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How Rugged Should Your Handheld Scanners Be?

Automated data capture is a business’ ticket to maximized accuracy and labor efficiency; however, to deliver realized benefits, your scanning device must be appropriately paired with your workflow. Under-performing scanners halt productivity with lower battery lifecycles and short-range scanning, but misused ultra-rugged scanners can be too complicated and bulky for mobile workers to use. Therefore, it is important for operations to first assess the ruggedness features in your desired scanner to enable:

  • Accurate asset tracking
  • Real-time inventory updates
  • Seamless order verification
  • Minimized data errors in your WMS
  • Connected field services

“What should I be looking for in my scanner upgrade?”

Coming from a long legacy of tested durability, Zebra’s enterprise-grade scanners have been constantly redefining the standards of modernized data capture. Whether you are looking for a general-purpose imager or a high-performing rugged scanner, consider the following:

  1. Data capture mechanism – Scanners can be categorized by whether they use a laser or imager to read barcodes. A laser scanner like Zebra’s L14278 is generally more cost-effective since it utilizes a red laser to read 1D black-and-white barcodes. Omnidirectional laser scanners eliminate the need for precise aiming, speeding up the scanning process. On the other hand, imaging technologies can capture the entire barcode in a digital image and decipher the information from both 1D and 2D barcodes. Intelligent PRZM scanners such as the DS4600 are more suitable for 2-D barcode applications in frontline operations.
  2.  IP rating and other durability measures – Outdoor and unique applications such as cold storage will require more than a higher IP rating. For example, Zebra’s DS3600 is equipped with an 8ft. drop spec, waterproof and dust-proof design, and 23% more durability than competing devices. For a more lightweight option that still survives in tougher industrial environments, the DS8100 is a viable option as it provides similar benefits in a more simplistic design.
  3. Connectivity options (hand-free or fixed-mount) – Hands-free scanners have overtaken the modern warehouse due to their ability to leverage natural muscle movement in the workflow to faster employee onboarding and data capture. Easy tap-and-pair in devices like the RS6000 facilitate total wearable solutions for increased productivity and picking accuracy. As for corded/fixed-mount images similar to Zebra’s DS457, these eliminate Bluetooth interference and possible battery depletion issues.
  4. Scanning speeds and distances – Fast-paced operations such as fulfilment for e-commerce count on quicker scanning speeds to avoid shipment delays. That’s where intelligent scanning applications such as SimulScan come handy with multiple barcode capture. As for scanning range, standard-range devices successfully grab information nearby without confusing devices. In contrast, intelligent long-range readers are designed to target barcodes up to 70ft, enabling safe scanning of products located on high racks and shelves.
  5. Battery performance – Lastly, enterprise-ready scanners should last beyond the standard 8-hour shift to prevent downtime from uncharged batteries. While individual scanners may come equipped with long-lasting batteries, Zebra’s PowerPrecision mitigates surprise downtime by enabling clear battery management for all deployed devices. That means your workers can verify devices were properly charged and are fit for a full shift before the day begins. 

To explore Zebra’s entire scanner portfolio, click here.

Make the upgrade with the GO Zebra Trade-In Program

Avalon facilitates your upgrade with the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Simply purchase your upgraded scanner and submit your claim form within 90 days of the invoice date to trade-in devices from any manufacturer for cash rebates towards your upgrade.

No two mobility solutions are the same. That’s why we encourage meeting up with a modernization specialist to better pinpoint the data capture needs of your operations to best select a scanner fit for your goals.

Intelligent Data Capture Just Got Smarter: Meet Zebra’s Newest Barcode Scanner

When facing pressing deadlines with a smaller workforce in a high-speed warehouse, technology must deliver unbroken efficiency around the clock. While the world readjusts to life after COVID-19, the demands for fast and accurate order fulfillment has not relented. In fact, online sales skyrocketed by 34% in 2020. As a result, nearly eight out of ten companies seek mass digitization in order to keep up with demands. With the 2021 Peak Season due to reflect even more growth, the time to optimize order fulfillment is now. Intelligent data capture technologies have been crucial in accomplishing this by enabling faster, omni-directional scanning that transcribes barcode data directly onto your inventory management system, eliminating manual processing. With these benefits in mind, Zebra has once again raised the bar in data capture intelligence with the new DS3600-KD Ultra-Rugged Scanner.

What happens when you put a keypad on a barcode scanner?

Built on a long history of rugged enterprise scanners, the DS3600 sports the highest degree of durability with 50% more battery power and 40% more read range. Now, to conquer new customer demands, Zebra’s new scanner equips you with:

  • Customized data entry independent of pen and paper – Make changes on the go to scanned data via the integrated keypad.
  • Pre-built applications – Streamline several crucial workflows such as picking, cycle counting, and order verification through one scanning device.
  • Trusted durability in any environment – Despite its new keypad, the DS3600-KD can still sustain up to 10ft drops, 7,500 tumbles, and extreme temperatures, allowing you to use it in rugged environments like cold storage.
  • Color display for easy viewing – Quite similar to a mobile computer but on a much smaller scale, the DS3600-KD facilitates app usage with a high-resolution display that modernizes the user experience.
  • Over 16 hours of non-stop scanning – Equipped with PowerPrecision+ batteries, the DS3600-KD delivers over 60,000 scans per charge while notifying administrators when batteries need to recharge, thus eliminating downtime from battery failure.

To see the DS3600-KD’s full capabilities, download the fact sheet here.  

From increased inventory visibility to trackable work-in-progress, meet high demand with high performance when you deploy technologies designed to turn trials to triumph. For more information on Zebra’s newest rugged scanner, contact an Avalon expert.


Avalon cold storage RFID technology image

RFID technology has long been at the forefront of modernized locationing systems given its ability to track in-motion products and assets. However, while still adaptable to most applications, RFID tags are not always the best option for every environment, particularly cold storage, where a combination of metal, ice, and condensation, can impact label and reader performance. With cold chain operations expected to grow by 7.24% in the coming year, supply chains must find a way to combine durability and adaptability in their tracking system. Today’s ideal cold storage tracking system should integrate:

  • Minimized touchpoints – To mitigate germ spread and accelerate throughput, warehouses should minimize points of contact either through long-range scanning or wireless connectivity.
  • Scalable growth opportunities – Resource shortages such as the current microchip shortage can increase demands, thus putting more strain on your devices. Consequently, deployment should be easy to accommodate changing numbers of inventory and personnel as needed.
  • Durability that extends beyond the freezer – Because field teams now travel much farther than before, tracking technologies should be packed with long-lasting batteries or flexible charging options to keep workers connected during longer routes.

Zebra’s electric temperature sensors deliver it all.

Seamless temperature tracking is only half the battle. To create a competitive tracking system, sensors should be paired with enterprise-grade and freezer-ready mobile devices that withstand constant temperature swings and long-distance shipping routes. In combining mobile computers and electric sensors, modern tracking systems can:

  • Certify the correct products are packed correctly for timely shipping
  • Prevent early spoilage after products leave the loading dock
  • Scan frozen barcodes at a distance without label repositioning
  • Update receiving stores on ETAs, delays, and product condition in real time
  • Facilitate audits since traceability records are all digitally available

To see how Zebra’s electric sensors interact seamlessly with your device of choice, download our fact sheet.

Whether through Bluetooth locationing or RFID technology, clear workflow visibility has become indispensable for the modern-day warehouse. Reach out to our modernization experts today to see how you can start amplifying operational visibility in your facility with technology that grows alongside your goals.

Efficient Mobile Computing

Despite the high demand for fast order fulfillment, warehouses nationwide continue to grapple with the increasing labor shortage since pre-pandemic years. As the older workforce ages out, warehouses struggle to retain younger and experienced team members, with 51% of employers citing outdated technology as one of greatest hurdles in keeping operational success. While familiar to a selected few, legacy devices can ultimately lead to:

  • Higher adoption rates for new hires
  • Increased likelihood of user errors
  • Longer processing times
  • Breakdowns in communication
  • Frustrated and/or disengaged employees

To prevent these issues and meet customer demands, Zebra’s latest mobile computers bring a new level of familiarity and ease of use to the supply chain, empowering workers to accomplish more in less time.

Meet a New Level of Efficiency

Built on a foundation of durable enterprise-grade devices and 2020’s demand for flexibility, newer mobile devices like Zebra’s rugged handhelds quickly adapted to eliminate repetitive tasks and workflow complexities by leveraging…

  • Android’s user-friendly interface – Unlike Microsoft’s outdated Windows OS, Android offers a familiar user platform that resembles consumer-grade smartphones, drastically accelerating adoption rates for fast and seamless deployment. Zebra’s EC50/55 takes familiarity a step farther with integrated push-to-talk capabilities straight out of the box for instant telephony functions and decreased TCO.
  • Digitized operational visibility – Inventory and asset identification becomes easier when paper-based systems are out of the picture. Automated data capture and intelligent scanning bypass manual data entry for updates and workflow notifications. This equips the workforce with near real-time visibility on stock counts, available personnel, and pending tasks all through one handheld device such as Zebra’s TC52.
  • Fortified data security – Besides beating consumer-grade devices in rugged durability, Zebra’s handheld computers also maximize security with government-grade encryption, two-factor authentication, and 90-day recurring security patches to keep devices up and running for as long as 10 years. Devices like the MC9300 combine design and computing strength to deliver one long-lasting mobility device that fits even in the most demanding environments.

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon facilitates upgrades through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Simply upgrade mobile devices from any manufacturer and get cash back rebates towards your new device.

Modernized mobility can take many shapes. Find yours when you reach out to our modernization experts to see how you can enhance worker performance in your operations today with a new edge of enterprise mobility.

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While the healthcare crisis certainly affected supply chains worldwide, it did not replace previous challenges and risks within warehousing. For example, over 1000 data breaches still took place in 2020, costing as much as $500,000 per incident. Labor turnover rates continued to reshape distribution centers, and as expected, the demand for fast order fulfillment has not relented. Maintaining undisrupted productivity continues to be a challenge faced by small and large warehouses alike. To address these issues, businesses are encouraged to unify their teams through:

  • Reliable digitization since it increases data availability across the supply chain while diminishing the risks of manual data entry errors. Digitized storage allows teams to update inventory counts, manage incoming shipments, and verify outbound orders in real time through a handheld device, so when changes do occur, the whole workforce can be readily notified and connected. This helps teams quickly adapt to disruptions without impacting productivity in and out of the warehouse.
  • User-friendly enterprise mobility that integrates familiarity into an enterprise format. By reducing learning curves and adoption times, user-friendly mobile devices can accelerate worker connectivity, allowing them to be productive on their first day and to navigate through warehouse operations without confusion.

Integrating Mobile Digitization with Zebra Technologies

To establish end to end connectivity within the workforce, Avalon partners with leading manufacturers like Zebra Technologies to simplify digitization with intuitive enterprise-ready devices. Future-forward systems like Zebra’s Workforce Connect can be combined with rugged Android devices to:

  1. Streamline crucial workflows through one platform – replace 2-way radios and handheld scanners by combining them both in one Zebra mobile computer.
  2. Certify task completion – Use Workforce Connect’s task manager to assign and manage workflows remotely throughout your operations. When changes occur, simply notify teams via their handheld to minimize disruptions.
  3. Connect groups through secured communication channels – Zebra’s Fortified Android protects sensitive data with recurring security patches and government-grade encryption, so your team can integrate push-to-talk capabilities within their devices without security risks.
  4. Unify field teams – Track delivery status to verify shipping accuracy and driver productivity. Plus, notify field teams of rerouting changes when needed to avoid delays.

To see how zebra’s workforce connect enhances the modern supply chain, download our brochure here.

In unifying teams through seamless connectivity solutions, operations are able to prevent breakdowns, bottlenecks, and costly shortages that impact the customer experience. Reach out to our modernization experts today to explore more connectivity solutions that set your teams one step ahead of change.

 

 

Following a steady pattern for over ten years, warehouses have continuously grown to meet the new high demands pressured by the e-commerce boom. Today, it is estimated that nearly 64% of warehouses operate in spaces larger than 25,000 square feet, and studies only forecast growth in the years to come. Facing more demands within larger spaces, warehouse teams need reliable communication channels to keep operations running efficiently from door to dock. Without team connectivity, operations may face…

  • Missed delivery timelines
  • Inefficient maintenance reporting
  • Complicated workflow paths such as long delivery routes or slower pick paths
  • Slower customer support
  • Poor visibility into labor resources
  • Lost revenue due to unforeseen bottlenecks

Since omnichannel fulfillment is only expected to rise, growing warehouses must adapt communication systems to turn challenges into opportunities. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration recommends empowering operations with Zebra’s Workforce Connect.

How to expand your mobile computer’s functionality with Workforce Connect

Simplistic enough to assist in high-demand environments such as healthcare centers, Workforce Connect can empower frontline workers with crucial connectivity between other vital departments within the supply chain – all through your current Zebra handheld. Deployable without extensive backend modifications, Workforce Connect unifies teams in and out of the warehouse by enabling…

  • Instant push-to-talk communication or secured text messages that resemble consumer-grade systems for fast adoption.
  • Verifiable worker safety as emergency calls and alerts can be deployed through any device at any time.
  • Voice commands to accelerate simplistic tasks.
  • Proactive task management that assigns individual workers or teams to specific tasks in need of assistance.
  • Secured device sharing protocols catered to every user ID, so workers can share devices without sharing sensitive information.
  • Remote worker tracking to keep field teams accountable while preventing delays and wasted labor.

To see how Workforce Connect is empowering supply chains from manufacturing to retail, download our brochure here.

The warehouse landscape is rapidly shifting with every new demand. New challenges call for new technologies, which is why Avalon integration makes modernization simple and seamless with adaptable solutions that complement your current systems. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your current workflows to see how Workforce Connect can sharpen your competitive edge.

 

 

As long as new technologies continue to be released, modernization will continue to be a redefining trend in the enterprise landscape. However, efficient warehouse modernization doesn’t have to be complex or involve drastic changes to the workflow. Small adjustments in crucial tasks such as product labeling can eliminate inefficient, costly patterns while freeing up the workforce to concentrate on other bigger areas of optimization. Although there are many ways to modernize warehouse labeling, three key components stand out as central to ensuring labeling efficiency:

  1. A printer made for sudden high-volume – Changes in demand can happen unexpectedly. As a result, warehouse printers should be ready at any notice to work longer hours without compromising label legibility or continuous uptime. Furthermore, high-volume seasons may also cause the workforce to grow, which means selected printers should strive to incorporate some form of user-friendliness to their functionality in order to lower adoption rates for new hires.
  2. An intelligent scanner – We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: Manual data entry leaves room for error. On the other hand, intelligent scanners can automatically transmit one or more barcodes to your warehouse management system without paper-based reporting, essentially establishing near-real-time accurate inventory visibility. This allows warehouses to sort, pick, and move inventory based on verified stock counts reported on their inventory management system.
  3. An enterprise-ready label – Standing at the center of your optimized labeling solution, the actual tag itself must be developed with both application and storage requirements in mind. Labels that fail to do so can end up fading before time, peeling around the edges, and unsticking when temperatures change. All of these issues eliminate product identification, leading to missed delivery timeframes, order inaccuracy, product spoilage/depreciation, and overlooked compliance codes.

Where to start?

As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon simplifies optimized labeling by pairing your workflows with enterprise-ready printers, scanners, and labels, creating a future-forward system that…

  • Survives in rough work environments. Whether it be high heat or cold-storage’s freezing temperatures, Zebra’s industrial printers and ultra-rugged scanners are designed with a tough exterior and intelligent productivity applications to safeguard uptime under pressure. Likewise, Zebra’s Certified Consumables can be customized from over 300 pre-tested materials to develop a tailored label that matches application and storage environments.
  • Lessen deployment time. Efficient modernization shouldn’t be disruptive. With this in mind, Zebra’s next-generation printers leverage a touchscreen interface and easy media loading to simplify deployment. Scanners, both handheld and hands-free, streamline deployment with simplistic tap-and-pair and WiFi-Friendly connectivity to get devices productive from day one.
  • Are easily upgradable without overstepping budget constraints. Zebra’s printers and scanners are available with cash back rebates up to $550 per device when upgraded through the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Simply trade in devices from any manufacturer and submit your reclaim form to qualify. As for labels, Zebra’s Printhead Protection Program helps drive down operational costs by offering free printhead replacements when you make Zebra’s Certified Consumables your exclusive label of choice.

Reach out to our labeling experts for a free preliminary assessment of your workflow to target optimization opportunities in your current operations.

 

 

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. 

The concept “if it’s not broke, why fix it” does not apply to efficient warehousing. While legacy systems can provide comfortable workflows, prioritizing outdated familiar systems can supplant streamlined operational intelligence, which is crucial to remain competitive in today’s now-economy. Despite the several modernized technologies offered by today’s top technology manufacturers, at least 90% of global organizations still rely on some form of paper-based data processing. As more warehouses make the switch to automated workflows, it’s time to revisit outdated habits still present in most modern-day warehouses. 

Operating within dynamic supply chains, the following five warehousing habits can actually produce more harm than good as demands continue to increase. 

  1. Printed picking lists – Printed picking lists require employees to handle two things at once and can’t be readily updated in real-time. As faster order fulfillment becomes a global standard, hands-free systems can direct picking while updating orders in real-time, all without requiring your team to keep looking down.
  2. Relying on centralized printing stations – High-density areas are no longer preferable in the post-pandemic world as they can increase exposure risks and cause bottlenecks. In place of centralized stations, consider mobile workstations and mobile printers to diffuse printing power throughout your warehouse.
  3. Keying in data in the receiving dock – To prevent errors from entering your operating from the start, automated data capture and RFID can certify your incoming inventory is properly identified as soon as it enters the warehouse and moved to the appropriate storage space.
  4. Overlooking battery cycles at the end of each shift – As more tasks depend on mobile devices, verifying devices are fully changed is crucial to mitigating sudden downtime in the middle of your workday. The more devices deployed, the more careful your battery management efforts must be to make sure all devices are properly stored and charged between shifts. 
  5. Integrating consumer-grade hardware – Research has shown that consumer devices are three to five times more likely to break within the first year of deployment, causing downtime and surprise expenses. On the other hand, enterprise-grade devices not only survive tough conditions, but they are also equipped with faster processing power and more memory storage to keep up with your operations. 

Enter the digital age with a new standard for efficient warehousing 

To facilitate your transition into the digital age, Avalon continues to partner with Zebra Technologies in the GO Zebra Trade-In Program. Built to eliminate the bad habits discussed above, Zebra’s enterprise-grade hardware substitute legacy systems with:

  • Hands-free picking systems enabled by adaptable wearable technology
  • Mobile printers with longer battery life, easy tap-to-pair, and RFID printing capabilities
  • Intelligent and long-range data capture that can scan multiple codes at once, accelerating throughout without impacting accuracy
  • Device management and tracking applications deployed on your devices for maximum visibility of your digital fleet’s performance
  • Industrialized durability that endures extreme temperatures, drops, tumbles, condensation, humidity, and scratches all without impacting functionality

Trade-in outdated devices from any manufacturer with the GO Zebra Trade-in Program before December 31st, 2021 and get up to $650 in cash rebates per upgraded device. Download our program details to see how you can qualify. 

Facing a multitude of unpredictable demands, your operations don’t have to settle for comfortable inefficiencies. Contact us today for a free assessment of your workflows to see how you can expect a bigger ROI when you eliminate bad warehousing habits.

Efficient innovation has always been part of Avalon’s commitment to our clients. After navigating through triumphs and tribulations alongside a multitude of resilient teams, that goal hasn’t changed. That’s why we’re starting the year with a dedication to continue empowering businesses with sustainable solutions that drive down costs, maximize productivity, and most importantly, protect our environment. Now more than ever, business decisions have the capability of impacting entire communities; therefore, partnering with leading manufacturers like Zebra Technologies, Avalon’s experts are diving into a series of sustainable efforts that fit the modern warehouse with:

  • Cost-effective automation that reduces labor waste
  • Energy-efficient mobile devices that last throughout your longest shifts
  • Adaptable mobile computing to eliminate unnecessary deployment of supporting devices
  • Long-lasting consumables to reduce reprints 
  • Greater warehouse visibility and traceability backed by real-time locationing solutions

Building the Sustainable Supply Chain

Building the Sustainable Supply Chain

Over 80% of a business’s environmental impact comes from its supply chain

The push for sustainability may have stemmed from increased consumer demand for better traceability. However, studies suggest that today’s businesses are gravitating towards sustainable practices to lower operational costs and improve revenue performance. Since over 80% of a business’s environmental impact comes from its supply chain, digitized transparency has become the cornerstone in achieving a sustainable supply chain. Below are a few ways we’ve seen transparency result in sustainable operations throughout the whole supply chain:

  • In production and manufacturing – In 2018, the EPA estimated that manufacturing and production companies disposed of 292.4million tons of wasted material, including scraps, yard trimming, foods, etc. To make sure operations only use the appropriate amount of materials, visibility services, such as MotionWorks, have been implemented for just-in-time delivery of goods, preventing an excess of materials (and money) from being disposed of in landfills. 
  • In warehousing and distribution – In 2020, the average warehouse’ square foot space cost $7.18, almost a dollar increase from 2017. Wasteful storage costs money to run and can result in spoiled and misplaced inventory, which must later be thrown out as it becomes unsellable. Proper inventory management built with error-free automated data capture and long-lasting consumables can establish reliable identification parameters from receiving to shipping, preventing loss and shrinkage.
  • In transportation and logistics – Across the country, fuel prices continue to fluctuate. By integrating visibility solutions like RFID locationing and flexible network connectivity, businesses can track field teams to optimize travel routes for better fuel usage. Devices like Zebra’s TC7X touch computers empower field teams with dependable real-time connectivity for route changes and schedule updates to adjust workflows with minimal costly interruptions.
  • In retail and grocery – In addition to preserving the environment, sustainable retail operations result in higher profitability as consumers are willing to pay up to 20% for ethically-sound products. Traceability is key here since several regulation agencies work together to verify eco-friendly claims. Paperless data processing via automated data entry and computing can help eliminate errors and facilitate data sharing for seamless audits and updates.

Whether your operations are at the beginning of the end of the supply chain, every team can benefit from sustainable optimization. To see how you can add sustainability into your enterprise goals for the year, reach out to our modernization experts for an in-depth assessment of your workflows and find out where you can substitute inefficiency with dependable and transparent enterprise intelligence.