Virtually everyone is aware of wearable technology in the consumer, health and recreation space, but wearable tech is also transforming the warehouse environment. Innovations—ranging from wearable scanners and computers to hands-free, voice-guided solutions—are reshaping the way warehouses operate by enhancing productivity, efficiency, and safety. 

Wearable technology devices allow workers to access crucial information and make real-time decisions without being tethered to a stationary device Therein lies the value of wearables within modern warehouses; these are increasingly relied on to bridge the gap as a variety of sectors deal with unprecedented supply chain challenges. 

Understanding Wearable Technology in the Warehouse 

The wearable market is vast and not all devices or brands will be ideal in every situation. Given the upfront costs, it is important that wearable tech is selected strategically, with the needs and responsibilities of employees at the forefront. This begins with understanding the contexts in which wearables might be used and how certain devices fit into the bigger picture of warehouse management.

Common types of wearables used within today’s warehouses include:

• Wearable computers. Any computing device that can be carried on the body can be accurately referred to as a wearable computer. In the context of the warehouse environment, however, these are designed to bring a more mobile element to enterprise technology. These multi-purpose devices often feature large displays and ergonomic designs. They may incorporate haptic technology to provide valuable feedback to workers without forcing them to remove their eyes from the task at hand.
• Wearable scanners. Easier to maneuver than traditional hand-held barcode scanners, the wearable version allows warehouse workers to free-up the use of both hands while working at a far more efficient pace. Wearable scanners are available as wrist, glove, and even ring scanners, and they optimize barcode reading operations in warehouses and even within retail settings. Wearable barcode scanners are common, but many warehouses further boost productivity through wearable RFID readers, which boast an impressive read distance and can handle several codes at once.
• Hands-free voice-guided solutions. Many businesses are now drawing on the power of audio to give warehouse workers real-time instructions and reminders. These hands-free systems lend workers greater mobility, so they can work faster and smarter without needing to stop to fumble with devices or read instructions. Voice picking solutions, for example, tell workers where to go via headsets and even allow them to verify picking locations and items.
• Wearable mobile printers. Labeling tasks can be cumbersome, and even the most diligent workers are prone to errors. Wearable mobile printers improve the efficiency and accuracy of label printing and application by allowing employees to print the right labels at the right time. This reduces errors and eliminates the need for employees to waste time retracing their steps through the warehouse and walking back to a centralized printer, possibly grabbing the wrong label.
• Smart glasses and augmented reality devices. Operating a lot like vehicle-based heads-up displays, smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) devices reveal the power of vision picking, which is a growing phenomenon in warehousing and logistics. Vision picking overcomes some of the limitations associated with voice picking or, better yet, can be integrated with voice systems for expanded functionality. With smart glasses, useful information can be displayed within workers’ field of vision, with voice commands used for confirmation or to request help. 

Fundamental Functionalities

The desire for hands-free operation rests at the center of the wearable revolution. When employees’ hands are free, they are more capable of safely and efficiently navigating the warehouse environment, which can have an especially impressive impact for picking operations in large warehouses.

Hands-free operation has the obvious ability to streamline processes, but that is by no means the only advantage of wearables within the modern warehouse. Other functionalities worth considering include:

• Real-time data access. Wearable devices grant immediate access to much-needed information, rather than forcing workers to travel to stationary terminals or struggle with non-wearable mobile devices. This immediate feedback not only makes it easier to find SKUs, but also provides insight into potentially dangerous or otherwise risky practices that warehouse workers should avoid.
• Integration with warehouse management systems (WMS). The value of real-time data goes beyond individual workers’ performance, and is  critical at the enterprise level. Detailed tracking provides helpful insight into the general flow of the warehouse and potential areas for improvement. As patterns are observed, small (but impactful) changes can be made to further boost productivity or picking accuracy. Warehouse Management Systems cannot truly be accurate if they only take inventory into account. Through wearables, these systems gain far better visibility, thereby allowing leaders to optimize warehouse processes and resource use.
• Continuous workflows. With each extra manual step comes a significant decrease in productivity. Wearable devices eliminate several of these at once to gain huge improvements. This, in turn, dramatically improves warehouse workflows, allowing for continuous operations that previously were deemed exclusive to automated systems. Downtime is instead dedicated to resting and recharging, rather than forcing employees to deal with frustrating manual systems. 

Applications and Use Cases

Versatile by nature, wearables boast a variety of applications that make them useful in all areas of warehousing and logistics. Top use cases include:

• Order picking and fulfillment. Wearable-guided picking represents one of the most common applications to date. These systems are easy to implement and follow: employees wear smart glasses or voice-guided devices that let them know which orders to pick and allow them to easily confirm when tasks have been completed.
• Inventory management. Wearables can help employees provide insight into stock levels and the general movement of products throughout the warehouse. This is best facilitated by wearable scanning solutions, which allow for quick updates via barcodes or RFID.
• Material handling and distribution. Wearables are vital for efficient material handling, as they optimize workflows within the warehouse space and can even optimize forklift safety systems. From a physical standpoint, wearables reduce some of the strain from high-exertion material handling activities by allowing employees to keep their hands free and their eyes on the task at hand. 

Benefits of Implementing Wearable Technologies

Wearable tech promises to transform the warehouse, making it a safer and more efficient work environment. Commonly cited advantages include:

• Improved worker safety
• Improved productivity and operational efficiency
• Improved metrics and decision-making
• Optimized user experience
• Easy training

Worker Safety

Today’s warehouse workers face a variety of risks. From forklift accidents to falling objects, there is always a potential for on-the-job injuries. These hazards can be dramatically reduced when workers are able to function with both hands free and keep their eyes on important tasks.

Beyond this, wearables deliver insight into the various risks that surround workers at any given time. Real-time warnings ensure they take immediate action to protect themselves in the event of a dangerous situation, while other reminders simply help them work safely on a continual basis. 

Productivity and Operational Efficiency

The more time users spend glancing at displays, traveling to stationary devices, or fixing errors made during manual processes, the less time they are able to dedicate to actual warehouse tasks. These small delays add up quickly and can cause huge declines with productivity. Warehouse managers should give workers the tools they need to pick up the pace while actually exerting less effort. 

Metrics and Decision-Making

Wearable devices gather a wealth of data, which can be analyzed to reveal a variety of warehouse trends. This data drives more effective decision-making processes and also makes it possible to adjust warehouse solutions when warranted. The connectivity of these devices means that data can be gathered and analyzed on a real-time basis. 

Optimized User Experience

Warehouse workers deserve to feel comfortable as they carry out a variety of everyday tasks. Unfortunately, many employees find themselves continually straining to read text or otherwise exposing their bodies to more wear and tear than is truly necessary. Ergonomic wearable devices are far more comfortable than many mobile solutions and also reduce the hassle and exertion required when constantly moving between stationary equipment. 

Easy Training

Most workers will already be familiar with recreational wearable devices, which some may consistently use outside of the workplace. For these employees, there will be little learning curve required. Even those new to wearable technology should be able to understand it quickly, as today’s devices are designed to be as intuitive as possible. This limits training time and allows workers to achieve maximum productivity with minimal practice. 

Considerations

There’s a lot to appreciate about wearable technology in the modern warehouse, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind. These challenges can be overcome with careful planning and a detailed understanding of how they are best utilized within specific warehouse environments. Key concerns to address prior to investing in wearables include: 

Cost Analysis

Wearable devices may call for significant upfront spending. This can be quickly offset by huge productivity gains, but the initial price tag is still bound to give some business leaders pause.

When analyzing the long-term cost, consider not only the price of the devices themselves, but the ongoing need for maintenance and updates. In some cases, it may make more sense to implement wearables in priority areas. If these have a demonstrable impact, their use can then be expanded.  Additional cost-offsetting options include purchasing the hardware “as a service” (HAAS), leasing, or trading in old devices for new equipment rebates.

Worker Training and Adoption

While we’ve already mentioned that training needs tend to be minimal for the most intuitive wearable devices, some employees will still need ongoing guidance. What’s more, some may initially be reluctant to use them, especially if they’ve become accustomed to the warehouse tech status quo. These employees may need detailed explanations surrounding the individual advantages that wearables can provide and the nuisances they will alleviate. 

Compatibility and Integration With Existing Systems

Some wearable solutions integrate better into WMS than others. This should be a key factor when determining which wearables to invest in, as these devices are only useful when they seamlessly integrate with overarching tech solutions. Compatibility is a must, especially when using several types of wearables within a single facility.

Partnering with Peak Technologies

Ready to take the leap and build wearable tech into your warehouse operations? Our team at Peak Technologies can offer guidance and support every step of the way.

Peak is a top-tier partner with leading industry manufacturers, and our team of experts can provide precision recommendations to ensure you have the right devices and systems for your operation. Reach out today to learn more.