Think Warehouse Robots are too Expensive? See How They Actually Help Reduce Costs.

The new on-demand economy puts pressure on warehouses to complete orders faster and more efficiently than ever before. Smarter approaches and solutions can help prepare warehouses for faster fulfillment, but these solutions aren’t always attainable due to time and cost constraints. Studies show that despite the on-demand economy, only 20% of warehouses worldwide successfully deploy automation solutions. Warehouses unequipped with automation can be less prepared for high consumer expectations that demand in-stock products, or low demands which could lead to overstocking. Therefore, businesses must find cost-effective automation solutions that deliver superior performance for a greater competitive edge.

 

Optimize Material Handling and Order Fulfillment with Robotics

While it may seem too futuristic or extreme, warehouse robotics can actually increase productivity and lower labor costs in the long run. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) reduce downtime by automating vital workflows and freeing up your workforce to focus on more important tasks. Studies show that next-evolution AMRs can achieve up to a 78% improvement in productivity for picking operations, keeping businesses ahead of market demands.

 

  1. Quick fulfillment solutions for different environments – AMRs can help manufacturing, fulfillment and distribution operations adapt to the on-demand economy. Enterprise-ready robotics like Fetch AMRs from Zebra bring immediate benefits by automating repetitive tasks, such as picking and packing, and doing so faster and with fewer errors. By helping workers manage urgent orders and meet faster shipping times, AMRs control costs by making the picking process more efficient and minimizing errors and missed delivery timelines.
  2. Out-of-the-box capabilities that reduce downtime – The on-demand supply chain requires on-demand automation. Out of the box, Fetch robots enable on-demand automation with quick deployment in just hours in any facility. Easy adaptation and operation in a variety of environments reduce training times and downtime costs.
  3. Fully-integrated benefits that deliver high ROI – While AMRs can be deployed in distribution, fulfillment and manufacturing centers, there are numerous areas where they can be fully integrated. For more advanced automation, Fetch AMRs can integrate with WMS, WES, MES or ERP systems to provide optimized picking and enable pull-based workflows. Easy integration quickly creates dynamic picking and replenishment processes to deliver a strong ROI.

 

Warehouse robotics can improve accuracy and boost picking operations when warehouses need innovation the most. Robots deliver fast ROI and reduce errors, which actually helps control costs. Learn how you can find the right warehouse automation solutions for your business with Avalon and Zebra.

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Why Now is the Best Time to Upgrade Your Warehouse Equipment

The challenges of controlling costs and managing high consumer expectations dominate the minds of today’s warehouse professionals. From demands for same-day shipping to ongoing product shortages, distribution centers are navigating a myriad of fulfillment obstacles. It’s no surprise that over 80% of warehouses plan to accelerate modernization plans to keep pace with these increasing demands and challenges. Because next-generation technologies now aim at streamlining critical tasks to reduce learning curves and maximize throughput in less time, automation experts recommend optimizing now to remain competitive in today’s high-demand market.

 

Past studies show that 73% of organizations plan to begin modernization with mobile technology. Handheld devices serve as scanners, computers and communication devices, and quickly empower operators to record and update data in real-time for more visibility and productivity. Without operational visibility, businesses risk increased expenses, stalled workflows, lost products and lost time. Furthermore, outdated mobile computers can also compromise data security if operating systems are not kept current. Therefore, when optimizing warehouse technologies, consider starting with your mobile devices.

 

That’s Where GO Zebra Comes In

To maintain enterprise efficiency, Avalon partners with Zebra to offer a wide range of innovative mobile computers and printers. Designed to help businesses upgrade mobility solutions without high costs, the GO Zebra Trade-In Program provides businesses with:

 

  1. Dependable, purpose-built durability – Front line workers can perform well or poorly based on the technology they use. Traditional legacy devices contribute to more errors and delays, which increase downtime and hurt fulfillment. When you upgrade your equipment through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, you provide your workers with the latest Zebra hardware to keep up with tough warehouse demands.
  2. More accurate data capture – Outdated devices limit accuracy, while industry-leading scanners can capture any 1D or 2D barcode from near contact to as far as 70 feet away. Zebra’s scanners help your workers maintain high scanning performance even in shifting conditions. Access to higher accuracy devices through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program can help control costs without compromising efficiency.
  3. Flexible enterprise mobility – Intuitive mobile devices from Zebra help your workers stay mobile to maximize productivity and speed-up shipping processes, giving frontline workers the modern mobility they need to adapt to demands faster.

 

Follow these steps to start upgrading your workforce with purpose-built technology:

  • Purchase a qualified product
  • Submit your claim form
  • Trade in your legacy devices from any manufacturer.

 

To learn more about the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, download our brochure or contact an Avalon rep today.

 

Modernization doesn’t have to be complex. Work alongside the experienced automation team at Avalon to outline vulnerable areas within your operation and formulate a plan to replace outdated technology with devices that bring measurable improvements.

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Why Choose Device Simplicity or Versatility When You Can Have Both?

As supply chains strive to meet increasing customer demands, mobility solutions continue to set the foundation for superior modernization. From push-to-talk communication to safe data sharing, handheld devices now play a major role in virtually every industry. Studies show that the global enterprise mobility market was valued at $19.65 billion before the pandemic, and is projected to reach $151.51 billion by 2027.

 

A jump like this indicates that mobility is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.3% from 2020 to 2027, illustrating the importance today’s supply chain places on adaptive mobility. To stay in step with demands, warehouses now must plan to adapt and implement the best technology that accelerates workflows while remaining simple enough for future scalability. Without upgraded technology, businesses could risk increased operational expenses and slower productivity, ultimately damaging brand reliability, worker satisfaction, and profitability. Consequently, new devices like Zebra’s TC58 mobile computer now combine ease of use with flexible functionality to enable uninterrupted productivity anywhere in and out of the four walls.

 

More than an Enterprise Smartphone

To stay ahead of rising mobility rates, Zebra’s newly-reengineered TC58 gives workers reliable features and adaptive technologies that accelerate tasks without compromising accuracy. Designed for Android 11 and upgradeable to Android 15, the TC58 brings businesses the following improvements:

 

  1. Durability built from the inside out – A class-leading 6-inch screen that lets workers see more, do more, and scroll less helps make the TC58 Zebra’s most advanced enterprise mobile computer yet. It’s also equipped with a next-generation octa-core processor and is the only device in its class to offer support for WiFi 6E. Advanced processing power and enhanced connectivity enable blazing speed in the most demanding applications.
  2. Enhanced features that improve flexibility and accuracy – Provide your workers with advanced features that enable flexible operation. Calculate accurate parcel dimensions with the integrated Time of Flight sensor. Drop the TC58 into a Workstation cradle to connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and more to create a mobile-driven workstation. Also, add an impressive 1,300 tags per second with the optional RFD40 sleds.
  3. A new level of workforce productivity and value with Mobility DNA – Simplify device integration, increase device security, and make device management easier with Mobility DNA’s advanced tools. Easy management and security come with the TC58’s Enterprise Mobility Management and LifeGuard for Android to insure your devices.
  4. Versatile customization to maintain productivity in any industry – The TC58 helps workforces stay versatile across multiple industries. Provide your retail associates with enhanced price and inventory checks, item locationing, line busting, and back-of-store management. Warehouses can benefit from the TC58’s help in increasing inventory management, picking and receiving, and asset management with reliable data capture. Field service technicians benefit from high asset management in challenging conditions with the TC58’s durable design and mobile point of sale.

 

Warehouse automation should simplify enterprise efficiency. Contact an Avalon representative to learn more about how Zebra’s TC58 brings simple and versatile efficiency to your operation.

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Top 3 Reasons to Move to Android 11

Businesses can no longer overlook cybersecurity. Regardless of company size, virtually every business can be a target for today’s cybercriminals. As automation continues to dominate warehouses and distribution centers, businesses can no longer afford to compromise on data security when integrating intelligent mobile devices. Studies indicate that nearly 71.1 million people are victims of cybercrimes every year, and 97% of companies have faced cyberattacks involving mobile threats. In the end, researchers estimate that cybercrimes will cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, illustrating the crucial importance of dependable data security—currently absent in consumer-grade devices and outdated operating systems.

 

That’s Where Android Comes In

To prioritize security and enterprise efficiency, more businesses are moving to highly-secure operating systems and mobility solutions like Android 11. Innovative operating systems like this can avoid cyberattacks and manage downtime to control costs; however, the benefits of Android extend beyond cybersecurity. As the preferred OS of leading manufacturers like Zebra Technologies, Android 11 opens the doors to a new level of dependable automation on best-in-class devices. For example, the new TC58 mobile computer leverages Android 11 OS to deliver the operating system’s top benefits within one enterprise platform.

 

  1. Secure device protection with consistent updates – Increase device security with an updated operating system to prevent leaks and attacks. Equipped with LifeGuard for Android, Zebra’s empowered mobile computer provides security patches to keep devices secure every day they are in service. Android 11 helps enhance mobile computer processing power, so businesses can get secure, powerful enterprise mobility updated every 90 days with government-grade encryption.
  2. Streamlined ease of use for better mobility – Since Android is extremely popular in the consumer space, employees are more likely to adapt to it, thus minimizing training times. Additionally, Zebra’s Mobility DNA offers the broadest and most mature set of solutions for simpler management and easier integration, empowering workers to use their device’s full functionality right out of the box.
  3. Versatility with an open app ecosystem – Businesses can customize their mobility solution with an intuitive platform that enables seamless app integration, unlike iOS. Moreover, Android devices like the TC58 enable quick app migration, converting TE green screens into a touchscreen interface without extensive application rewriting.

 

When you protect your mobile devices with a flexible operating system like Android,  you protect enterprise efficiency and supply chain operations. Talk to an expert at Avalon today to evaluate a mobility solution that protects your enterprise.

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