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Before Investing in AMRs Evaluate Your Operations with these 5 Questions

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

 

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

     1. How will you measure ROI?

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

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

      2. Do you have sufficient space?

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

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

      3. Are other methods of automation already in place?

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

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

      4. What fleet control system will you use?

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

      5. Is your solution scalable?

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

 

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

 

 

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employment retention blog image

Labor shortages plus the E-com Boom is a recipe for stress. See what T&L businesses are doing about it.

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The first half of 2021 has been marked by an ever-dwindling workforce across multiple industries. From foodservice to warehousing, businesses have struggled to attract and retain skilled employees due to growing issues such as greater job options, requests for higher wages, and limited childcare opportunities. While warehouses are slowly regaining numbers, transportation and logistics firms may still face greater demands with the end-of-year e-commerce boom brought on by the holiday season. With delivery timeframes expected to shrink even more and high turnover rates, T&L businesses find themselves with the challenge of accelerating order processing without overwhelming current employees. To do so, field teams have adopted the following strategies:

  1. Streamline operations through one consolidated workflow – Individual devices incur individual costs such as maintenance, software, and replacement fees. Moreover, new employees must then learn to operate several devices quickly to maintain productivity levels, further increasing training costs. Newer mobile computers such as Zebra’s TC72/77 reduce costs by streamlining computing, data capture, and communication channels into one device. This reduces training times and operational costs as employees only need to grow accustomed to one device.  
  2. Track worker safety to prevent more understaffing issues – Worker safety both in and outside the four walls continues to be a deciding factor when it comes to employment retention. That’s why exposure awareness systems have become increasingly more popular as they allow transparent traceability of possible germ exposure. Moreover, on the field, secured connectivity systems like Zebra Workforce Connect enable hands-free communication with warehouses in real-time, preventing accidents and facilitating precise driver locationing and delivery status through one interface.
  3. Remove paper-based reporting for zero-wait data sharing – Unlike pen-and-paper inventory management, modernized data capture preserves team connections by facilitating instant data sharing through one centralized database. In doing so, warehouses can update delivery teams of order volume, changes in ETA, and routing changes without delay.
  4. Minimize touchpoints between loading and shipping – Contactless transactions have gained popularity across the supply chain due to their speed and safety. RFID technology has led the forefront in minimizing extra touchpoints by capturing multiple barcodes in one scan and tracking in-motion inventory for maximized visibility. 

Optimizing scalable efficiency can take many shapes depending on your operation’s current struggles. Get a clearer picture on how to start safeguarding productivity in your workflows when you schedule an in-depth assessment and stay a step ahead of change with a modernization solution that adjusts to your needs.

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3 Zebra Products Designed for Augmented Visibility

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It’s not news to anyone at this point that visibility has become an indispensable necessity in today’s complicated supply chains. Although new demands and changing guidelines seem to affect every industry across the globe, not every visibility solution is fit to address your needs. Moreover, as demands grow, businesses are faced with multiple factors to track, from delivery times to storage status, to worker safety. Therefore, to better serve our wide variety of customers, Avalon Integration has taken the time to unfold the unique benefits and features of three of Zebra’s most popular tracking solutions, crafted for dependable visibility in today’s unprecedented changes.

Start small with durable identification

Durable Identification with Zebra Labels

Zebra Certified Consumables as a cost-effective and simple way to ensure accurate identification

When increasing operational visibility, we’ve found that even the smallest changes can yield big results. With that in mind, we turn to your labeling and identification system. Recent surveys have found that over half of “lost orders” are misplaced due to faulty labels that carry vital delivery and storage information. To prevent your stock’s information from getting lost (and eventually jeopardizing your product), we recommend evaluating the following label criteria:

  • Adhesive strength
  • Surface coating
  • Resistance to temperatures, moisture, dust exposure
  • Reel orientation and perforations

Not only can cheap labels harm your printer, but they can peel off or fade away over time, resulting in misplaced and inaccurate orders that hinder the customer experience. To amplify labeling efficiency, Avalon has continuously recommended Zebra Certified Consumables as a cost-effective and simple way to ensure accurate identification no matter the size of your operations. 

Take it up a notch with intelligent applications

RFID Solutions with Intelligent Applications

While RFID solutions serve as a modernized option to track assets and inventory simultaneously

As your business grows, so does the need for flawless technology, which is why when even one device goes missing, your whole team may suffer. As a matter of fact, 80% of costs attributed to lost devices come from data breaches, meaning that one lost tablet could very well impact your whole operation depending on what sort of data it holds.

While RFID solutions serve as a modernized option to track assets and inventory simultaneously, there are other cost-effective tools you can use to track your devices. For example, all of Zebra’s Android-powered mobile computers provide you with access to Mobility DNA applications that expand insight into your devices’ performance.

  • Device Tracker – Ensure continuous uptime with an application that helps you locate your misplaced device anywhere in the workplace.
  • PowerPrecision – Manage battery lifecycles across your entire digital fleet and pinpoint when a mobile device is underperforming to prevent surprise downtime.
  • LifeGuard – Extend security measures with recurrent 90-day patches that keep your devices updated automatically and silently. 
  • Device Diagnostics – Test major systems and deploy simple diagnostics to keep devices running and available without overburdening your IT department.

Expand visibility across the supply chain with RFID-powered MotionWorks

RFID Powered MotionWorks Warehouse

Zebra MotionWorks provide the greatest ease of use, flexibility, and versatility

Last, but certainly not least, when tracking multiple assets, products, and workers throughout the supply chain, visibility solutions like Zebra MotionWorks provide the greatest ease of use, flexibility, and versatility. Customize and grow your system to incorporate new goals by tracking:

  • Crucial assets – Manage all your deployed tools to verify location, condition, performance, and need all in real-time.
  • Material flow – Track and automate the flow of material while updating your WMS and ERP systems with actionable data that can be used to adjust to changes in demand.
  • Yard systems – Increase gate transaction speed to make sure inventory is transported to the correct dock in a timely fashion.

Bring the dependability of accurate tracking to where it matters most with the new MotionWorks Proximity for seamless worker safety, deployed directly on your Zebra mobile device. Reduce touchpoints to prevent germ spread and count on a user-friendly interface that accelerates safe and efficient contact tracing. 

In response to the health-crisis,  Zebra and Avalon have leveraged MotionWorks for efficient Worker Safety. Tune in to our newest podcast to learn more:

Of course, the above three suggestions fail to encompass the multitude of ways you can efficiently grow operational visibility without increasing costs. To learn how you can integrate a modernized visibility solution in your business, contact our automation specialists for a comprehensive assessment of your workflows.

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What is Zebra MotionWorks Proximity and how can you get it?

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As warehouses across the nation begin to resume operations, it is crucial to maintain a high focus on maximizing employee safety in addition to workflow productivity. To keep workers safe and efficient, Zebra has once again broken through expectations by upgrading its trusted MotionWorks service, delivering a safe balance between productivity and safety. As a Zebra Premier Solutions Partner, Avalon Integration is here to answer your questions on the new Zebra MotionWorks Proximity.

What is Zebra MotionWorks Proximity and how is it different from regular MotionWorks?

A warehouse using Zebra MotionWorks Proximity

Zebra’s Proximity MotionWorks uses locationing technology deployed into your workforce

Developed by the leaders in intelligent automation, Zebra’s Proximity MotionWorks uses locationing technology deployed into your workforce using your staff’s handheld devices to help enforce social distancing measures without halting operations. Sustained by WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, Zebra MotionWorks can help:

  • Maintain stipulated social distancing guidelines with vibrational alerts
  • Track proximity events lasting over 5 minutes to help manage high-density workspaces
  • Integrate safe fast contact tracing in the event of contamination to deploy sectionalized quarantines

How does Proximity work?

2 Warehouse workers using the MC9300 safely distanced in a warehouse

Vibrational signals help your workforce maintain social distancing guidelines

Zebra Proximity MotionWorks can be downloaded onto your staff’s handheld, serving as a seamless contact tracing solution. Assigned devices are able to generate sensing data, recording proximity events without using personal data. Moreover, devices also alert you of close/prolonged proximity events through vibrational signals to help your workforce maintain social distancing guidelines.  

How can I protect my workers’ identities with this solution?

Two warehouse workers moving pallets while wearing masks

Zebra Proximity MotionWorks doesn’t require any sensitive information or medical data to work

Because it’s deployed directly on your enterprise device, Zebra Proximity MotionWorks doesn’t require any sensitive information or medical data to work. Each worker is assigned a unique employee identifier used to link to their handheld device. Proximity events are stored for up to 50 days.

What sort of hardware will I need to deploy this?

Forklift driver looking at screen with hardhat in a warehouse

A number of devices work with Proximity MotionWorks

In addition to an MB6000 Mobile IoT Bridge, you can choose any of the following devices in your current workforce or purchase new devices with preinstalled Proximity MotionWorks.

How do I start?

To start integrating Zebra Proximity MotionWorks into your workflow, contact us here. 

Download our Fact Sheet to learn more.

Zebra MotionWorks Proximity Fact Sheet Download

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Boost the Efficiency of Your Loading Operation with SmartPack Trailer

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Accuracy and efficiency at your loading dock make a powerful impact on your bottom line. Mistakes and delays here trickle across to your entire operation. With real-time visibility of loading dock processes, you can be agile in making adjustments in a timely manner. Avalon Integration recently evaluated Zebra SmartPack Trailer and discovered a “smart” solution that will boost the efficiency of loading operations.

SmartPack Trailer Is an All-In-One Solution
Zebra SmartPack Trailer

SmartPack Trailer is an all-in-one solution that includes hardware and software. The Load Monitoring Unit (LMU) features a 3D sensor and RGB camera, mounted at the dock. When the trailer pulls in here, the LMU takes measurements and continues to gather this data as the trailer is loaded, with the camera taking time-lapse images. SmartPack Trailer’s analytics engine combines the LMU’s data with your sortation system to calculate the metrics for load density, trailer fullness, and load status—and does it all in real-time. From one dashboard, the dock manager and line haul manager have a view of every activity. With actionable data, managers can make more informed decisions faster than ever before.

SmartPack Trailer Addresses Critical Issues in Loading Workflows:

Inefficient loads
ET5X Software Analytics

A truck that is carrying air where it should haul products presents a major waste—in fuel, maintenance, and operational costs. SmartPack’s sensors and cameras let you see the load as it’s being packed, giving a clear view inside the trailer. This insight lets you Increase trailer fullness and space efficiency.

Loading Mistakes
Zebra SmartPack Trailer Used in a Warehouse

In the haste to get the trailer on the road, parcels might be loaded incorrectly, causing damage that isn’t reported until it’s too late. The customer is unhappy and the product must be replaced and reshipped—another drain on profitability that could have been avoided with better visibility into the loading process.

Delay
Zebra SmartPack Software Overall Analytics

A busy loading dock keeps the dock manager on the move, checking loads before they leave. Access SmartPack Trailer on a rugged tablet for a clear view of every trailer and expedite the movement.

Improper Lifting
Proper Lifting by Warehouse Workers

Accidents and injuries occur when workers don’t use the correct lifting procedure. With inexperienced, seasonal workers, the problem increases exponentially, leading to workers’ compensation claims that could be avoided. Visibility into the loading methods can identify these problems and correct them.

Theft
Zebra SmartPack ET5X Cab Analytics

The LMUs camera provides a view on everything, making it easy to discover the source of cargo theft.

SmartPack Trailer Is About Increasing Efficiency
Zebra SmartPack Trailer Infographic

You need to work lean on your loading dock. By working smart as well, you can increase efficiency, accuracy, worker safety, and customer satisfaction. Avalon Integration specializes in warehouse efficiency.  Talk to us to learn more about Zebra SmartPack Trailer and other solutions that will deliver the results you need.

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