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When it comes to mobile computers, you have lots of options. Let’s explore them.

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The mobile computer has become the face of modernized automation in today’s industries. From healthcare clinical devices to field service communicators, mobile devices have progressed technologically to streamline vital workflows for simplistic usage and upgrades. As a result, unique challenges have created a variety of different mobile capabilities, giving businesses more flexibility when selecting a modernized device. On the other hand, more options may equate to more confusion, which is why it’s important to assess your computing needs with the following questions:

  • What sort of workflows am I consolidating?

Android’s open ecosystem allows businesses to implement new applications to expand device functionality without extensive recoding; however, rugged devices like the new MC3300ax are built with integrated scanners, WiFi 6, and push-to-talk connectivity, enabling 2-way communication and automated data capture right out of the box without additional hardware. Learn more about the new MC3300ax in our video.

  • What scanning range do my employees need?

A field technician may not need to consistently capture barcodes 75ft away. Flexible scanning ranges such as the ones available in the MC3300ax allow businesses to reduce deployment costs by selecting devices perfected for the size of their space. In addition to scanning range, connectivity range should also be considered since captured data should essentially be digitally transmitted onto your WMS’ database without any disruptions.  

  • How rough is the work environment?

Micro-fulfillment warehouses located inside of stores or smaller urban areas can get by with less rugged devices compared to cold storage facilities. Zebra’s EC5x provides superior connectivity, data capture, and ease-of-use for store associates and growing warehouses whereas the ultra-rugged MC9300 can be customized with a freezer-ready screen and glove-friendly keyboard to withstand the temperature changes of cold storage environments. Regarding field service, the TC7x stands apart from in its class due to its flexible connectivity networks to protect long-range communication channels and its rugged outdoor-ready design. 

  • Do my workers need a keyboard?

Touchscreen devices have been shown to minimize training times since they resemble consumer-grade devices. However, keyboards facilitate heavy data entry without forcing workers to travel to a centralized computer station. Zebra’s TC8300 combines touchscreen simplicity and warehouse data applications within one touchscreen device to reduce the errors of manual data entry. For previously keyed workflows such as TE applications, Zebra’s All-Touch Terminal Emulation can convert green screen apps to fit touchscreen interfaces without extensive app rewriting. 

  • Which disparate devices are included in my solution? 

If workers will carry other devices such as mobile printers or scanners during their shift, a lightweight wearable computer like the WT6300 may be a better option in order to maximize worker comfort and integrate additional devices without overwhelming workers. 

Look through our complete Zebra portfolio to learn more about next-generation devices. 

How to start your upgrade

To select the best fit device for your mobility solution, we recommend first meeting with a modernization specialist to assess current workflow challenges and outline realistic implementation goals. Depending on your selected upgrade, your devices may be eligible for cash rebates if upgraded through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Eligible devices can be traded in for cash rebates in three steps: 

  1. Purchase your eligible Zebra device
  2. Submit a claim form within 90 days of your invoice date
  3. Trade in outdated devices from any manufacturer for up to $650 in rebates per device

Meet up with an Avalon modernization specialist today to get started.

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Mobilizing the loading dock gains critical efficiency

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The loading dock is the gateway to your warehouse. Establishing a high level of operational efficiency here can reduce errors throughout the facility. Mobilizing the loading dock gains critical efficiency and accuracy that delivers strong ROI.learned”? Mobility is a must to expedite tasks like cross-docking without compromising accuracy. A trailer that’s sitting in a holding pattern is a waste of time and money. To get the right products on the right trailer in the right order, your workers need a real-time view of the activity. In this busy and demanding environment, rugged enterprise technology enables quick decision-making without interruptions like device or battery failure. Shipping and receiving also rely on moving inbound and outbound shipments with a steady flow through the loading dock. Bottlenecks create delays as well as downtime, cutting deeply into your operational efficiency.

Enterprise computing: Smart + Rugged
ET50 in Tough Environment Efficiency

An enterprise-class tablet delivers a high level of computing power with the durability you need to survive the tough environment of a loading dock and yard. The expanded real estate of a tablet enhances the visibility and ease for the user. An enterprise tablet, like the Zebra ET50, incorporates a higher level of data capture, longer battery life, and more robust connectivity, along with the processing power to drive complex applications.

The TC8000 all-touch mobile computer revolutionized enterprise computing when Zebra launched it last year. The lightweight design features a single-plane user interface that eliminates the tilt-and-verify action, which saves time and reduces wrist strain. This high-powered mobile computer comes pre-loaded with Mobility Extensions (Mx), an enterprise-class Android operating system, meaning it’s a significant upgrade for security, connectivity, data capture, and device management—ideal for business use.

The mobile workforce efficiency
VC80 3600 ZT600 QLN Efficiency

Material handling vehicles, like forklifts, should be equipped with an onboard mobile computer that has fast connectivity to keep up with the activity. The Zebra VC80 mounts can grab Internet connections quickly and has the processing power to deliver real-time updates—even in extreme temperatures. You can also add a heated keyboard if you need one.

For any and all verification tasks at the loading dock, you need barcode scanners that keep up with the steady movement of large containers. Workers also benefit from devices that handle long-range scanning in any weather conditions. Zebra’s 3600 Series Ultra-Rugged Scanners are designed specifically to handle this tough task. No other scanners can stand up to the snow, ice, water, dirt, dust, and heat like the aptly-named Ultra-Rugged devices. Scan up to 70,000 barcodes on a single charge. With the long-range option, capture barcodes up to 70 feet away.

You can also increase efficiency at the loading dock by generating barcode labels on demand. Track the shipments with more accuracy and add information as needed. Zebra’s rugged mobile printers, like the QLn series, are lightweight but deliver heavy-duty performance. For printing volume barcode labels and shipping labels at the loading dock, an industrial printer, like the ZT600 Series, is encased in metal and engineered to deliver 24/7 performance with ease. Add RFID capability to encode and print passive and active RFID tags that enable even greater efficiency, a distinct advantage for verifying and tracking large containers.

Avalon Integration focuses on meeting the technology needs of today’s warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Contact us to learn how you can gain efficiency and accuracy at your loading dock with customized solutions that handle your specific challenges.

 

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