Posts

How Retailers and Distribution Centers Are Bridging the Communication Gap

,

Thanks to omnichannel fulfillment and globalization, today’s products pass through several hands between the factory production and the checkout lane. Amongst the many systems in place to ensure smooth production flows, workforce communication across the supply chain continues to be a struggle for most companies. Without proper communication channels between warehouses and retailers, costly out-of-stocks threaten customer satisfaction and profitability. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that out-of-stocks will increase by 172% this year due to labor and supply chain shortages, and communication breakdowns are only expected to worsen the situation. Despite the outlook, studies suggest digital sales between November 1st and December 31st will amount to at least $207 billion in the U.S. alone. Poor supply chain communication is often caused by:

  • SKU proliferation – Many different variants of the same kind of product may be difficult to track once they leave the warehouse.
  • Various shipping options – Companies offering direct-to-customer and buy-online-pickup-in-store shipping options may open pallets, leaving more room for error and incorrect storage.
  • Inexperienced workforce – As new hires take time to adapt to workflows, delays may result during inventory counting.

On the flipside, companies actively integrating dependable communication channels between the storefront and suppliers have seen up to 25% productivity increases since delays and inaccuracies are mitigated before they progress through the supply chain. As the 2021 Holiday Peak Season draws near, the following solutions have grown in popularity among retailers and distributors to breakdown communication barriers:

  1. Wireless networking – Wall-to-wall connectivity enables warehouse workers to update stock counts from anywhere, but connectivity across the supply chain allows all teams to update and alert each other of stock shortages, production delays, and delivery times before surprises affect customer loyalty. For example, push-to-talk applications like Zebra’s Workforce Connect unites drivers and warehouse administrators, enabling real-time routing, voice-based texting, and task adjustments all without an additional device. This lowers operation costs while making sure transportation teams have access to the most current updates wherever they are.
  2. Streamlined mobile computing – Multiple SKU numbers are difficult to track when using legacy-based systems and manual data processing. To eliminate error-prone repetitive tasks such as inventory logging and cycle counting, next-generation mobile computers are now equipped with intelligent scanning engines to transmit barcode data straight to the WMS, bypassing paper tracking. Rugged mobile devices can also be taken outside of the warehouse, ensuring one durable, simple, and standard digital experience for both warehouse, delivery, and retailers.
  3. RFID verification – Lastly, with shipping timeframes shrinking to mere days, fast and accurate order verification is essential to prevent errors from leaving the warehouse. Consequently, RFID tracking and traceability has proven valuable in quickly verifying orders as they move down the supply chain. Real-time locationing solutions within the storefront also assist busy associates in tracking high-demand items, providing fast customer service during peak hours.

While the solutions above provide a safe place to start enhancing supply chain communication, unique applications may require a more tailored solution to adapt to your workflow’s demand and capacity. To explore more optimization choices, contact us for a step-by-step assessment of the current obstacles in your workflows.

/1 Comment/by

Improve workforce productivity with RFID tracking

,

In any given industry, workforce labor is both the biggest expense and the largest asset to a company. From the production floor to the retail storefront, your workforce keeps operations running smoothly to create a seamless supply chain. However, as demands continue to reshape the enterprise landscape, labor may not be appropriately distributed in the workspace. Whether it be in warehousing or retail, ill-distributed labor can lead to:

  • Higher turnover rates
  • Missed delivery dates 
  • Overlooked compliance codes and worker safety
  • Inaccurate order fulfillment 

To accommodate changing workforce sizes and evolving customer demands, several warehouses have turned to the popular and versatile modernization solution: RFID technology. 

What can RFID Bring to your Operations? 

According to Zebra’s 2019 Warehousing Vision Study, RFID technology was expected to grow by 6%, yet post-pandemic demands for both speed and safety have accelerated adoption in warehouses and retailers alike. Next-generation RFID solutions such as Zebra’s MotionWorks can expand operational visibility while increasing workforce productivity by…

  • Providing real-time operational visibility – Unlike conventional barcodes, RFID technology can be used to track in-motion inventory and assets all in real-time, providing you with a clear view of where your workforce is at any given time. 
  • Complying with worker safety protocols – New worker safety initiatives such as Zebra’s MotionWorks Proximity allows you to trace exposure risks and integrate social distancing protocols into your handheld device by tracking high-density workspaces in real-time. 
  • Tracking labor-intensive workflows – When demand increases suddenly as it normally does for peak holiday seasons, RFID data capture can help track intensive workflows and guide employees through multiple pick paths at once, eliminating superfluous wait times. 

See how Zebra’s Savanna does it all and more in our video

Whether you’re tracking assets, inventory, or your workforce, expect dependable visibility when you optimize operations with Avalon. Contact our automation experts today for a free evaluation of your workflow to get started. 

/by

Meet Customer Demands or Lower TCO? See How Sustainable Warehousing Does Both.

,

Energy consumption can account for a substantial part of your operation’s total expenses. However, the push for sustainability goes beyond lowering operational costs. Sustainability has gathered the attention of most North American consumers as studies indicate that nearly 70% of consumers prefer brands that integrate eco-friendly practices into their supply chains. In addition to fulfilling customer expectations, sustainable warehousing can help in the following efforts:

Establishing cost-effective traceability

Establishing Cost Effective Traceability

80% of consumers wish to know the origin of their purchased products

Studies conducted by IBM and the National Retail Federation, at least 80% of consumers wish to know the origin of their purchased products. Moreover, today’s changing compliance standards have also increased the need for fast and accurate traceability down the whole supply chain. 

Sustainable traceability solutions built with RFID tracking can help eliminate errors by providing real-time insight and data throughout a product’s lifecycle from production to checkout. By monitoring operations in real-time, your team can reduce wasteful labor and ensure compliance on the go without adding new devices or complicated steps into your workflow.

Allocating limited resources efficiently

Allocating Limited Resources Efficiently

By streamlining crucial tasks through one platform, operations can reduce the number of deployed devices

High turnover rates continue to be a prevalent issue in today’s supply chains; plus, new worker safety measures require warehouse managers to be mindful of high-density areas. This means your workforce as well as your digital devices must be intelligently distributed where needed most without overcrowding. While equipping workers with more devices can solve this problem, it may lead to future e-waste that results in a larger carbon footprint

By streamlining crucial tasks through one platform, operations can reduce the number of deployed devices while empowering the workforce to do more.  Modern enterprise-grade technologies, such as Zebra’s line of mobile computers, can help minimize purchasing and/or leasing new equipment since they can combine data capture, data sharing, connectivity, and visibility all into one platform.

Reducing upgrade costs

Reducing Upgrade Costs

Zebras’ most recent Warehouse Vision Study shows that nearly 77% of warehouses worldwide have moved towards automation

Zebras’ most recent Warehouse Vision Study shows that nearly 77% of warehouses worldwide have moved towards automation to meet customer demands without exacerbating costs. However, inefficient cheap upgrades can contribute to the production of e-waste, which capped at 53.6 million tons last year alone.

To make modernization equally available to everyone, Avalon Integration partners with Zebra Technology in the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Instead of just purchasing new upgrades, we recommend trading in outdated devices to prevent them from ending up in landfills that could later damage the environment as well as your brand’s values.

When choosing between remaining competitive or lowering expenses, Avalon eliminates compromise by creating a sustainable modernization solution that minimizes waste while meeting consumer demands. To measure the efficacy of your workflow’s current sustainability efforts, meet with one of the specialists for a step-by-step assessment of your operations.

/by

How RFID Improves your Inventory Management

,

Although there are still roughly three months left in the year, e-commerce has already broken industry records and is expected to bring over $4.2 trillion dollars in revenue by the end of the year. As more customers order online, new/fluctuating health guidelines have also resurged alongside the demand for faster service. In the middle of these changes, RFID technology has risen as a modernized solution when it comes to delivering accurate and fast service. As a matter of fact, 41% of decision-makers cite RFID as the best option to improve food traceability, yet only 31% of them currently use it. Unlike previous systems, RFID technology improves inventory management with:

  • Serialized labeling that eases tracking for SKUs
  • Readers that capture more than one code at a time
  • No line of sight required, accelerating order processing

As leaders in modernized efficiency, Avalon Integration investigates the benefits of RFID tracking as it expands operational visibility within your inventory management system.

99.99% Visibility is just the beginning.

As noted earlier, today’s complex operations require dependable visibility in order to properly manage operations. In addition to preventing out-of-stocks and lost assets, RFID tracking can help…

Establish better customer service

Establish better Customer Service

RFID systems reduce delays during production

By locating inventory quickly in real-time, RFID systems reduce delays during production and fulfillment. Consequently, your workforce is better equipped to meet tighter deadlines for faster delivery. 

Moreover, because RFID readers can capture multiple codes at once, they can verify orders and products before they leave the shipping dock, eliminating errors that could drive customers away. 

Lastly, because today’s customers expect to be able to track their orders in real-time, comprehensive solutions such as Zebra’s RFID technologies enhance your competitive edge by connecting order status to your management system, so your customers can get the most up to date insight on their purchase.

Target previously hidden costs draining operations

Target Previously Hidden Costs Draining Operations

Greater visibility allows you to notice areas needing improvement

Greater visibility allows you to notice areas needing improvement such as inefficient storage spaces. By optimizing storage, organizations can expand picking capacity by as much as 30% without adding to worker stress. Visibility solutions such as Zebra’s MotionWorks use RFID to safeguard ROI by:

  • Managing on-the-move inventory in real-time to avoid misplacements
  • Decreasing inventory costs associated with over-stocking
  • Verify inventory is meeting compliance requirements throughout the supply chain process

Collect predictive analytics

Collect Predictive Analytics

An efficient RFID system is capable of collecting actionable data

The 2020 holiday rush may just be another factor due to driving the need for visibility. An efficient RFID system is capable of collecting actionable data based on current workflows and past demands to deliver crucial analytics to help you prepare for future challenges. 

Efficient insight leads to reliable foresight. Whether you choose to continue enhancing operations with conventional labels or RFID technologies, Avalon recommends securing label efficiency with Zebra Certified Consumables. Designed to perform flawlessly in the most arduous environments, Zebra labels and RFID tags can help you meet any of the outlined goals while adapting to your unique needs. 

To see whether your operations could benefit from a new tracking system, contact Avalon’s labeling specialists here.

/by

Can’t Wait for Modex? Explore RFID NOW!

,

In less than a week, from March 9th through 12th, Avalon Integration will join over 900 technology experts in navigating through the modernized landscape of efficient supply chain systems at the Modex 2020 Tradeshow. While there are countless different technologies redefining operations, our innovation specialists explore RFID locationing in-depth as it enhances inventory management. Expanding visibility from door to dock, RFID improves order accuracy, a goal no operation can afford to overlook. 

With e-commerce complicating warehouse operations, achieving transparent inventory management has become complex yet necessary in order to remain competitive. Committed to optimizing operations, Avalon Integration investigates the unceasing importance of inventory accuracy and how RFID can help maximize transparency within the digital age.

Oversight that Leads to Insight

RFID Locationing Improves Accuracy

Learn More about RFID locationing when you visit us at Modex.

Out of the many solutions taking the warehousing industry by storm, RFID locationing has risen as a key strategy in improving accuracy. Precise and efficient, RFID can be used to:

  • Mitigate risks – Maximizing visibility, RFID allows you to pinpoint moving assets and purchase patterns, giving you insight into possible influxes, bottlenecks, and lulls within operations. 
  • Enhance customer experience – As one of the newest prime differentiators between online stores, customer service is closely tied to proper inventory management since customers cannot expect to purchase products that are unaccounted for or unavailable. RFID antennas and readers can track incoming inventory, allowing you to better manage in-stock items. 
  • Reduce product shrinkage – Whether due to theft or misplacement, product shrinkage drained over $50 billion in 2018.  Increased product visibility and tracking can minimize lost items while preventing shoplifting.
  • Manage storage space – Just as problematic as out-of-tocks, over-stocks can devalue your products while also occupying valuable storage space. By tracking how fast products are purchased/moved, you can avoid overstocking and better distribute warehousing space.

When considering RFID, Avalon recommends Zebra’s RFID technology for its durability, extended accuracy, and versatility. From long-range readers to rugged handheld scanners to pretested tags, Zebra’s RFID technology is engineered for dependable functionality in any environment.

How to Start?

As with any optimization strategy, RFID requires careful planning before outright deployment. Consider the following steps when beginning your RFID strategy:

  • Establish measurable goals using key performance indicators
  • Identify specific pain points to be addressed by your new solution
  • Certify all solution participants (operators, administrators, store associates, etc.) are on board with change
  • Verify tag and application requirements

See these steps in action in Zebra’s RFID Pilot Guide.

Get a closer look into the best RFID solutions on the market when you join us at booth #3607 at Modex 2020 or start building your solution today with our knowledgeable team of automation experts.

/by

Modex 2020: We’re Raising Productivity Standards in 2 Weeks

,

While still revolutionary in nature, automation may not strike as new since it’s been discussed at great lengths for the past years. However, automation isn’t the only trend redefining efficient warehousing. Adaptive to change, efficient warehousing is set to be influenced by trends such as:

  • Rise of Machine Learning and A.I.
  • Modernized RFID Solutions
  • Push for Sustainable Practices
  • Blockchain Connectivity
  • Demand for Same-Day Delivery
  • Fluctuating International Tariffs
  • Big Data
  • Wearable Technologies
  • Cloud Computing
  • Real-time Locationing
  • Digital Twins

From the first generation of mobile computing to the latest OS migration wave, Avalon Integration has specialized in maximizing operational efficiency with the best resources available. That’s why we’re facing these trends confidently with brand-new solutions and technologies to be introduced at the Modex 2020 Tradeshow.

Got Plans for March 9th-12th?

Leveraging Industry Changes for Modex

Leveraging Industry Changes for Modex

For four days, Avalon Integration invites you to join over 900 leading technology providers and manufacturers such as Zebra Technologies in leveraging the latest industry changes for maximized operational efficiency that leads to:

  • Increased supply chain visibility – New connectivity options and security measures have paved the way for transparent supply chain operations where every member can participate.
  • Efficient picking and fulfillment strategies – Breakthroughs in labeling technology such as RFID, Bluetooth beacons, and automated data capture have maximized order accuracy by eliminating the errors normally associated with manual data entry. Now, newly digitized processes and wearable technologies such as the WT6000 and ring scanners can further maximize accuracy while expediting order processing.
  • Streamlined returns management operations – Cloud-based software and increased inventory visibility can lead to simplified return management systems. Real-time locationing and productivity applications such as Zebra’s Mobility DNA can expand warehouse visibility, equipping you with better insights into where and how your returned inventory is processed.

 

Modex 2020 Powered by MHI Logo

Modex 2020 Logo

From meaningful networking to in-depth knowledgeable seminars, get a close look into the key industry changes set to reshape the future within the coming years. Meet us at booth #3607 at the Modex 2020 Tradeshow and refine efficiency with the leaders in effective innovation.

However, you don’t need to wait two weeks to experience a new standard in productivity. Speak to our warehousing specialists today to discover new customized solutions designed to maximize your competitive edge, so you can stay ahead of today’s challenges and tomorrow’s trends.

/by

Go Green with RFID: See How RFID Technology Fits in the Sustainable Warehouse

,

Within the past decade, new research and manufacturing policies have brought environmental concerns to the forefront of consumers’ attention. Results from the CGS 2019 U.S. Consumer Sustainability Survey show that 68% of today’s consumers see sustainability as a deciding factor in whether or not to purchase a product. In 2019, products labeled sustainable accounted for as much as $114 billion in revenue, a 29% increase compared to 2013. From product assembly to shipping methods, there are several ways companies can integrate sustainability into their supply chain. However, while it may be tempting for companies to label products as sustainable, the Federal Trade Commission deals heavy fines for misleading and/or inaccurate labels. 

In our commitment to both the environment and operational efficiency, Avalon Integration investigates new technologies and their benefits beyond the warehouse. Among these technologies, RFID tracking stands as one of the most promising resources in establishing sustainable practices with the supply chain. By providing true real-time visibility, RFID equips you with actionable intelligence into every detail of your operation to reduce environmental impact.

Creating the Green Warehouse, One Tag at a Time

MC3390R Green Sustainable Warehouse

MC3390R Being Used in a Sustainable Green Warehouse

Before choosing any particular RFID solution, it is important to consider tag composition and durability. Because they will face several sorts of environments even after application, RFID tags should be designed with strength in mind. Like is quality consumables, Zebra’s RFID tags are tested for continuous performance on a wide range of surfaces, so you do more than just can track more than inventory.

  • Manage inventory to prevent overstocking – A common issue in the retail industry, overproduction can lead to wastefulness and product depreciation. By managing processed goods in real-time, companies can regulate assembly speed to match the market demand.
  • Minimize unnecessary and inefficient transportation labor – Inaccurate orders require labor and money to rectify. RFID readers can verify loaded shipments to prevent unnecessary truck deliveries and additional CO2 emissions.
  • Implement additional policies with greater visibility – Since RFID technology can provide a full overview of warehouse activity, gathered intelligence can be used to pinpoint bottlenecks, extraneous energy usage, and wasted storage space.

But RFID isn’t the only technology revolutionizing supply chains. Catch an up-close look of 2020s most prominent technologies at MODEX 2020 and join Avalon in exploring the next generation of efficient technology. 

When it comes to lessening environmental impacts, small changes can go a long way. To see how RFID can enhance your operations, contact us for an in-depth assessment of your current workflow.

/by

Top Technologies to Look for in 2020

,

Ride-hailing apps, 4K television, interactive smart speakers, online streaming services, and self-driving cars are just a few of the ground-breaking technologies that did not exist ten years ago. As a matter of fact, access to LTE services and 4G network speed has only been popular since 2015. While the world of efficient automation has redefined the past decade on the consumer front, it is also reshaping the industrial landscape.

Using a Zebra Tablet While Loading a Pallet into a Delivery Truck

Using a Zebra Tablet While Loading a Pallet into a Delivery Truck

Working closely alongside warehouses of all shapes and sizes, Avalon Integration has implemented the most revolutionizing technologies of this decade. From rugged mobile computers to intuitive printing software, modern-day enterprise-technology has integrated greater degrees of accuracy, productivity, and visibility from packing to shipping. However, we know well there is no limit to innovation. That’s why we look forward confidently towards the opportunities the new decade will bring. While we can’t predict the future, there are several technologies worth keeping an eye on within the coming years.

Revolutionizing the World of Modernization

TC77 Warehouse Technologies

The TC77 from Zebra Is Used to Improve Warehouse Technologies

Research conducted by Zebra Technologies has outlined numerous challenges modern warehouses can expect in the future, such as:

  • Technology usage
  • Efficient labor
  • Capacity utilization
  • Integrating quality warehouse management systems
  • Inventory management within omnichannel shopping

Standing as a practical and cost-effective solution to these issues, warehouse automation brings the promise of streamlined operations, efficient labor, and lowered operational costs. A few examples of successful automation tools include:

  • RFID Technology – Expanding visibility beyond the four walls, RFID tags, and readers allow workers to track moving assets throughout the warehouse floor. Furthermore, RFID scanners minimize scan time by correctly documenting several codes with one trigger pull, allowing your workforce to process more orders accurately.
  • Internet of Things – Much like the consumer world, enterprise technology can also be connected and managed at a large scale through the Internet of Things. This means your warehouse can manage devices, battery life, security updates, and much more without impacting workflow.
  • Power Carts – Omnichannel retail brings the opportunity for more complex supply chains, ultimately demanding more from your workforce. Mobility solutions such as Newcastle’s Power Cart alleviates bottlenecks and long travel routes while also reducing labeling errors by 90%.
  • Wearable Technology and Voice Picking – Further boosting worker mobility and versatility, wearable technology such as Zebra’s WT6000 wearable computer increases productivity by 15% and can be easily paired with Bluetooth technology to create an efficient voice picking solution.

Get a head start in efficient modernization with Avalon Integration. Count on 20 years of experience when you contact us to learn more about how these and other technologies can maximize productivity and ROI within your operations.

/by

RFID on Metal is Finally Here

,

Since its inception in 1948, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has revolutionized tracking operations across multiple industries. Developed to identify ally and enemy aircrafts during World War II, RFID technology has no permeated in several industries. Tracking pharmaceutical specimens, warehouse stock deliveries, maintenance records, and everything else in between, today’s RFID labels have been optimized through the years to adapt to new application requirements, yet this insightful solution seems to constantly run into one nemesis: metal. 

Supplies ZT410 Labels RFID on Metal

Tackling on-metal applications with ease, Zebra’s new ZT400 RFID printers set a new standard in asset tracking with on-demand metal-friendly tags

From costly scanning equipment to manufactured inventory, warehouses face a challenge when it comes to labeling metal assets. Acting as a conductor, metal reflects RFID signals, hindering read performance. While regular paper-based barcodes may serve as a viable solution, Avalon Integration is proud to work alongside Zebra Technologies in implementing the next level of RFID efficiency. Tackling on-metal applications with ease, Zebra’s new ZT400 RFID printers set a new standard in asset tracking with on-demand metal-friendly tags. 

On-Demand Solutions for the On-Demand Market

RFID experts aim at extending these benefits to metal assets with the ZT411

RFID experts aim at extending these benefits with the ZT411

Integrated into retail, RFID tags have been reported to lower inventory shrinkage by nearly 55%. Equipping warehouses with the correct printer, reader, and scanner, our RFID experts aim at extending these benefits to metal assets with the ZT411. See how Zebra’s latest RFID printer maximizes visibility while lowering operational costs.

  • Tag crucial devices throughout the supply chain: Instead of only tagging inventory, metal-friendly RFID tags can track mobile computers, tablets, and other enterprise devices to prevent shortage and downtime.
  • Secure reliable identification in harsh environments: Thicker than typical RFID tags, metal-friendly labels are still strengthened to survive the harsher conditions metal encounters, such as extreme temperatures, water, and rust.
  • Amplify printer functionality with compliant labels: Whether it be national or global requirements, Avalon makes sure your entire solution meets standards with an easy-to-adjust solution.
  • Create crisp tags at faster printing speed: This plug-and-play solution redefines agility with 14ips printing speeds, delivering up to 300 dpi to create resistant yet flexible tracking tags.

To learn more about Zebra’s newest industrial printer, download our brochure here.

Maximize uptime with the most versatile and durable RFID printer on the market, made the demanding environment of today’s warehouses. Start optimizing warehouse visibility when you contact us for an assessment of your inventory tracking system and schedule a free demonstration of the ZT411.

/by