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How to Handle Increasing SKU Proliferation

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Compared to ten years ago, today’s warehouse operations are starkly different. Not only did 5,000 new warehouses appear in a span of 5 years, but e-commerce sales have skyrocketed over 300% way before the global health crisis. Thanks to globalization and the internet, the high demand for specific products and fast order fulfillment has revolutionized operations, leading to one of the biggest business trends helping and hindering operations: SKU proliferation. 

As companies adapt to cater to customer preferences, they create new product varieties, giving way to new SKU numbers to identify different types of the same kind of product. This is a natural progression for any growing business, yet without crucial visibility, SKU proliferation can lead to:

  • Increased carrying costs as you’ll need more shelf space and labor to accommodate more products
  • Increased manufacturing/production costs for slow-moving inventory
  • Added order cycle times since workers take more time to compile orders
  • Missed predictive analytics since collected data does not apply to larger segments of your operations

However, when done correctly, SKU proliferation sharpens your competitive advantage by allowing your business to fulfill a customer’s immediate and secondary needs. Therefore, Avalon Integration outlines three ways your distribution plan can leverage intelligent visibility solutions to best manage varying SKUs.

Bringing Insight to Where it’s Needed Most

When modernizing inventory management, Avalon suggests the following areas to start:

Analyze purchase patterns in conjunction with customer interactions

Zebra L10 Tablet to Analyze Purchase Patterns

Zebra’s L10 tablets provide ample screen space, processing power, and integrated scanning capabilities

Obviously, one of the most common causes of SKU proliferation is customer demand. For example, a shoe company selling back shoes may notice the sudden popularity of red shoes and decide to sell them as well. While this may be competitively smart, one must not forget to continue monitoring current stock performance. In our shoe example, that would mean managers would still need to accurately track the number of black shoes in stock, how often they sell, and where they’re located in addition to trends in demand.

To properly analyze stock performance without increasing cycle count times, Avalon recommends streamlining data capture and mobile computing to eliminate data entry. Mobile devices such as Zebra’s L10 tablets provide ample screen space, processing power, and integrated scanning capabilities to empower workers to manage data on the go, creating an undisrupted inventory management system.

Connect workers to real-time stock updates

MC3390R RFID Real-Time Stock Updates

Integrate real-time visibility with RFID tracking solutions

Customer preferences can change within a day, sometimes in a matter of minutes. Moreover, research shows that customers are more likely to abandon carts if they’re unable to fulfill 100% of their needs in one place. That means every decision your workforce takes matters.  To avoid wasting labor efforts, integrate real-time visibility with RFID tracking solutions, such as Zebra MotionWorks, to manage multiple inventory identifiers all once. Inventory counts and location can then be shared with your workforce via their mobile device to accelerate picking by guiding them to the correct location faster.

Protect communication channels across the whole supply chain

Zebra TC77 Touch Computer Communication

Zebra’s TC77 touch-computer for high-speed and long-range connectivity

Disruptive communication channels such as Blockchain Technology are already redefining the way supply chains communicate by allowing enterprises to monitor inventory before it reaches the receiving dock. That means connectivity has now become a driving factor in enhancing competitiveness since it also allows customers to track their orders, a benefit sought by 97% of online shoppers. While there are many ways to establish communication channels between teams, Avalon continues to prioritize streamlined productivity and flexibility by recommending Zebra’s TC77 touch-computer for high-speed and long-range connectivity that keeps field teams and warehouses connected while also providing mobile computing and data capture capabilities.

As a Zebra Premier Solutions’ Partner, Avalon Integration makes sure to connect you with durable enterprise-ready solutions. Contact us today to discover new ways you can get a better handle on SKU proliferation with solutions tailored to your workflow.

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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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Are Your Field Teams Ready for Action?

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Within the last few weeks, it seems as if online service has become the new normal for several states across the country. While retail sales have taken a record-breaking dip in March, e-commerce shipments have risen by 47% within the past two months, with order volumes steadily increasing by the day. However, as order quantity increases, so do shipment delays as businesses attempt to assemble and ship orders accurately without compromising worker health. With many stay-at-home orders extended through May, successful order fulfillment requires a new level of mobility that prioritizes adaptability, connectivity, and most importantly, safety.

As leaders in modernized efficiency, Avalon Integration explores new ways to streamline efficiency and productivity, so your field teams can move freely and safely. The result is accurate order fulfillment, increased customer satisfaction, and better brand identity.

How we do it

TC52 Disinfect for Field Teams

Disinfecting the TC52 for Field Teams

To create adaptable and safe mobility, Avalon partners with Zebra Technologies and Proximity’s UV-Clean to enhance:

  • Team communication – Zebra’s rugged mobile devices such as the TC5X and TC7X series provide reliable long-range connectivity, high-speed internet, and communication channels so your teams can stay connected even in the most remote locations, further boosting order visibility throughout the supply chain.
  • Data Capture – Equipped with best-in-class intelligent data capture, Zebra’s Android touch-computers house several productivity applications as part of Zebra’s Mobility DNA which allows teams to scan multiple codes at once and minimize time spent on the road.
  • Reliable sanitation – Zebra’s disinfectant-ready devices are designed to maintain functionality through consistent sanitation cycles.
  • Scalable disinfection – Proximity’s UV-Clean accelerates sanitation efforts, killing 99.99% of harmful pathogens in less than five minutes. Moreover, this solution can fit into even the smallest workspace, sanitizing your team’s devices before and after delivery.

Witness the power of UV when you download our infographic.

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon is highly experienced in augmenting mobility efficiently with cost-effective and flexible solutions. Contact us today for a free demonstration of these solutions and equip your field teams with dependable mobility.

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Remembering a Legacy: How the MC3300 Redefines Efficient Computing

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For the past ten years, the MC3000 Series has reigned as a popular choice in mobile computing. Equipped with a square screen, advanced scanning capabilities, and Asset Tracker Lite, the MC3200 has long stood as the light-weight and cost-effective solution for enhanced warehouse mobility. Despite its success, Zebra Technologies has continued in its tradition of innovating efficiency. As a proud Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration had thoroughly examined Zebra’s newest addition to the MC3000 Series – the MC3300. 

Testifying to its legacy of rugged functionality, the MC3300 builds upon the strength of its predecessors, creating one fully ergonomic device that goes beyond expectations in terms of warehouse data capture technology.

Small Differences that Make a Big Impact for Efficient Computing

  • Simplified Battery Swap: Unlike past models, the MC3300 comes with fast battery replacement features, decreasing time spent changing batteries. Paired with Zebra’s PowerPrecision Console, the device ensures continuous uptime for a whole shift. 
  • Migration Ready: Equipped with Android, the MC3300 delivers a familiar touchscreen interface while also running green-screen apps right out of the box. Use the All-Touch TE app to convert TE apps at your own pace without any backend modifications. 
  • Fortified Security: Adding a deeper layer of protection for your operating system, Zebra fortifies Android with Mobility Extensions, securing the MC3300 with government-grade encryption and reliable 90-day security patches.  
  • Long-Range Data Capture: Empowering workers with lighter computing, the MC3300 delivers long-range scanning, previously reserved for the MC9000 Series. Capture barcodes up to 70ft away with omnidirectional scanning for maximized performance.
  • Enhanced Connectivity:  Strengthen workforce collaboration with the MC3000’s Workforce Connect Push-to-Talk Express, functional right out of the box. Further telephony capabilities with Workforce Connect Voice to add PBX abilities to your device.
  • Higher Ruggedness: Protected by a Gorilla Glass touch panel and a 5ft drop specification, the MC3300 is built to handle the warehouse’s harshest conditions.
MC3300 Redefines Efficient Computing

The MC3300 from Zebra Redefines Efficient Computing

Committed to our client’s success, Avalon Integration assists in upgrading your technology with the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Experience the next generation of simplified mobile computing and get a $200 cash rebate towards your upgrade.

Want a closer look? Contact us for a free demonstration of the MC3300 and other groundbreaking devices. Bring efficiency to your warehouse operations with the leaders in innovative solutions.

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How to Get Great Customer Service in Field Service

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Field service is the name of the game. Mobile workers keep everything moving. When they’re productive, the enterprise is productive. Avalon Integration helps you keep productivity high by keeping you connected.

Avalon Integration combines expert, industry experience with leading-edge mobile tools, superior data capture, and automation software so you keep operations nimble and running smoothly with real-time data management and on-site flexibility.

  • Field Automation
  • Data Capture
  • Barcode Scanners
  • Mobile Computers & Tablets
  • Mobile Communication

Managing far-flung human capital is tough. It’s a constant battle to maintain profit margins, revenues, and quality of service. Enterprises are always on the hunt for cost reduction and ways to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Zebra gives your field operations access to technical specifications, inventory information, and direct customer communication on the go, to improve customer satisfaction and reduce repeat calls. 

Handheld Computers for Field Service
TC72 is a handheld device built for field service

So much to do – deliveries, equipment repair, plumbing, electrical, parcel delivery, yard maintenance, to name just a few – so little time. And so many competitors ready to serve your customers if you slip. They may look like popular smartphones but they’re powerful handheld computers that make field people faster, smarter and help to satisfy more customers.

TC51/TC56 Touch Computer Series

TC51 and TC56 being used in Field Service

Rugged industrial design that looks and feels like the most popular consumer-style smartphones but armed with Zebra-only enterprise-class features, power, security, and manageability your business requires.

Mobile Printers for Field Service
Mobile Printers can be used for Field Service

Rugged wireless mobile printers tailored to what you do and how you work. Printers range from those ideals for occasional use, to rugged machines that feature a range of latest connectivity options and robust functionality that keeps you operating in the most difficult situations.

IMZ Series

  • Proof of Delivery
  • Receipts
  • Parking Regulation
  • OMNI-Channel Fulfillment
  • Fleet Management
  • Field  Sales
  • Field Service
  • Mobile Asset Management

Rugged Smartphones for Field Service
TC25 - Field Service

Zebra TC25

Field workers need reliable, remote access to real-time data. Personal smartphones, tablets, and laptops are attractive and easy to use but, they don’t have the durability or functionality necessary for a day in day out business use. Rugged Smartphones offer smarter, faster tools for business. Consumer smartphone cameras aren’t built for barcode scanning — rugged smartphones offer scanning technology designed for commercial grade point-and-shoot capture of any electronic or printed barcode in virtually any condition.

Zebra TC55

Field workers need reliable, remote access to real-time data. Personal smartphones, tablets, and laptops are attractive and easy to use but, they don’t have the durability or functionality necessary for a day in day out business use. Rugged Smartphones offer smarter, faster tools for business. Consumer smartphone cameras aren’t built for barcode scanning — rugged smartphones offer scanning technology designed for commercial grade point-and-shoot capture of any electronic or printed barcode in virtually any condition.

Welcome to the Future – the Internet of Things (IoT)

Tom using a Zebra Printer and Scanner to prep a box for shipping

When it comes to delivering superior customer service, having the right person, at the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment, is fundamental. Mobile devices have elevated field service dramatically. But the Internet of Things (IoT) is being adopted rapidly and is greatly expanding the capabilities of field mobility. With connected devices and IoT technologies, field personnel will gain actionable insights that enable them to interact and communicate better, faster, and more intelligently than ever.

Imagine a territory of vending machines that give you real-time updates on what’s in stock, what’s needed to be restocked and what needs immediate mechanical attention – all part of the real-time analytics that includes sales activity, broken down by day, hour, brand, etc.

Avalon and Zebra are bringing together real-time asset visibility, rugged mobility, and cloud technology to lead the way to a new level of efficiency, accuracy, and quality. By capturing data and turning it into actionable insight, companies gain Enterprise Asset Intelligence™ — resulting in more informed decision making and more efficient and accurate performance. The right assets, in the right places, at the right time – for the best outcome at the lowest cost.

High-Efficiency Field Service Implementation for You

Avalon’s experts are ready to help you maximize productivity from your field service team. We analyze your business and data management needs and tailor a system to fit the specific needs of your company. We specialize in process design, technical interface design, user interface design and construction, and developer training. Ask us how to keep you moving forward with expert implementation.

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Zebra et50 and et55: Enterprise-Grade Tablets That Make the Grade

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There’s no doubt we rely on smartphones for a variety of computing tasks. The phone is likely one of the lesser used functions. As smartphones became more convenient and functional, they drifted into the workplace. Then came tablets, and workers appreciated the increased landscape of the larger screen, without the unwieldy size of a laptop. With enterprise-grade tablets, workers could access enterprise systems for updates and communicate across the network with more ease than ever before.

Yet, in demanding conditions, like a warehouse or manufacturing facility, consumer devices just don’t last. Drop that tablet on the concrete floor and it’s either headed for repair or replacement—which means downtime and cost. You might also be compromising your data security by using a consumer-grade tablet or limiting the computing power.

Zebra ET50 and ET55 Enterprise-Grade Tablets
Zebra ET50 and ET55 Enterprise-Grade Tablets

Avalon Integration is focused on serving the technology needs of today’s warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturers. We recognized that consumer devices just don’t deliver value in a tough, enterprise environment. So, we looked toward Zebra, a leader in this space, and found the answer.

The Zebra ET50 and ET55 enterprise tablets are purpose-built for the workplace. These enterprise-grade tablets make the grade—with a higher level of security, data capture, connectivity, and durability. Use these powerful mobile computing devices to:

  • Access real-time reports
  • Transmit work orders
  • Check equipment status
  • Track orders
  • Review and adjust workflows
  • Trigger replenishment
  • Place supply orders
  • Locate people and inventory
  • Capture and send high-quality photos or videos
  • View schematics
  • Record inspections with the date and time stamps
  • Use voice and messaging functions to communicate with the workforce

The Zebra ET50/ET55 enterprise tablet is designed to handle all of these functions with ease and reliability. With the sleek design of a consumer tablet, the ET50/ET55 is unquestionably rugged. Drop the tablet from three feet without worry. Add the rugged frame and the device will handle a drop from more than six feet. The ET50/ET55 will also withstand rain, snow, and dust. The IP65 sealing protects it from even a heavy spray from a hose.

This high-powered, intuitive, and rugged tablet also comes pre-installed with Zebra’s Mobility Extensions (Mx), a suite of features that elevate your operating system to enterprise-class Android. The result is more streamlined and effective device management, security, Wi-Fi performance, and application access. You can do more, better.

Zebra ET50 and ET55 Tablets Are Built to Work for You
Zebra ET50 and ET55 Tablets Are Built to Work for You

Data capture is also enhanced with the enterprise-level ET50/ET55 tablet. Scan 1D and 2D barcodes easily and quickly from a printed paper or electronic screen. Even damaged barcodes can be read. The tablet is also equipped with an integrated 8MP rear camera for image capture and a 2MP front camera for video conferencing.

You can add a hot-swappable battery to keep working without missing a beat. Or keep your ET50/ET55 powered up on the mobile-powered cart.

The ET50 is configured for robust connectivity within your facility’s existing WLAN infrastructure. If you need an enterprise tablet that hits the road with you, the ET55 supports 4G LTE.

Avalon Integration proudly partners with Zebra to provide our customers with the most advanced technology solutions for their business. Ask us about the ET50/ET55 enterprise tablets and other enterprise-grade mobile devices that increase operational efficiency.

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