As eCommerce continues to flourish, the demand for storage space and efficient warehouse operations has never been greater. In fact, Amazon already opened hundreds of new distribution centers in 2020, along with 75 fulfillment, sortation centers, regional air hubs, and delivery stations in the U.S. and Canada and the numbers have continued to grow. The number of new facilities opening represents the undeniable continuation of eCommerce growth and begs the question: What does the modern warehouse need to be productive, how is technology evolving to keep up with the pace of expansion and demand? Let’s take a look at some basic technologies and services that will ensure your warehouse operations are optimized and productivity stays at an all-time high.
Mobile Supply Chain Tech
With mobile technology, warehouses can empower workers to streamline common tasks and processes and eliminate the time wasted in inefficient processes. From mobile computers to mobile printing carts, empowering warehouse workers to work smarter and more efficiently is key to staying competitive. and keeping up with the pressures of high supply chain demand.
Barcode Scanners and Mobile Computing
Accurate and reliable barcode scanning is critical for visibility of what’s in your warehouse and also for streamlining data capture. Look into options such as:
- Wireless handheld, fixed mount, and mobile computers with integrated barcode scanners
- Laser, linear imaging or 2D barcode scanning capabilities
- Ruggedized devices designed to handle the most demanding environments
Optimize performance with mobile computing devices and accessories such as:
- Mobile computers, ruggedized tablets, forklift (vehicle) mount computers, and mobile computer carts
- Android and iOS-based mobile devices
- Compact, lightweight, and ruggedized options to meet the unique needs of your environment
RFID Readers and Portals
RFID technology is being newly adopted every day, from item level tracking, to being able to easily trace high value assets to validating shipments at the pallet level as they move through the dock door. To see unparalleled improvement in business performance and return on investment, warehouses are turning to RFID solutions like:
- Wireless and fixed mount RFID readers
- RFID scanners that can read both Active and Passive RFID
- Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) bands
Enterprise Printing Solutions
Printing and labeling are mission critical to a well-run warehouse, any downtime or costly mistakes can cause a significant disruption in being able to ship items as quickly as expected. The trick is, the many components of enterprise labeling that are often overlooked. If your printing and labeling isn’t a cornerstone of your warehouse success, consider printing solutions that can help reduce manual labor, accelerate critical functions like picking and packaging, and improve accuracy for better overall customer experience.
- Mobile printing carts
- Printer applicators
- Managed Print Services
Access Unparalleled Automation with fixed scanning and machine vision solutions
In order to keep the pace with increased demand, the modern warehouse should leverage technology automation. By freeing warehouse workers from tedious, manual tasks, warehouse managers can dedicate labor to more complex, mission-critical initiatives and accomplish more efficiency with less workforce. By implementing automation throughout the warehouse, managers can expect:
- An increase in productivity without human intervention
- Reduced worker fatigue and stress
- Increased accuracy and lower operating costs
- Reduction or elimination of labor costs
In the same vein as automation is machine vision, which brings greater efficiency and reliability to the barcode reading process. Designed to reflect human sight and perception, this learning technology will remove limitations of more traditional equipment and technologies, resulting in increased speed, fewer errors, and considerable cost savings. Some machine vision applications include:
- Control of inbound and outbound logistics
- Pallet scanning
- Print and apply labeling
- Automated pick and pack sorting
- Inventory categorization
- Package tracking
- Goods to Person (GTP)
- Voice picking
Superior IT Services and Software
The modern warehouse won’t stay productive for long without the right maintenance and service programs in place. That’s why partnering with an organization that can provide IT services for large, enterprise-wide device deployments is crucial. IT services such as printer repair, mobile computer repair, wireless site survey, OS migration, managed mobility services, and managed print services are all ways you can ensure that your IT doesn’t interfere with workforce productivity.
In addition to maintenance and services, choosing software applications from industry-leading software developers will maximize the performance of your warehouse, fulfillment center, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations. Look to software such as:
- RFID software
- Warehouse management systems
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) software
- Delivery/Logistic software
- Shipping software
Modernize Your Warehouse with Peak Technologies
Maximizing warehouse productivity is crucial for supply chain success. With the proper solutions at your fingertips, you will be able to keep your facility productive and profitable with the support to go with it. But first, you have to work with a partner who can migrate, upgrade, or innovate your warehouse operations at your own pace. That’s where we come in.
Peak Technologies offers next-level industry experience when it comes to creating a more productive and profitable warehouse. Our expertise in mobile solution services, network designs, and our unique DaaS model can meet your full range of requirements from custom support, remote device management, and more. To learn more about the mobile solutions and services your modern warehouse needs for peak performance, connect with one of our experts today.
