and shortages continue to reshape supply chains, solution providers can keep counting on new and improved tools to enhance workflow efficiency. Explore the latest technology optimizations and see how they can fit in your operations when you contact Avalon for more information.

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Warehouses are not exempt from the Circular Economy. Here’s why:

Gone are the days where single-use products are the norm. Standing amongst several customer demands, sustainability has been an initiative driving changes across the supply chain. While there are many reasons behind this, a few notable factors fueling change in warehouses are:

  • Shared belief among decision-makers – Recent studies show that over 90% of chief executives see sustainability as a top priority to ensure future success.
  • Warehouse packaging contributes to a great deal of waste in landfills – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that container and packaging have continued to as much as 82.2 million tons in solid waste, of which 37% was landfilled.  
  • Customers believe brands should take corporate responsibility – Over 75% of today’s consumers are seeking brands that focus on taking better care of the planet in addition to more personalized and meaningful experiences.
  • Material shortages leave little room for unnecessary waste – Supply shortages for raw materials have impacted manufacturers by lowering production rates, making reverse logistics crucial to expand product availability since returned items could be resold to help prevent out-of-stocks. 

3 Ways to Prioritize Sustainable Warehousing 

As technology continues to advance, more sustainable solutions continue to develop. While there are many large-scale changes available, Avalon continues to push small-scale changes alongside bigger implementations for greater savings in a smaller carbon footprint. A few of these changes involve:

  1. Maximizing the use of reusable containers – To reduce the number of disposed packaging and pallets, distribution centers have turned to reusable containers and removable labels such as the 8000D Dissolvable Labels to properly identify products without slowing operations as containers need to be re-identified. 
  2. Streamlining inventory control through a shareable WMS – Studies show that a properly functioning WMS can increase inventory by upwards to 30%, minimizing risks of out-of-stocks and overstocking. Moreover, a digitized WMS removes the need for paper-based reporting, further reducing waste while maximizing data accuracy and accelerating easy data sharing across the supply chain.   
  3. Choosing an upgrade path that integrates recycling – When outlining a modernization strategy, the fate of your legacy and decommissioned devices should be a crucial factor to avoid contributing to more e-waste.  As a Zebra Premier Solution Partner, Avalon works alongside businesses to facilitate eco-friendly modernization with the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. By accepting devices from any manufacturer, Zebra upgrades ensure traded devices are properly recycled and destroyed without adding to landfills.  

Sustainable modernization is not a contradiction. Reach out to our team to explore further steps your warehouse can take in creating an eco-friendly optimization strategy that still embraces the latest edge in innovation.

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Why pick a touch-computer over a standard handheld device?

Mobile devices have become the foundation of effective modernization since they keep crucial data and connectivity right at your fingertips. They also successfully bridge the gap between teams within a supply chain, automating data capture and sharing through a digital interface. Consequently, handheld devices have become popular across multiple industries, from high-demand manufacturing plants to family-owned storefronts. As customer demands for faster and more accurate fulfillment increased, mobile devices have been enhanced to provide flexible connectivity options, consolidate disparate workflows, and last beyond the standard 8-hour shift. 

Despite these enhancements, traditional handheld computers and scanners may still be bulky for workers traveling between different locations. For more on-the-go teams, handheld devices must prioritize automated intelligence alongside ease-of-use and ergonomics. 

That’s where touch computers come in.

Today’s cellphones have shaped the expectations for easy-to-use technologies. In as little as zero clicks –thanks to voice commands– users can access files, navigate the web, and send messages. Similarly, Zebra’s touch-computers combine the intuitiveness of consumer-grade touchscreens with the enterprise functionality of traditional rugged handhelds. The result looks a little like this:

Zebra’s latest TC52AX touch-computer is a prime example of user-friendly handheld mobility; however, it is not the only option available. Because different workloads may require different levels of functionality, experts recommend assessing your options with the following three considerations:

  1. Will scanning capabilities be needed? – While some touch-computers can capture data up to 50ft away, not every workflow requires this. For example, while the TC20/26 may not offer the widest scanning range, it makes up for the difference in long-lasting battery power that surpasses double shifts. 
  2. How far will workers travel? – When it comes to communication outside of the four walls, devices like Zebra’s TC7x offer greater connectivity flexibility, providing secured communication through cellular, 5G, LTE, WiFi, and more. 
  3. Will you be adding additional devices? – From wearable devices like ring scanners and headsets to mobile printers, additional devices will impact worker mobility and comfort. Lightweight devices streamlining multiple workflows benefit workers by minimizing strain and connecting workflows simultaneously. 

To help you answer these questions, Avalon recommends scheduling a workflow assessment to select a device that best adapts to your operation. Once a device is selected, automation experts can also assist in procuring and preparing devices for integration through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program for cost-effective and intelligent modernization.

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User-friendly technology prevents recalls. Here’s how:

When it comes to food and beverage and pharmaceutical safety, traceability is the baseline for future and sustainable success. Without it, vital products risk spoilage, impacting not only just the bottom line but also consumer safety. Ingestible and medicinal goods tend to be more prioritized since nearly 80% of consumers do not trust manufacturers to properly enforce safety measures around product quality. Moreover, drug recalls have increased steadily for the past two years, with 195 kinds of drugs pulled from shelves since 2017 – mostly due to poor quality control. Improper track and trace systems have often produced one or more of the following consequences:

  • Extensive fees and expenses stemming from downtime while production lines determine points of error. Recurrent issues may also lead businesses to sever ties with questionable companies, ultimately breaking down supply chains.
  • Damaged brand image still remains as one of the top deterrents of businesses since consumers are less likely to choose businesses known for even one safety issue.
  • Legal action may be taken on the part of affected consumers, resulting in broken consumer trust and even changes in laws and regulations.

It’s safe to assume food, beverages, and medicine will always be in demand for the years to come, which means effective traceability will also be highly sought to ensure perishable items are safe for consumers. As a result, automation continues to lead the modernization wave within manufacturing and distribution plants since it facilitates real-time track and trace for easier quality checks. However, complex training and long implementation times can stifle modernization’s benefits when it comes to effective traceability. That’s why simplicity and scalability have become foundational in accelerating deployment for faster efficiency. Whether it be through RFID scanning or mobile label printing, a user-friendly traceability system should be able to…

  1. Reduce illegible manual data entry – Pencil and paper reporting done in haste can result in illegible documentation, complicating future audits. Moreover, files may not be properly sorted and filed, taking time away from productive workflows as workers must spend time looking for vital information. On the other hand, automated data capture through purpose-built devices like Zebra’s DS3600 scanners connect data directly to your centralized database with nothing but a trigger pull, protecting data legibility while empowering workers to process products more quickly.
  2. Close communication gaps between manufacturers and distributors – As seen in recent news, supply chain changes can strike at any given moment, creating challenges for operations using just-in-time inventory management systems. Mobile computers integrating push-to-talk features and cellular connectivity and apps can bridge communication gaps by making sure teams and businesses are notified of any changes as soon as they happen.
  3. Incorporate touch-screen usability for younger workers – As younger workers ages 18-35 enter the workforce, legacy green screen apps may pose a higher learning curve even though they’re familiar to seasoned warehouse workers. That’s why applications like Zebra’s All-Touch Terminal Emulation have been developed to migrate TE screens onto a touchscreen interface for easier usability.
  4. Facilitate data sharing without compromising security – As data is shared digitally, it becomes a target for today’s cybercriminals. To combat threats, Zebra strengthens Android for Enterprise with mobility Extensions and LifeGuard, providing 90-day security patches, two-factor authentication, government-grade encryption, and many other tiered security parameters for uncorrupted data.

Learn how food and beverage businesses are enhancing operational visibility with Zebra in our vision study, available here.

As supply chains grow more complex, operational visibility will remain essential to ensure competitive product quality and consumer trust for every industry. Schedule a preliminary consultation with Avalon’s visibility experts to see how you can expand transparent tracking in your operations with simplistic and intuitive technologies.

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