The ever increasing demand for more efficiency and accuracy in warehouse operations leaves no room for errors. At the same time, many warehouses are processing more orders and juggling more SKUs, adding to the challenge.
Picking is one area where delays and mistakes happen. You can reduce these problems by automating the process with mobile technology. Your pickers can verify every item they pick and achieve this heightened accuracy with more accuracy than ever before.
Mobile-Powered Cart
A mobile-powered cart acts as a workstation on wheels, allowing your pickers to keep all of their technology close by and powered up. Eliminating the unnecessary movement between aisles and a central workstation increases efficiency. A mobile-powered workstation, like the EcoCart, delivers 8 hours of battery power and the heavy-duty reliability to withstand the tough conditions of a warehouse or distribution center. Equip it with a mobile computer, like an enterprise-grade tablet (e.g., Zebra ET50), and an industrial printer (Zebra ZT230), and your employees are connected with all the information and output they need.
Mobile Computers for the Hands-Free Approach
Mobile computers, like a Zebra TC8000 handheld computer, are multi-functional. They enable your workers to view orders on the screen, scan and verify products, check product locations, and instantly update inventory. This particular rugged mobile computer has been shown to increase productivity by 14%, the equivalent of one hour per worker per shift, which contributes to a rapid ROI.
The hands-free, voice-directed picking (VDP) approach to wearable technology increases efficiency even more. The combination of a ring scanner, wearable wrist terminal, and computer headset provides total freedom of movement to use both hands for picking orders. The picker responds to a voice command, points the ring scanner, and confirms the accuracy. There’s no device to carry, wrist strain is reduced, and your team picks more orders per shift, which boosts your profitability and helps you meet your operational goals.
Technology Allows for More Accuracy in Your Warehouse
According to Zebra, one of the industry leaders in mobile data collection technology, voice-directed picking solutions result in 99% accuracy and increase warehouse productivity by at least 10%.
Zebra’s research also presented some interesting statistics that support the decision to invest in better mobility solutions that enable multi-modal picking. With this approach, users achieved these results:
- 14% less walking time to complete an order
- 18.1% less time to pick all items in an order
- 15.4% less time to fulfill an order
- Error rate that is 63% less than those with voice-only systems
Technology will enable you to tighten control over your warehouse operations. Automating processes, like picking, overrides human error, allows you to process orders more quickly, optimize your labor costs, and achieve real-time visibility. Acquiring technology is not an expense, but an investment in the strength of your business.
Avalon Integration specializes in technology solutions for warehouses and manufacturing. Use our mobility expertise to customize the solutions for your business. Contact us to realize the potential.
