Tech is always firing off new buzzwords and concepts. Without a proper guide, it can be tough to distinguish between which supply chain technology topics are real and beneficial now and which ones are still in development and not yet ready for prime time. DCT Technologies offers decades of experience and background in the supply chain, and can act as your guide for modernization of your supply chain operations through digital transformation.
The first question you have to ask yourself is: what is the optimal balance between technology and human interaction for your company? Are you looking for full automation? Zero tech? Or, like most warehousing operators, somewhere in between? According to a recent survey from Zebra Technologies, where warehouse managers were asked what the optimal balance of automation in human labor is, 16% responded full automation, 39% responded partial automation (with some worker involvement), 34% replied augmentation (equipping workers with devices), and only 11% responded with no augmentation or automation (all manual). Knowing the answer to this question is the first step in creating your tailored digital solution.
BREAKING DOWN THE BUZZ
Any warehouse technology, no matter how advanced, is only beneficial if it helps you improve accuracy and efficiency and helps you achieve your overall goals. In other words, there’s no reason to embrace tech for tech’s sake. Things like augmented reality and robotics sound cool. But, at this time, augmented reality is limited (at best) and robots are only beneficial on a large scale with a large budget. The following is a breakdown of some of the most talked about tech that is real and ready for supply chain prime time.
RFID
RFID solutions are able to cut your inventory tracking down to a fraction of the time you currently spend. Over the last few years, RFID has become easier to design, integrate, and deploy in nearly every industry. The costs have gone down. The reliability has gone up. And the ROI is paying off. A big plus for supply chain industries and one that deserves your attention now.
WEARABLE TECH
Wearable technology, as the name implies, is any technology that is designed to be used while worn. Smart watches and smart glasses, for example, free up the worker’s hands for other work, while using their natural body movements to gather digital information. Zebra, for example, now offers the WS50 wearable Android computer. This bite-sized computer packs a big punch, with powerful data capture capabilities, an internal speaker
and microphone and a Wi-Fi connection all built into the device. Because it’s so easy to integrate, warehouse workers
can use the WS50 as much more than a scanner. It can be connected to a WMS or other warehouse software to enable task management, meaning that employees can access their workflows from anywhere.
PRIVATE CELLULAR NETWORKS
A private cellular network is a very real option that is available now for remote facilities where public networks don’t exist, or where indoor coverage is not robust. A private network means that there is no contention from other network users, as on a public network. Private operators can also deploy their own security policies to authorize users, prioritize traffic, and, most importantly, to ensure that sensitive data does not leave the premises without authorization. A 5G private network enables a facility to synchronize and integrate tracking data into its
workflow, allowing production lines to be configured in real time.
ARE YOU READY?
The technology is out there. Innovative manufacturers like Zebra are dedicated to continually evolve their offerings, their technology, and their solutions. As a long standing Zebra partner, DCT is well versed on Zebra’s offerings, how they connect with other technology and how they can all benefit your operations. Let us be your guide for all these emerging warehouse technologies. We’ll assess where you are now. Create a customized plan for where you want to be both now and in the future. And then, when you’re ready, we’ll implement the solution. Let’s get started!
