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How to Assess if Your Printers are Built for Enterprise

When operating in high-volume workflows, a functional printer becomes the foundation for unbroken productivity. With 82% of warehouses reporting an increase in stock-keeping units, distribution centers expect greater challenges in maintaining speed and accuracy during the order fulfillment process. While adapting to persistent shortages and consumer demands, fulfillment teams have no time for breakdowns. Consequently, it is recommended that business assess their enterprise technology to prevent premature failure and downtime.

Zebra’s most recent Warehouse Vision Study suggests that by 2027, over 90% of warehouses will have implemented enterprise printing in their main workflows. As businesses procure hardware, consider the following questions to guide your search.

 

  1. Is the printhead developed for high-volume printing?

Consumer-grade and desktop printers are not suitable for long workhours and high printing volume. While cheaper upfront, businesses risk spending more on downtime and frequent IT visits since printheads cannot keep up with the workload. An enterprise printhead fit for high-volume warehousing should be able to handle the heat associated with thermal printing while also maintaining barcode legibility at faster speeds.

Moreover, in addition to searching for a suitable printhead, consider also printhead longevity since this will determine the possibility of future downtime. For example, Zebra’s enterprise printers proactively prevent downtime by offering free printheads for previously purchased devices. This empowers warehouses to plan replacements

 

  1. What barcode resolution will I need?

Furthermore, depending on the size of your barcodes, you may need a crisper barcode. For example, a small test-tube label needs a sharper barcode compared to a shelf-rack label which can be seen at a distance. Printheads must match the type of inventory or asset you plan to label to preserve future barcode legibility.

 

  1. Will I need an RFID encoder?

RFID is expected to overtake 8 in 10 warehouses by 2025. As businesses scramble to meet incoming RFID labeling requirements from major retailers, that figure is only expected to rise. Furthermore, RFID is a foundational technology to support numerous visibility solutions such as asset tracking, indoor locationing services, and predictive analytics.

Fortunately, printers like the ZT411 and ZT600 series offer optional RFID encoding alongside standard barcode printing, streamlining costs while securing scalability. Moreover, by spacing inlays closer, Zebra’s ZT600 uses fewer materials, reducing label costs.

 

  1. Are current printing stations creating bottlenecks?

Procuring new hardware creates a great opportunity to re-assess workflows and pinpoint bottlenecks. Printing stations have notoriously been behind bottlenecks and long travel times in the warehouse since workers need to walk and wait in line to print.

If multiple workflows require fast label printing, enterprise mobile printers may be a better solution than simply procuring another large industrial device. The ZQ630 delivers enterprise-grade durability and fast printing speeds to meet labeling requirements for on-the-go workers. On the other hand, if printing stations are still preferred, consider integrating a mobile printing station with power carts to reduce travel times.

 

  1. Can you protect printed data digitally?

In the current digital landscape, no industry can compromise on cybersecurity. Peripheral devices are prime targets for cyberattacks since they are less likely to be protected. Therefore, when searching for a new device, be sure it integrates with your current cybersecurity policies.

Applications like PrintSecure prevent unauthorized users from accessing your device while also protecting stored data from accidental WiFi and Bluetooth connections.

With these responses in mind, businesses can have a better grasp of the kind of device their operations need. For step-by-step assistance in assessing your printing needs, schedule a quick conversation with our automation teams.

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RFID checklist for smoother implementation

Real-time locationing has proven vital for almost every industry’s modernization plan. With 41% of shoppers citing shortages as the top obstacle keeping them from finalizing a purchase, distributors are turning to modernized inventory management solutions leveraging RFID to monitor shortages and predict demand. As major retailers like Walmart and Nordstrom demand RFID tracking for many everyday items, manufacturers and distribution centers cannot waste time on inefficient tracking systems.

 

Is RFID Right for You?

 

Not every business requires RFID tracking to establish dependable visibility. Consequently, before you investigate an RFID solution, experts recommend evaluating several components such as:

  1. Environmental challenges

High ceilings, metal racks and thick walls are just a few environmental challenges hindering RFID transformation. Unique locations such as cold storage or manufacturing facilities require durable technologies to withstand around-the-clock usage and extreme temperatures.

 

With a better grasp of the environmental challenges, technicians can recommend durable devices such as Zebra’s rugged fixed readers and handheld RFID scanners to ensure flawless scans anywhere in the facility.

 

  1. Current wave frequencies

Furthermore, assessing environmental challenges can also reveal potential interference from current technologies. Two-way radios, WiFi, and Bluetooth create interfering wavelengths. If left unchecked, interference can prevent data from reaching your teams on time, creating blind spots within your operations.

 

Depending on your workflow requirements, a different tracking system may be more compatible with your location to accommodate current technologies. Understanding your systems may also help evaluate if a passive or active RFID system is more beneficial.

 

  1. Type of inventory being tagged

Certain types of surfaces may be harder to tag, such as curved or metal objects. These can create more wave distortion, hindering successful reads. Fortunately, technological advancements are now bridging the gap between metal inventory and RFID tags.

 

New RFID on-metal tagging solutions empower manufacturers to track tools, fixtures and other metal parts without hindering read performance. Designed to print thicker tags, the ZT411 can deliver RFID encoded tags fit for metal surfaces through one user-friendly, industrial-grade device while also providing traditional RFID tags and barcodes for vital workflows.

 

  1. Estimated training time

Employees must become familiar with new devices, workflows, software and applications. The faster they learn, the less likely they will commit costly mistakes. Therefore, systems should employ easy-to-use technologies to lower training times.

 

While every new solution presents a learning curve, user-friendly operating systems like Android for Enterprise can help minimize training by consolidating workflows onto a familiar touchscreen interface. Moreover, Android’s open app ecosystem facilitates future app integration. Seamless integration ultimately preserves your solution’s scalability in the long run.

 

  1. Future configurations and updates

Current supply chain challenges are prime examples of how unforeseen changes can radically alter entire industries. That’s why scalability and flexibility should be ensured from the very beginning when possible. When you work alongside an experienced RFID solution provider, your operation can draw from their experience and prior successful implementations to create an adaptable plan that embraces future changes.

Once these factors are covered, businesses should have a better scope of their RFID implementation process.

 

Selecting a Viable Solution Provider

 

Whether you’re using an existing solution provider or evaluating a new one, you should understand that RFID implementations require an experienced, hands-on approach. Industry experts recommend evaluating current or future solution providers to make sure they offer:

  • Complete scalability of your whole system (not just hardware)
  • Software installation and reconfiguration
  • Long-term technical support
  • Rapid label development and delivery

There are numerous processes and workflows to evaluate when considering an RFID system for your operation.  For more information or location analysis, schedule a preliminary evaluation with one of our RFID specialists.

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4 Realistic Expectations to Have from Today’s Modern Supply Chains

The last two years have drastically altered supply chain efficiency. The effects of nationwide lockdowns, global shortages, and international tensions have deepened a shared reliance on automated systems to stay ahead of mounting consumer demands and fulfillment challenges. However, amid recurrent and new obstacles, many businesses have shared positive workplace changes such as:

  • Improved worker conditions – Automated systems and enterprise robotics alleviate the stress placed on human workers while also requiring less muscle effort to meet demands.
  • Implemented easy technology – To truly be considered successful, a modernization solution should value user-friendliness to diminish training expenses.
  • Increased wages and bonuses – Around 45% of workers noted an increase in wages as warehouses and distribution centers sought to retain long-term employees.

Changes such as these can help foster more seamless workflows and satisfied employees. As new technologies are developed and integrated into the fast-moving supply chain, it is imperative to maintain realistic yet optimistic goals in the warehouse to correctly track KPIs overtime. Zebra’s newest 2027 Warehouse Vision Study showcases four of the most common goals today’s warehouse managers:

  1. Improving individual worker productivity – It has been estimated that nearly a quarter of warehouse operations were managed through paper-based systems. This means that workers had to spend a bulk of time updating reports, verifying stock counts, and imputing updates manually at the risk of entering the wrong data.
  2. Streamlining workflows in a standardized fashion – As fulfillment tasks became more complex with same-day shipping, higher return rates, and direct-to-customer transactions, businesses needed a way to ensure workflows were accurately tracked from door to dock. Consequently, 41% of companies began to optimize mobility in 2022 to ensure new and permanent workers stay organized through one trackable workflow managed through their handheld device.
  3. Maximizing asset visibility – From mobile devices to centralized printing stations, your warehouse assets play an intricate role in sustaining productivity across the warehouse. Consequently, maintaining device availability through real-time asset tracking systems has become a goal of nearly 70% of warehouses worldwide. Clear operational visibility further empowers warehouses to prepare for challenging demands since decision-makers have a better picture of the resources available to them at a moment’s notice.
  4. Collecting and leveraging data via intelligent automation – The prevalence of sudden changes has created a need for multiple data capturing systems to ensure nothing is ever missed. Therefore, systems featuring technologies like autonomous robots, fixed industrial scanners, and even RFID portals have proven beneficial to drive automated decision making based on real-time insights. This means warehouses can ensure the correct orders and reaching the correct customers, stock quantities are current, and workers receive the assistance they need when and where they need it.

How to make sure these goals are met

E-commerce transactions continues to be one of the largest forces behind modernization, impacting nine out of 10 warehouses by increasing shipping volume. To meet expectations within a dynamic omnichannel ecosystem, experts recommend…

  • Assessing warehouse space to target challenges in the RFID implementation process such as high ceilings, dense walls, etc.
  • Supporting migration plans to adaptable operating systems like Android to make sure new updates and patches are accommodated into current workflows
  • Consolidating workflows into wearable devices to alleviate weight and pressures from your workers while cutting back on management plans for multiple devices.

Navigating through several modernization challenges becomes simpler with a team at your side. To get a closer look into how supply challenges are continuing to affect modernizing warehouses, reach out to our modernization specialists and approach optimization with a confident yet adaptable strategy.

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Before Investing in AMRs Evaluate Your Operations with these 5 Questions

Automation currently leads most modernization efforts, coming in the form of Android handheld devices, versatile rugged tablets, tap-and-pair mobile printers. In conjunction with these efforts, automated mobile robots (AMRs) have seized public interest. Current labor shortages and spikes in demand for faster and more accurate service have further fueled the need for flexible automation and digitization. Recent studies have shown that more than half of warehouses have cited hiring and retaining long-term workers among one of the biggest obstacles faced today, with 85% currently prioritizing labor optimization. Replacing the need for extraneous labor efforts, AMRs are able to empower workers by automating pallet movement, diminish travel time by 60%, and eliminate repetitive tasks without burdening the human workforce.

 

As decision-makers move towards integrating AMRs into their operations, experts recommend considering the following questions:

     1. How will you measure ROI?

Most specialists estimate AMRs should yield measurable results within 2 years at max, with order fulfillment speed being the first change to be recorded. While there are many ways to calculate ROI, a few indicators to look for include…

  • Increasing fulfillment speed – Since travel time is diminished, there should be less replenishment delays and bottlenecks impacting throughput rates.
  • Improved worker safety – AMRs are made to carry heavier loads and may sport a sensitive motion scanner to prevent collisions. This spares workers from straining themselves or running into machinery.
  • Lowered operating costs – As delivery timeframes are met and stock is quickly moved to the appropriate space, there should be less costs associated with inaccurate orders, mis-shipments, and sudden out-of-stocks.

      2. Do you have sufficient space?

While AMRs may not require a complete warehouse redesign, some solutions may require dedicated space within your operations for…

  • Navigation – Tight spaces and sharp corners can limit the AMRs’ ability to move freely around the warehouse.
  • Battery charging – Appropriate space may be required for charging different fleets when they’re not in use.
  • Maintenance – While enterprise devices are designed to withstand harsh environments, AMRs still need to be updated and serviced.

      3. Are other methods of automation already in place?

In addition to AMRs, support systems such as automated data capture and mobile computing further eliminate errors and speed up processes by enabling workers to accomplish more in less time. Before implementing robotics, set a digitized foundation with:

  • Android’s enterprise OS – Familiar and adaptable, Android enables you to add your preferred applications within its open ecosystem for easy adaptability. Its recurrent OS updates and security patches also further protect your operations from cyberattacks.
  • Real-time stock updates – By streamlining data capture and computing through one handheld terminal like Zebra’s handheld computers, your workers can update counts and communicate with each other digitally.
  • Push-to-talk capabilities – Speaking of communication, team communication goes a long way in keeping the workforce updated of any changes and emergencies across the facility.

      4. What fleet control system will you use?

Selecting hardware is only half the battle when it comes to modernization. To maintain complete efficiency, your fleet management system should be able to connect to your WMS system to receive directions and real-time inventory updates.

      5. Is your solution scalable?

The propensity for change in the supply chain is the only constant warehouses can continue to expect in the years to come. As material shortages challenge efficiency alongside labor shortages, it’s crucial to maintain integration and update simplicity to facilitate solution growth. If AMRs are unable to connect with the rest of your mobile devices, they may not be the most suitable option for your business.

 

Once these questions are answered, businesses can create a more realistic and proactive solution plan to minimize implementation hurdles. This can also help narrow down which kinds of AMRs to integrate. To explore your options or for more assistance on how to evaluate your warehouse, talk to one of our modernization experts and explore a broad portfolio of technologies to create customized and scalable solutions.

 

 

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Where does Zebra’s new WS50 fit?

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Zebra’s newest wearable computer has gained much attention for being the world’s smallest wrist-mounted computer. Lightweight and fully ergonomic, the device replicates many functions currently conducted by larger handheld computers, yet it brings unique benefits to specific applications. To best harness its features, businesses seeking to implement the WS50 should consider its top use cases. Developed to simplify data capture and sharing, the WS50 has seen the most proficiency in:

  • Retail markdowns – Shifts in demands can cause rapid price changes over shorter periods of time. Team members equipped with unbreakable data accessibility through wearable devices can quickly scan and verify inventory information without extra bulky devices or paper stock counts.
  • Task management – Operating with smaller workforces under constant labor turnover, warehouse teams require real-time task management that can prioritize in-need operations in real-time based on current workforce size. The WS50’s flexible connectivity features allows teams to update task assignments on the go for less unbroken productivity.
  • Warehouse order fulfillment – Encompassing over 50% of labor efforts, order fulfillment is the foundation of successful distribution. With customers demanding consistent accuracy rates within smaller delivery timeframes, automated picking, sorting, and loading hastens the fulfillment process while increasing throughput without overburdening your workforce. Mobile computing also curbs unnecessary travel since workers no longer need to check in with a centralized desktop to update reports.
  • Accuracy verification – Lastly, whether in the warehouse, in a storefront, or even in non-traditional settings such as food service and hospitality, the WS50’s intelligent scan engine provides higher accuracy rates by verifying product data without paper-based systems.

 

How is this different from a traditional handheld computer?

While the WS50 shares many similarities with leading mobile devices, its small size and wearable capabilities increase responsiveness since workers can be expected to be wearing their devices. Wearable technologies have consistently shown to be easier to adopt since they leverage natural human movement, ultimately empowering teams to…

  1. Cut down device management costs since the device already fulfills the role of a ring scanner
  2. Further connect teams through embedded push-to-talk features on a wearable band
  3. Customize mounting and applications to create a tailored wearable solution that’s easy to grasp by new hires.

 

The road to effective modernization can take many forms. While a hardware upgrade can be essential, sustainable efficiency is developed with tested expertise and solution support. To translate the benefits of the WS50 into your workflows, consider meeting up with one of our automation experts to pinpoint bottlenecks and optimization opportunities in your workflows.

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What’s driving AMR adoption in the warehouse, and should you join the ride?

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Warehouse robotics has long been pinpointed as a disruptive force to reshape the face of modernized warehousing. Now seen as an indispensable support for the changing workforce, robotics investments have surpassed $22 million worldwide, illustrating the digital transformation in today’s supply chains. While e-commerce and shortages have been responsible for most supply chain shifts, AMR adoption can be traced back to a few common factors such as:

  1. Rise in SKU numbers – As more e-commerce stores open, more products flood supply chains, increasing order throughput rates within smaller workforce pools.
  2. Steady increase in labor expenses – Studies show that labor expenses account for over 60% of total operating costs, surpassing rent, utility, and technology expenses. As labor shortages continue to affect industries, these expenses are only set to continue.
  3. Higher likelihood of worker injuries – Around five in a hundred workers are expected to get injured while on the job per year per warehouse. While that may seem like a small probability, one injury can cost companies up to $38,000 in direct costs alone.
  4. Higher likelihood of mixed pallets – With warehouse spaces also increasing in rental price, facilities are more likely to store mixed pallets and split cases to ensure greater product variety. This may create future complications as workers must travel farther throughout the facility to assemble orders.
How do AMRs fit into new warehouse challenges

As customer expectations continue to shift over time, new challenges are only expected to rise. Consequently, intelligent AMR fleets such as the ones built by Zebra’s Fetch Robotics improve modernization strategies by working alongside other future-forward technologies to…

  • Automatically differentiate similar products with RFID scanning during the pick process. Because tags store multiple codes at once, RFID data capture empowers teams by directing AMRs fleets to the correct location based on captured and shared data via the WMS.
  • Reduce employee travel time around the warehouse with roller-top AMRs that meet picking teams in designated locations. In doing so, teams no longer need to move between aisles since AMRs can just bring the order to them for picking and then move the pallet to the next step of the order fulfillment process.
  • Prevent worker injuries that stem from carrying heavy loads or traveling down the same routes as forklifts and other heavy machinery. Next-generation AMRs are equipped with sensitive motion sensors to spot workers and avoid collisions.
  • Track split cases for streamlined picking via your preferred handheld device. Since AMRs can carry up to 600 pounds per device, multiple orders can be transported at once, increasing order throughput while navigating through different pallets with less errors.

An efficient robotics solution is often accompanied by several supporting technologies to simplify deployment and streamline workflows for less bottlenecks. The first step to modernization is a careful in-depth workflow assessment to outline needed technologies and goals within your solution. To learn more about how to get started, contact Avalon’s modernization experts.

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3 Sustainable Tools Breaking Down Communication Barriers in the Modern Supply Chain

Studies show that today’s consumers are far more conscious of a brand’s environmental impact, placing a demand for complete traceability, especially in the food and beverage industry. A mere 20% of consumers truly trust brands to ensure food safety, fueling further skepticism regarding sustainable practices in food distribution. With Earth Day (April 22, 2022), being a few weeks away, companies are encouraged to revisit sustainability plans and ensure proper tracking visibility. As a matter of fact, around 96% of supply chain decision-makers agree that operational visibility provides a clear advantage. Therefore, optimizing sustainable tracking proves to be both beneficial to your brand and your customers. 

How to get started:

While there are several tools available today for sustainable distribution, very few systems prioritize ease-of-use in and out of the four walls. Though indispensable in any automation solution, hardware alone cannot carry to sole weight in securing sustainable traceability. When adding an eco-friendly layer to your visibility solution, consider the following…

1. How are GS1 standards being tracked?

Developed with the sole purpose of facilitating system communication and visibility, GSI standards help ensure products are ready for purchase by aggregating identifiers in a common language. From organic meat to processed candy, products are expected to be identified by markers readable through any system. GS1’s simplicity and compatibility have led nearly 90% of small and growing businesses to adopt its system, also confirming its cost-effectiveness. 

To best leverage GS1 standards, companies are encouraged to verify raw materials, completed products, and shipments display unique GS1 identifiers and any other necessary variable information. Production status should also be easily identifiable, so field teams and retailers know when to expect shipments. These identifiers can be recorded digitally with the help of barcoding or RFID technologies for reduced manual errors. 

2. Can the number of deployed devices be minimized?

More deployed devices per worker maximizes the risks of increased electronic waste. Although several next-generation devices have been optimized to consolidate workflows, food distribution provides additional challenges as devices must be rugged enough to survive drastic temperature changes within one facility. When it comes to field delivery teams, solutions must factor in long distances to verify connectivity is maintained. 

In addition to consolidating workflows through one rugged device, a push-to-talk communication solution may also be beneficial to eliminate two-way radios while connecting field teams and distribution centers without more devices. For example, Zebra’s Workforce Connect app provides instant communication and secured text messaging independent of cellular connectivity, so transportation teams can update ETAs and optimize routes for less wasted fuel.  

3. Are legacy/outdated devices being properly recycled?

Although e-waste composes only 2% of American landfills, it’s responsible for 70% of overall toxic waste. Every effort to minimize toxic waste empowers future generations to live on a cleaner planet. That’s why companies are encouraged to verify decommissioned devices are properly recycled according to local and federal compliance standards. Currently, 25 states are actively targeting electronic waste through mandated recycling initiatives.

As a Zebra Premier Solution’s Partner, Avalon strives to pair proper recycling with enterprise-ready upgrades through the GO-Zebra Trade-In Program. Outdated devices from any manufacturer may be traded in for cash rebates to be used on newer Zebra upgrades. Outdated devices are properly disposed of without compromising the environment or data security through our trusted recyclers. 

If you are unsure on how to answer any of the questions above, it may be time to rethink your tracking system to ensure it meets compliance standards and consumer expectations. Reach out to Avalon’s optimization experts to get step-by-step assistance in assessing your tracking system to best target optimization opportunities. 

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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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7 Things Power Carts Bring to Your Warehouse

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Today’s warehouses are navigating a multitude of challenges; however, two obstacles stand in attention-worthy contrast: high order volume and crippling labor shortages. While order fulfillment rates skyrocket from year to year, employee shortages have created an obstacle in accurately fulfilling the surplus of orders within a smaller timeframe. The Bureau of Labor reported that 45% of warehouse jobs remained unfilled by December of 2021. Meanwhile, labor turnover rates across industries has increased by 8%, costing up to 33% of an employee’s annual earnings to remediate. 

It is no surprise then that automation has become indispensable for warehouse survival. To alleviate pressures on fluctuating workforces while maintaining high order throughput, automated solutions must prioritize versatility, mobility, and ease-of-use. Combining these three factors in one solution, mobile workstations like Newcastle’s Power Carts empower distribution centers by delivering seven game-changing benefits:

  1. Rapid return of investment – By accelerating ROI, companies have more available resources to implement more automated and/or predictive measures. This protects business flexibility in the event of future disruptions. 
  2. 63% increase in ordering volume – By streamlining scanning and label printing through one mobile station, warehouse teams can label and verify orders in strategic places throughout the warehouse. Increased speed results in more orders being processed within smaller time frames since workers no longer need to wait in bottlenecks to print and label orders. 
  3. 50% productivity increase – Equipped with industrial printers like Zebra’s thermal printers, power carts also cut down wait time with faster printing speeds and higher label resolution. Moreover, because they are mobile, printing stations can also cut travel time, keeping workers productive instead of idle. 
  4. 5 to 10 hours of extra work saved – In addition to faster printing, automated data capture via Zebra’s ultra-rugged scanners connects workers to inventory data without losing a second. Real-time order and inventory updates eliminate the need for excessive end-of-shift reporting, further lowering labor costs. 
  5. 90% reduction in labeling errors – Unlike manual data entry, which is both error-prone and time-consuming, automated data capture and sharing reduces the likelihood of errors progressing down the supply chain. Fewer labeling errors also protect orders from mis-shipments and delays, increasing overall customer satisfaction. 
  6. Less bottlenecks for easier social distancing practices – New concerns regarding employee health and social distancing should discourage high employee density. By leveraging high-speed automated solutions, power carts reduce the time employees spend gathered around centralized printing stations, protecting them from unnecessary germ exposure.   
  7. 75% reduction in overtime – Fast-acting technologies are developed to streamline and simplify complex workflows, which means businesses can also expect to save money allocated to overtime. 

Learn more about all-in-one mobile workstations in our brochure, here. 

Depending on the nature of your facility, mobile workstations may bring additional benefits to your workflows. For a full overview of your opportunities, contact Avalon’s modernization specialists to schedule your workflow assessment.

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