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Optimizing Reverse Logistics? Here’s a checklist

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Reverse logistics has become a tough challenge for businesses because of the rise in e-commerce and the demand for easy and free returns. Businesses that achieve hassle-free returns retain more customers and improve brand identity. Studies show that 92% of consumers say they will buy again if the product return process is easy, and 79% of consumers want free return shipping. Additionally, the reverse logistics market projects to grow. Studies estimate that the global reverse logistics market size expects to reach $937.1 billion in 2022. Studies show the costs of handling returns jumped 59% due to supply chain and labor issues last year.

 

Businesses could suffer from higher return, shipping, and handling costs when they fail to meet consumer expectations for seamless returns. Researchers suggest that moving backward through the supply chain is actually more difficult because there isn’t a priority for efficient returns and products move against the normal flow of products. Consider following these steps to ensure your return process is optimized:

  1. Know why your returns happen in the first place – Given the expense that comes with returns, you should try to find why consumers are returning items. Awareness of reasons for returns can help you determine if you have the right return policy and if it’s playing a role in a higher volume of returns.
  2. Put transparent monitoring systems in place – Implement innovative monitoring systems that monitor assets throughout the return process. When companies improve asset visibility during reverse logistics they find areas that need improvement and can work to improve quality.
  3. Implement clear and easy return policies – E-commerce has created specific customer expectations for purchasing, and in this case, returning products. Since consumers are expecting free and same-day shipping, create a simple return process that can meet or be close to these requirements.
  4. Invest in the right technology – In addition to an effective inventory management system, you can digitize inventory updates with handheld devices. Consistent digital updates to inventory counts help improve your accuracy and speed for reverse logistics. Mobile devices can help workers accurately read tags and labels to improve accuracy and speed during the return process.
  5. Add return labels on the original shipping and packaging – Just simply adding the right return labels can reduce delays dramatically, while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction. Enterprise labeling helps the product get back much more quickly and helps the customer, which improves efficiency in the entire return process.

 

Visibility into the return process, clear and easy returns, dependable technology, and correct labeling can give your business what it needs to optimize reverse logistics. Simple solutions like this make the return process more valuable and cost-efficient.

A return process should be as simple and efficient as a delivery process. Learn more about what you can do to optimize reverse logistics and supply chain efficiency.

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3 Ways to Reduce Last Mile Costs

Last mile deliveries add up to big costs companies must control to improve supply chain efficiency. With peak season coming up, the potential for higher demands can make it harder to control delivery costs and maintain consistent shipping. Studies estimate that last mile deliveries account for over 41% of overall supply chain costs and 53% of total shipping costs. Additionally, studies indicate almost half of consumers will not buy from a company again if an order is late. Therefore, transportation decision-makers should find ways to improve delivery and meet consumer expectations while managing costs so they don’t go over budget.

 

Solutions that manage last mile costs, especially during peak season, can help businesses avoid missed delivery dates, inflated shipping and delivery costs, and irritated customers. To ensure your business controls last-mile costs and meets deliveries timelines, consider:

  • Optimizing routing and mapping
  • Offering more flexible delivery options
  • Keeping consumers and drivers informed with real-time updates
  • Verifying deliveries

 

Inaccurate routes and incomplete visibility can lead to higher costs and inconsistent delivery timelines. Supply chains will see unsatisfied customers and suffer lost productivity during the holiday season if decision-makers don’t find solutions to manage the last-mile.

 

Controlling your Delivery Process

Fortunately, businesses can improve visibility and optimize routes with proper connectivity, inventory tracking, and enterprise labels. Get these solutions for your business to help…

 

  1. Keep drivers connected for delivery verification and live updates – A more connected delivery team prevents disruptions with cloud-based data storage, mobile computers with push-to-talk capabilities, and long-range and flexible networking. Expanded connectivity and more storage can help drivers connect to teams. As fuel prices fluctuated this year, flexible network connectivity and RFID locationing can integrate visibility to track field teams and optimize travel routes.
  2. Manage track and trace – Dependable locationing from rugged enterprise devices like RFID gives field and delivery teams dependable real-time connectivity. Instant communication enables quick route changes and schedule updates to adjust workflows with minimal costly interruptions. When delivery teams face fewer interruptions, it reduces last mile costs.
  3. Proper inventory identification – Ensure your inventory items are properly identified and moved through the supply chain with enterprise labels. Certified labels built for enterprise use ensure compliance, have maximum adhesive strength, and are smear and fade-resistant. Inventory that is properly and timely labeled helps delivery drivers deliver the correct products on time, every time to control costs.

The last-mile makes up a high total of supply chain costs and can be the difference in meeting customer expectations. Learn more about how you can prioritize the delivery process with Avalon.

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What Warehouses Should Expect from the 2022 Holiday Peak Season

Peak season always causes supply chain workflows to get hectic and forces businesses to find ways to improve shipping and delivery processes. High inflation rates, increased labor costs, and fewer workers are pointing toward another demanding peak season this year. Studies estimate that 73% of industry professionals believe the 2022 peak season will be as bad or worse than peak season last year. Additionally, surveys show that 86% of Americans say they will look elsewhere for gifts if shipping is too expensive. Even though the constant delivery spike is slowing down, shipping costs and consumer expectations remain high. As distribution centers get ready for end-of-year fulfillment challengers, decision-makers must take the following obstacles into account:

  • Labor shortages that slow down efficiency
  • A large influx of seasonal workers
  • Higher return rates on items which can lead to inaccuracies
  • Large demand influx for products
  • Increase in cybercrime which risks data security
  • Higher fuel prices
  • Driver shortages that impact shipping times

 

Moreover, a lack of experienced seasonal workers and unreliable devices can stall productivity Consequently, businesses are looking to implement innovative plans that manage demands for the future and avoid shortages, a unified workforce, and device failure. A prepared plan to manage holiday challenges can promote adaptability for future challenges by implementing…

 

  1. Automated assistance that frees up workers to focus on other tasks – Robotics automation can help manage labor shortages and empower your current ones as they can deliver 99.99% order accuracy and work on repetitive tasks. While workers stay safe in the aisles, robotics can help deliver heavy loads to boost safety and productivity.
  2. Wall-to-wall connectivity deployed onto your handheld device – A more connected workforce that is informed on deliveries and orders helps your workers manage peak season. Workforce communication helps improve asset tracking and visibility to stay ahead of peak season.
  3. Enterprise-ready durability standards to prevent breakdowns – Rugged devices that break down less frequently deliver a higher ROI and uninterrupted productivity to avoid equipment malfunctions. Dependable automation solutions reduce lead times, lower operating costs, and improve output. Devices like this also help remove the errors of manual operations to deliver more controlled and accurate workflows.

With peak season just around the corner, warehouses still have the opportunity to evaluate operations to improve complex workflows. Discover how your distribution process can adapt to today’s digital age for consistent enterprise success.

 

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What does Automation on the Production Floor Look Like?

Production floors in manufacturing plants need fast and accurate workflows that efficiently manage assets and deliver products. Automation is beneficial in boosting efficiency with control over work-in-process, traceability for recalls, and quality checks before products leave the production floor. Despite labor shortages, studies show that manufacturers still produce 44% more goods than 30 years ago due to factory automation solutions including automated data capture and digitized reporting. Therefore, it is no surprise that an estimated 42% of the time spent on manufacturing tasks will be automated by the end of the year. To remain competitive in the Digital Age, manufacturing facilities must consider the benefits of automating workflows as well as the consequences of delaying modernization.

 

Lack of automation within the production operation pressures your workforce to keep up with high demand influxes without agile tools. Enhanced systems such as automated data capture and sharing can manage operations, track stock levels, and monitor asset performance all in real-time for unbroken productivity. Although automation may take different forms in different industries, businesses can expect the following benefits from intelligent modernization:

 

  1. Increased product accuracy and quality control – Data automation tools like mobile computers can deliver consistent accuracy and speed with minimal variation, improving production rates and product accuracy. You can avoid higher costs from inaccurate production with mobile computers that provide faster-than-ever barcode capture and multi-distance scan engines that improve track and trace on the floor.
  2. Boosted versatility – Mobile technology like computers and tablets can come equipped with powerful extensions that allow businesses to increase security, improve device manageability and more. Expanded features enable manufacturers to capture up to 100 barcodes with a single scan to improve worker efficiency, while data automation delivers predictive analytics and rich data capture so your floor can stay flexible and adapt to rising demands.
  3. Faster return on investment – Dependable automation solutions reduce lead times, lower operating costs and improve output. Rugged mobile computers and tablets out-perform consumer devices and deliver dependable performance to improve the device lifecycles and deliver a higher ROI. Devices like this also help remove the errors of manual operations to deliver controlled and accurate workflows.

 

Speed and accuracy are the top priorities for the production floor. Mobile computers and tablets can help deliver real-time performance to manage operations and improve productivity. Automated mobile computing and scanning solutions deliver:

  • Faster and more efficient workflows
  • Quality checks and control
  • Enhanced visibility and flexibility for recalls
  • Faster cycle times

Automation is quickly taking over manufacturing plants to streamline productivity on the production floor. Learn more about how you can leverage track and trace solutions and rich data capture in your facility.

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4 Ways to Achieve Faster Warehouse Processing

Today’s consumer demands require faster, more accurate, 24/7 fulfillment in warehouses and distribution centers. Businesses need trusted performance to identify, measure, track, and inspect items from production through distribution to deliver goods faster. Increasing numbers of businesses agree that implementing automation is the easiest and most efficient way to achieve fast fulfillment. Studies show that 80% of organizations plan to invest in new technologies to be competitive, while 70% of warehouse decision-makers need to modernize their warehouse operations–but admit they are slow to implement new devices and technology.

 

Warehouses with slower operations run the risk of losing customers, frustrating workers and enabling errors. To prevent these issues, automation experts suggest deploying strategies such as:

 

  1. Streamlining data collection – When workers pause to collect data, they create a significant time drag and diminish efficiency. While this can happen potentially thousands of times a day, an autonomous automated solution can eliminate downtime and free up workers to focus on more skilled, non-repetitive tasks.
  2. Choosing smarter scanning capabilities – Innovative and automated scanning technologies can be affordable, flexible and easy to deploy. Flexibility and easy integration offer simple management to make warehouse operations more efficient and workers’ days easier. Simplified integration also can help reduce training times so warehouses are more prepared for consumer demands.
  3. Implementing flexible barcode readers – Industrial scanners can boost scanning capabilities by gathering data from numerous items at once. Handheld scanners with expanded read ranges and variable-distance barcode reading ensures your workers get the data they need quickly and with fewer steps.
  4. Reducing downtime with automated scanning – Industrial scanning solutions grow with your business and adapt to changing operational demands with flexible and durable designs. Smart automation withstands challenging conditions like warehouse environments to reduce time spent on repairs and maximize mobility.

 

Speed is the top priority when it comes to fulfillment and consumer expectations. Innovative solutions like industrial scanners can improve order picking and packing speeds without compromising accuracy or workflow management. Automated scanning technology provides trusted performance for the distribution process with:

  • Accelerated shipment handling
  • Increased efficiency
  • Decreased downtime
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Improved accuracy
  • Reduced risk

 

Improved warehouse operations and order fulfillment are achievable with innovative automated scanning technology. Learn more about how your business can improve accuracy and decrease downtime to surpass consumer expectations.

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Which Scanning Solution Best Fits Your Operations?

The right barcode scanning solution enhances order fulfillment and asset visibility. For almost 50 years, supply chains have been leveraging barcoding solutions because they can help meet emerging consumer demands, such as fast shipping and 100% order accuracy. Studies indicate that 65% of consumers are willing to pay more for faster shipping and 73% claim they would order more frequently from a vendor following an early or timely delivery. On the other hand, studies reveal that 66% of consumers would stop ordering from a company following a late delivery.

 

Consumers’ willingness to stop ordering from a company after just one late order forces businesses to adapt. Unforgiving consumer expectations can weigh on traditional solutions and force businesses to implement solutions like RFID and Fixed Industrial Scanners (FIS) that increase accuracy. While traditional barcoding solutions can read barcodes dependably, they can struggle to keep up with shifting consumer demands. When your workers have solutions that can’t keep up with consumer demands, your operation can suffer from:

  • Incomplete inventory visibility
  • Recurrent downtime from broken devices
  • Dissatisfied employees and lost customers

 

Solutions like RFID technology and FIS can differ from traditional data capture. Here are the specific benefits of each solution to help you consider which one is best for your business:

 

  1. Traditional barcoding for automated data recording – General-purpose scanning still improves operations since it mitigates errors associated with manual data entry. Traditional barcoding enables faster and more accurate information transfer to improve order movement and asset tracking, which ultimately save your organization time and money.
  2. RFID technology for dependable visibility in challenging environments – When processing multiple similar SKUs in less time, traditional data capture may not always be the suitable option for large-scale, busy distribution centers. RFID solutions are meant to quickly and accurately process large amounts of data in larger environments. Furthermore, RFID devices are purpose-built for rugged performance and support real-time locationing, making these solutions more beneficial for fast-paced environments where stock numbers change by the hour.
  3. Fixed Industrial Scanners for minimal touchpoints and disruptions – For a more robust, automated solution, Fixed Industrial Scanners (FIS) provide stable and accurate scanning in difficult places and challenging conditions, all without human participation. FIS is typically used on high-speed conveyor lines or in 24/7 operations to fully automate item scanning, verification and routing, optimize material flow, and redirect incorrect items. FIS also delivers immediate alerts of any inaccuracies and prevents misplaced or stolen products.

 

A business can meet tough customer demand by boosting its scanning capabilities with devices that offer durable designs, higher read rates, and versatile features. Learn about the difference between traditional data capture, RFID and FIS with Avalon.

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Understanding Robotics in the Warehouse

Challenges like labor shortages, shifting stock levels, and increasing demands for same-day shipping have pressured warehouses to quickly automate vital tasks in order to remain competitive. Without enterprise-ready automation, warehouses could suffer from inaccurate inventory counts and slow productivity. However, despite hindrances, studies show only 20% of warehouses successfully deploy automated solutions within their planned timeframes. In other words, while distribution centers understand the importance of automation, seamless solution execution is often challenging. Fearing complex implementation and high costs, many warehouses can miss the opportunities that come with today’s top modernized technologies such as warehouse robotics.

 

Studies show that robotics can reduce costs by 30% as they help improve accuracy and free up warehouse workers to focus on non-repetitive tasks. Existing operations that implement warehouse robotics pick up to  more orders and see a 90% reduction in onboarding and training time. As warehouses evaluate the need for robotics, experts recommend searching for the following signs of inefficiency:

  • Long picking time
  • Incomplete inventory visibility
  • Pen-and-paper processes
  • Sudden stockouts
  • Missed delivery times

 

4 Ways Robotics Help Alleviate Warehousing Challenges

As warehouses continue to navigate through persistent labor shortages, robotic technologies such as Zebra’s autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) give facilities a chance to redirect their human workforce towards more important tasks while AMRs focus on repetitive tasks or simple, value-added workflows like removing recycling or waste from a DC. When acting as part of a comprehensive modernization plan, warehouse robotics can:

 

  1. Boost order accuracy – Mis-picks and general order errors lead to lower profitability and slower warehouse workflows. AMRs help increase productivity up to three times by pairing workers with robots that are 50% faster and carry larger payloads than the competition. Working alongside your employees, AMRs increase precision picking to ensure the highest levels of accuracy and speed.
  2. Increase individual and team productivity – With an autonomous, smart-picking solution, warehouse workers can remain in specific zones to reduce excessive movement and maintain productivity. The AMRs travel between pick and put operations to reduce the distance and time that employees spend traveling between operations. When warehouses reduce the time it takes to complete repetitive tasks, employees can spend more time focusing on other, more complex workflows.
  3. Improve employee satisfaction – Robotic automation in warehouses sounds like it could replace employees, but robotics can actually work alongside your human workforce. Robotics can provide a sense of worker empowerment to take their focus away from repetitive tasks to do their jobs more effectively. Moreover, because they are built to handle heavy lifting and prevent collisions, AMRs also maximize worker safety, further boosting employee satisfaction.
  4. Amplify throughput with less labor – AMRs establish an effective goods-to-person picking system to provide a foundation that meets and adapts to market demands with accelerated fulfillment.

 

In the end. warehouse robotics reduce costs, orchestrate workers, increase picking efficiency and reduce the impact of labor shortages. Discover how you can redefine fulfillment with warehouse AMRs from Avalon.

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Think Warehouse Robots are too Expensive? See How They Actually Help Reduce Costs.

The new on-demand economy puts pressure on warehouses to complete orders faster and more efficiently than ever before. Smarter approaches and solutions can help prepare warehouses for faster fulfillment, but these solutions aren’t always attainable due to time and cost constraints. Studies show that despite the on-demand economy, only 20% of warehouses worldwide successfully deploy automation solutions. Warehouses unequipped with automation can be less prepared for high consumer expectations that demand in-stock products, or low demands which could lead to overstocking. Therefore, businesses must find cost-effective automation solutions that deliver superior performance for a greater competitive edge.

 

Optimize Material Handling and Order Fulfillment with Robotics

While it may seem too futuristic or extreme, warehouse robotics can actually increase productivity and lower labor costs in the long run. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) reduce downtime by automating vital workflows and freeing up your workforce to focus on more important tasks. Studies show that next-evolution AMRs can achieve up to a 78% improvement in productivity for picking operations, keeping businesses ahead of market demands.

 

  1. Quick fulfillment solutions for different environments – AMRs can help manufacturing, fulfillment and distribution operations adapt to the on-demand economy. Enterprise-ready robotics like Fetch AMRs from Zebra bring immediate benefits by automating repetitive tasks, such as picking and packing, and doing so faster and with fewer errors. By helping workers manage urgent orders and meet faster shipping times, AMRs control costs by making the picking process more efficient and minimizing errors and missed delivery timelines.
  2. Out-of-the-box capabilities that reduce downtime – The on-demand supply chain requires on-demand automation. Out of the box, Fetch robots enable on-demand automation with quick deployment in just hours in any facility. Easy adaptation and operation in a variety of environments reduce training times and downtime costs.
  3. Fully-integrated benefits that deliver high ROI – While AMRs can be deployed in distribution, fulfillment and manufacturing centers, there are numerous areas where they can be fully integrated. For more advanced automation, Fetch AMRs can integrate with WMS, WES, MES or ERP systems to provide optimized picking and enable pull-based workflows. Easy integration quickly creates dynamic picking and replenishment processes to deliver a strong ROI.

 

Warehouse robotics can improve accuracy and boost picking operations when warehouses need innovation the most. Robots deliver fast ROI and reduce errors, which actually helps control costs. Learn how you can find the right warehouse automation solutions for your business with Avalon and Zebra.

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Why Now is the Best Time to Upgrade Your Warehouse Equipment

The challenges of controlling costs and managing high consumer expectations dominate the minds of today’s warehouse professionals. From demands for same-day shipping to ongoing product shortages, distribution centers are navigating a myriad of fulfillment obstacles. It’s no surprise that over 80% of warehouses plan to accelerate modernization plans to keep pace with these increasing demands and challenges. Because next-generation technologies now aim at streamlining critical tasks to reduce learning curves and maximize throughput in less time, automation experts recommend optimizing now to remain competitive in today’s high-demand market.

 

Past studies show that 73% of organizations plan to begin modernization with mobile technology. Handheld devices serve as scanners, computers and communication devices, and quickly empower operators to record and update data in real-time for more visibility and productivity. Without operational visibility, businesses risk increased expenses, stalled workflows, lost products and lost time. Furthermore, outdated mobile computers can also compromise data security if operating systems are not kept current. Therefore, when optimizing warehouse technologies, consider starting with your mobile devices.

 

That’s Where GO Zebra Comes In

To maintain enterprise efficiency, Avalon partners with Zebra to offer a wide range of innovative mobile computers and printers. Designed to help businesses upgrade mobility solutions without high costs, the GO Zebra Trade-In Program provides businesses with:

 

  1. Dependable, purpose-built durability – Front line workers can perform well or poorly based on the technology they use. Traditional legacy devices contribute to more errors and delays, which increase downtime and hurt fulfillment. When you upgrade your equipment through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, you provide your workers with the latest Zebra hardware to keep up with tough warehouse demands.
  2. More accurate data capture – Outdated devices limit accuracy, while industry-leading scanners can capture any 1D or 2D barcode from near contact to as far as 70 feet away. Zebra’s scanners help your workers maintain high scanning performance even in shifting conditions. Access to higher accuracy devices through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program can help control costs without compromising efficiency.
  3. Flexible enterprise mobility – Intuitive mobile devices from Zebra help your workers stay mobile to maximize productivity and speed-up shipping processes, giving frontline workers the modern mobility they need to adapt to demands faster.

 

Follow these steps to start upgrading your workforce with purpose-built technology:

  • Purchase a qualified product
  • Submit your claim form
  • Trade in your legacy devices from any manufacturer.

 

To learn more about the GO Zebra Trade-In Program, download our brochure or contact an Avalon rep today.

 

Modernization doesn’t have to be complex. Work alongside the experienced automation team at Avalon to outline vulnerable areas within your operation and formulate a plan to replace outdated technology with devices that bring measurable improvements.

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Why Choose Device Simplicity or Versatility When You Can Have Both?

As supply chains strive to meet increasing customer demands, mobility solutions continue to set the foundation for superior modernization. From push-to-talk communication to safe data sharing, handheld devices now play a major role in virtually every industry. Studies show that the global enterprise mobility market was valued at $19.65 billion before the pandemic, and is projected to reach $151.51 billion by 2027.

 

A jump like this indicates that mobility is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.3% from 2020 to 2027, illustrating the importance today’s supply chain places on adaptive mobility. To stay in step with demands, warehouses now must plan to adapt and implement the best technology that accelerates workflows while remaining simple enough for future scalability. Without upgraded technology, businesses could risk increased operational expenses and slower productivity, ultimately damaging brand reliability, worker satisfaction, and profitability. Consequently, new devices like Zebra’s TC58 mobile computer now combine ease of use with flexible functionality to enable uninterrupted productivity anywhere in and out of the four walls.

 

More than an Enterprise Smartphone

To stay ahead of rising mobility rates, Zebra’s newly-reengineered TC58 gives workers reliable features and adaptive technologies that accelerate tasks without compromising accuracy. Designed for Android 11 and upgradeable to Android 15, the TC58 brings businesses the following improvements:

 

  1. Durability built from the inside out – A class-leading 6-inch screen that lets workers see more, do more, and scroll less helps make the TC58 Zebra’s most advanced enterprise mobile computer yet. It’s also equipped with a next-generation octa-core processor and is the only device in its class to offer support for WiFi 6E. Advanced processing power and enhanced connectivity enable blazing speed in the most demanding applications.
  2. Enhanced features that improve flexibility and accuracy – Provide your workers with advanced features that enable flexible operation. Calculate accurate parcel dimensions with the integrated Time of Flight sensor. Drop the TC58 into a Workstation cradle to connect a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and more to create a mobile-driven workstation. Also, add an impressive 1,300 tags per second with the optional RFD40 sleds.
  3. A new level of workforce productivity and value with Mobility DNA – Simplify device integration, increase device security, and make device management easier with Mobility DNA’s advanced tools. Easy management and security come with the TC58’s Enterprise Mobility Management and LifeGuard for Android to insure your devices.
  4. Versatile customization to maintain productivity in any industry – The TC58 helps workforces stay versatile across multiple industries. Provide your retail associates with enhanced price and inventory checks, item locationing, line busting, and back-of-store management. Warehouses can benefit from the TC58’s help in increasing inventory management, picking and receiving, and asset management with reliable data capture. Field service technicians benefit from high asset management in challenging conditions with the TC58’s durable design and mobile point of sale.

 

Warehouse automation should simplify enterprise efficiency. Contact an Avalon representative to learn more about how Zebra’s TC58 brings simple and versatile efficiency to your operation.

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