In transportation and logistics, speed and precision are everything. Frontline workers form the backbone of global supply chains, ensuring that goods are successfully processed through warehouses, docks, and distribution hubs, often under intense time pressure.
Fluctuating consumer demand and evolving regulations are making it increasingly difficult to accurately predict labour and inventory needs. For frontline workers, these conditions result in longer hours, increased stress, and a higher risk of error.
To face these challenges head-on, many organisations are accelerating their investments in new technologies, with the goal of becoming more efficient and productive. Specifically, transport and logistics organisations are turning to wearable technology.
A new era of efficiency: Hands-free, heads-up work
Wearable technology is changing the game in transport and logistics. In comparison to using traditional handheld devices, which results in significant double-handling, wearables offer hands-free convenience, real-time data access, and instant communication. The devices improve both speed and situational awareness, simplifying tasks, improving safety and boosting productivity.
87 per cent of decision-makers agree that technology is essential in improving warehouse operations, and 93 per cent of front-line employees believe that implementing new technologies helps to attract and retain workers.
Let’s take a look at some of the different types of wearable devices that are becoming essential tools for logistics workers.
Bluetooth communication badges
Efficient warehouses and docks thrive on constant, clear, and efficient communication. Wearable badges like the Zebra Technologies WS101 Bluetooth Communication Badge are sleek, compact devices designed to enable seamless communication with minimal interruption. With voice-enabled and hands-free functionality, these badges allow employees to stay connected with colleagues and complete daily tasks paired with a Zebra host device (i.e. TC/ET/EM Series).
The WS101 enables employees to easily communicate with their colleagues in real-time, facilitating quick and accurate picking and packing. This not only improves the speed of deliveries, but also ensures smoother, more efficient warehouse operations, reducing stress for front-line workers.
For workers in large-scale warehouses specifically, the WS101 ensures that no critical updates are missed. By eliminating the need to chase down information, these devices contribute to streamlined, highly efficient operations, where employees spend less time searching for answers and more time delivering exceptional service.
Wearable computers
Every worker without instant access to information is forced to take more steps and more time to complete tasks, limiting operational efficiency. Investing in wearable computers enables workers to scan products and track inventory without needing to stop and locate a handheld device, reducing manual errors and speeding up workflows.
Zebra’s WS501 Android Wearable Computer is the world’s smallest and most powerful Android wearable device available on the market today. With three different wearing styles including wrist, back of hand or finger, the adaptable device is ideal for virtually any task front-line employees face. It enables workers to go hands-free in even the most scan-intensive jobs including picking orders, storing inventory and loading/unloading incoming and outgoing shipments.
Meanwhile, the RFID model (WS50 RFID) is especially effective in large-scale transport and logistics environments, where inventory accuracy and speed are critical. With high-performance UHF RFID functionality, this device can read RFID tags up to 5 ft./1.5 m away, making it ideal for a wide variety of use cases, such as package sorting and item picking.
Both regular and RFID-enabled wearable computers are designed to improve operational workflows by providing workers with easy access to essential data and tools. This helps them complete tasks faster and with greater accuracy while maintaining a hands-free approach.
Handheld mobile computers
But it’s not only wearables that are transforming the transport and logistics sector – handheld mobile computers also deserve a special mention. Devices like Zebra’s EM45 Series mobile computer offer workers the familiarity and form-factor of a consumer smartphone, combined with the practicality and cutting-edge technology of an enterprise-grade device. Mobile computers enable employees to handle everything from inventory checks to order processing without the hassle of juggling multiple devices.
Equipped with 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, these devices support instant communication, enhancing coordination across warehouses and docks. And with a variant for built-in RFID function, they ensure accurate, real-time inventory tracking, eliminating the need for manual inventory counts and reducing discrepancies.
The takeaway
Whether it’s wearables or handheld mobile computers, it’s safe to say technology is transforming the warehousing game. What better way to keep your workers productive and happy than equipping them with world-class technology?
To learn more about Zebra’s new range of retail technology, please reach out to zebramarketing@primarycommsgroup.com.au.
