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Tag: Mobile Computing

Next-Generation Automation at Logimat 2023

Posted on by David Priestman

Honeywell will showcase its latest technology for the transportation, logistics and warehouse sectors at LogiMAT 2023 in Stuttgart. The company will introduce its first 5G devices catered for the warehouse and logistics sector – the Honeywell CT47 handheld computer (pictured) and the Honeywell ScanPal EDA 57 handheld computer – designed to provide enhanced data connectivity and communications in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Honeywell is one of the largest providers of industrial handheld devices and material handling equipment in the world. More than 2.5 million mobility devices are deployed in thousands of operations globally, and many of the top global retailers rely on automated material handling solutions from Honeywell.

Other Honeywell solutions that will be on display at LogiMAT include:

Wearable solutions: Honeywell’s latest wearable computer, the CW45, brings optimised ergonomics and performance to arm-worn applications.

Voice automation technology: Currently available in more than 40 different languages, Honeywell Voice guides warehouse operators through tasks or steps to complete processes such as picking, inventory replenishment, maintenance and repairs.

Asset optimisation software: Operational Intelligence empowers warehouses and distribution centres to optimise warehouse processes and manage devices with data and actionable insights in real time that lead to greater productivity.

Material handling equipment: Honeywell’s IntelliSort HS 2.0 high-speed sliding shoe sorter is engineered to deliver high throughput rates and effective product handling.

Digital Transformation

Honeywell’s comprehensive suite of solutions empower warehouse operations to advance their digital transformation journey. With many companies seeing digitalisation as a key factor for future success, discussions around digital solutions will be an integral part of LogiMAT 2023. A Gartner survey found that 50% of supply chain organisations worldwide will invest in artificial intelligence and advanced analytics technologies by 2024, with a view to better manage and draw insights from their data.

Within the UK specifically, a recent Make UK report found that 77% of UK manufacturers have increased spend on digital technologies since 2020, with 80% intending to do so by the end of 2024. Supply chain management was one of the most prominent investment areas, with 30% having already started to digitalise their supply chain operations and a further 40% considering doing so.

“Digital transformation is key to keeping ahead of rapidly increasing market demands and to remain resilient amidst unpredictable supply chains,” said Horst Mollik, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Productivity Solutions and Services Europe. “The pressure to increase levels of efficiency and productivity has never been greater in distribution and fulfilment operations, and digitalisation is a key factor to deal with today’s challenges and prepare for the future. In that space and beyond, Honeywell is committed to helping businesses optimise and manage their entire fulfilment processes, from receiving to shipping – and everything in between.”

Honeywell’s solutions will be spread across two booths at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre – in Hall 3, Booth 3A03, and in Hall 4, Booth F41.

 

 

New all-in-one Wearable Scanner

Posted on by David Priestman

IPCMobile (founded as Infinite Peripherals), a leader in enterprise mobility solutions, announced the launch of HaloRing, a groundbreaking all-in-one wearable scanner (Android).

With its powerful processor, integrated connectivity and multi-colour high-resolution display, HaloRing allows users to move freely through their workflows using just a single thumb while sending and receiving real-time information. The enterprise browser allows for quick and seamless deployment of HaloRing without the need for developing native applications, and users can efficiently scale resources through their workflow and manage each device in real time with the Quantum IQ device management platform.

All of these innovative features are packed into a sleek, ultra-compact form factor that weighs in at just 2.6 ounces, creating a solution that’s uniquely designed not only to increase productivity, but also to reduce fatigue and prevent repetitive stress injuries.

“This is yet another example of our ability to study an enterprise workflow and create a solution that has never existed previously,” said IPCMobile Founder and CEO Jeff Scott. “Combining specialized hardware with award-winning software, it will be extremely exciting to see just how far we can take this technology.”

“To say that HaloRing can future-proof your business would be an understatement,” said IPCMobile Chief Technology Officer John Broderick. “The true power of HaloRing is its ability to create a bridge between legacy technology and workflows over to your desired future state. It’s a transformational device that meets you where you are today with tethered Bluetooth solutions, yet allows you to build toward tomorrow with true enterprise mobility over Wi-Fi, writing directly to the system of record.”

“Fitting such powerful capabilities within a light, compact and ergonomic data acquisition device will create a paradigm shift in how businesses and their employees utilize technology within their workflows,” said IPCMobile Chief Engineering Officer John Vargas. “HaloRing eliminates the need for a static and expensive separate host device, which further empowers workers to address the need for untethered workflows to increase productivity and improve the quality of their services.”

Ergonomic Design – HaloRing’s patent-pending design helps the user maintain a neutral wrist position, reducing fatigue and providing freedom of movement and user comfort no matter the hand size or if the operator is right- or left-handed. A comfortable two-finger design improves balance while increasing productivity in scan-intensive applications with maximum versatility, comfort, functionality and performance.

Rapid Deployment – HaloRing comes pre-loaded with the RapidWedge keyboard that allows your business to start scanning immediately into your existing applications, with no development costs and zero maintenance of code over time. Additionally, with an Android OS, developers can leverage Intents to control HaloRing’s three programmable buttons to go beyond scanning and program for time-saving workflows without sacrificing ergonomics.

Enterprise Browser – With HaloRing, there is no need to write native applications, and developers can access HaloRing features using available JavaScript APIs without the native Android platform’s steep learning curve. This will help users increase their speed to market while also lowering development and maintenance costs.

Responsive Notifications – HaloRing’s proprietary Ring Scanner Language (RISL) means you can create efficient closed-loop workflows without the need for any code. Simply create the necessary business logic in your system of record, and HaloRing will take care of the rest, triggering essential two-way communications with fewer potential points of failure.

Device Management – Manage your growing fleet of devices with Quantum IQ. Streamline asset configuration initiated over-the-air, or benefit from a holistic view into the device’s health and proactively take action to keep users productive. Understand your business with custom analytics reporting and measure the things that matter most to you.

Freedom – HaloRing offers best-in-class ring scanner performance and is not tethered nor restricted to pairing with a nearby computer. Experience the freedom with the only ring scanner of its kind to have its own OS that can connect to your network and back office, creating a higher return on investment and a lower overall cost of ownership.

Designed for Productivity – Hands-free 1D/2D scanning allows workers to use both hands to move packages, products, or materials. Maximize efficiency and productivity with the input navigation, selection, and confirmation using the fully programmable push buttons.

Enterprise Ready – HaloRing’s rugged design offers more features and functionality than any other ring scanner on the market. Stringent drop specifications and a broad operating temperature range ensure reliable performance in the most extreme environments. A smart, user changeable battery, IP65 rating, and 65,000-color AMOLED display.

JLT unveils innovative software dashboard

Posted on by David Priestman

JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer of reliable computing solutions for demanding environments, has launched JLT Insights, a new data-driven software dashboard for industries with warehouses.

The customisable software solution enables warehouse and IT managers to monitor their vehicle-mount terminals (VMT) and to gain greater operational insights. Based on various data-points collected from within the IT device and its sensors, JLT Insights empowers customers to optimise the daily operations of their harsh work environments as well as their host vehicles.

These new capabilities are made possible thanks to information delivered by sensors embedded in the JLT6012 Series VMTs. As well as informing users of the health of their IT assets, accelerometers and other sensors within the VMTs can deliver information relating to forklift movement, speed, acceleration, impact, location, and time.

Access to this digital data opens huge possibilities for warehouse and IT managers to streamline and enhance their picking and logistic operations. By identifying bottlenecks, network connectivity issues, high-traffic areas, driving dynamics, accident-prone zones, and various IT health signals, uptime can be optimised, flow can be improved, and general operations enhanced with regards to both efficiency and safety.

JLT technology similar to cellphone

Impacts are a fact of life in forklift operations. But when you combine impacts with location data, you can ascertain higher safety risk areas and/or physical bottlenecks within logistic operations. Combine impacts with time and JLT Insights users can identify shift patterns, while time and location will highlight overly long local dwell times or indicate heavy traffic areas.

According to Andreas Nivard, General Manager at JLT Software Solutions: “The JLT6012 Series VMTs from JLT Mobile Computers incorporate sensor technology similar to what you would find in a cellphone. By leveraging the data generated by these sensors, we are now delivering even more value-add features through software solutions.

“The real power behind JLT’s new hard- and software combined approach,” he continues, “comes from using JLT Insights to combine and contextualise the data captured via the sensors. This data can then be compared before displaying the results in an easy-to-use and -understand digital dashboard, full of useful information for warehouse and IT managers.”

The software is configurable to the customer’s application. JLT engineers will help users to define which data is most useful to capture and formulate the queries which indicate the most relevant actionable information. The identified data points can be configured by JLT, local partners, or customers themselves to add the biggest operational value for continued improvement.

Predicting issues

There are multiple possibilities for operational improvement, but the primary driver behind the dashboard’s development is to increase uptime, by highlighting and predicting issues before they occur. This gives companies the ability to develop and deliver remedies before these issues turn into far more costly downtime.

“The ability to spot problems before they result in downtime is a huge plus for us,” explains Fredrik Edvardsen, IT Manager at IV Produkt, a company based in Växjö, Sweden that develops and manufactures innovative solutions for air handling. “We now have proactive insights into many more operational features, including power supplies, disk space, forklift run times and service intervals.”

JLT Insights is available today for new and existing users of JLT6012 Windows 10 VMTs on a per month and device cost basis. “The dashboard comes in two tiers,” Edvardsen explains. “The first gives all the essential information from the IT and dynamics sensors, including event-based notifications, while the next tier up adds statistics and allows users to write queries that can compare and action one dataset versus another.”

For new JLT6012 VMT buyers, the software will be preinstalled on the units. Existing owners can contact JLT via the website for downloading the software.

In addition to the JLT6012 unit, JLT Insights can be used with other Windows 10 VMTs from JLT, albeit with limited functionality because previous generations do not include the built-in sensors. Support for the Android-based JLT6012A™ VMT is in development and will be released in the first half of next year. Many more features are on the roadmap, and JLT is accepting suggestions from its user base.

“We’ve worked closely with JLT in testing out the software and suggesting features as part of their pilot program,” says Martin Carlsson, Warehouse Manager at IV Produkt. “We feel like JLT has really listened to our needs and we now eagerly anticipate using JLT Insights over the next 6 months to make data-driven decisions to increase productivity in our warehouse.”

 

 

Rugged, Extreme Performer

Posted on by David Priestman

Rugged technology leader Panasonic has recently launched a flat version of its TOUGHBOOK N1, optimised for logistics and delivery users.

Blizzards. Hurricanes. Deserts. The warehousing and logistics industry faces many challenges, but fortunately those sorts of extremes are not usually part of a typical day’s headaches.

Wait a second, though. Warehouses and DCs are relentless, 24/7 environments, where speed, focus, accuracy and reliability are all vital watchwords. Then there is the delivery industry, with constant unpredictable disruptions to add to the existing mix – daylight or night-time conditions, heavy rain, ice-cold temperatures, and extreme heat, even in northern Europe, as summer 2022 has demonstrated across the continent.

In short, Panasonic’s innovations in the rugged mobile space are on to something. The result is the N1 Flat, the latest in the company’s pioneering TOUGHBOOK mobile series, designed to have the versatility and strength to match all demands in many sectors, including logistics. The TOUGHBOOK N1 Flat has an integrated camera-based barcode scanner that can recognise a variety of different barcode types and is one of the thinnest and most lightweight handheld devices in the 4.7″ category – making it ideal for mobile workers in the postal and courier services, transport and logistics, plus the rugged capability to thrive in temperature-controlled environments. The handheld device can also be easily paired via Bluetooth as part of a dedicated scanning solution, for example, for those using wearable barcode readers in a warehouse.

“We are taking the heart of what TOUGHBOOK is – hard work and endurance – and we’re taking it into the relentless world of warehousing,” says Mike Willett, TOUGHBOOK lead in retail, T & L and manufacturing at Panasonic UK. “It’s about versatility – it can be handled in different ways, on the arm, as a chest-wearable, it will withstand a two-metre drop on to solid concrete. There’s a lot of excitement about it.”

He says the hype is backed up by results and confides that many major 3PLs and retailers are already in discussions to replace current devices with the TOUGHBOOK N1. Mike Willett believes that the combination of rugged versatility and flexibility allied to competitive pricing (€1380/ £1176 plus tax) is making the difference.

Rugged tech

How has Panasonic been able to deliver such a bundle of treats at an affordable price, though? Their smart move has been to remove the scanning engine on the Flat N1, with the camera able to replicate the functionality of the scanner by pointing a red dot at the barcode in question – that’s one huge chunk of cost removed at a stroke, with no detriment to the package of tools available. “Thinking of sectors such as logistics, we wanted to deliver all the benefits of rugged technology, but with all the convenience and handling ease of a smartphone. The TOUGHBOOK core is all there – 12 hour battery life, daylight mode, hot, cold and rain settings. So we’re seeing the N1 flat used in stock picking and in Proof of Delivery (PoD) applications. The number of certifications we have sought and achieved is very high in consequence.”

Ever conscious of the flexible requirements of customers, Panasonic has ensured that, in addition to the scanning functionality, a range of wearable options and docking stations, including chest-mounts and holsters, are available. All docking links, accessories and wearables are manufactured by Panasonic to TOUGHBOOK standards, so that there is no ‘weak point’ in the armoury. He points out: “What would be the point of producing such an outstanding device, if its effectiveness was compromised by the other products in the range?”

Panasonic is proud to call itself the ‘Rugged Home of Android’, taking steps to ensure that TOUGHBOOK N1 flat is up to speed with all latest iterations of the global mobile operating system. The N1 Flat Mark 3, which launched in September 2022, is using Android 11 technology, which Mike Willett say will guarantee lifecycles to 2028 and 2029 and beyond. “We’re with you for the long haul. It’s a device that we’re going to support for a very long time.”

Recognising that busy clients have resource and personnel bandwidths to factor in, Panasonic provides support via Panasonic Complete Android Services and Security (COMPASS) – offering everything needed to configure, deploy and manage TOUGHBOOK rugged Android tablets and handhelds securely in the business across the full lifecycle of the solution.

Panasonic releases Sustainability Gap research

Posted on by David Priestman

European IT buyers are stuck in a four-year cycle of refreshing their computing devices for the mobile workforce, despite increasing sustainability pressures, according to new research from Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. On average, IT Buyers reported they were refreshing their mobile computing technology every four years and they expected manufacturers to support devices for just over three years after product launch.

“Despite an increasing awareness of sustainability issues and a general desire to use devices for longer, worryingly we still see organisations across Europe stuck in the mindset of the four-year technology refresh,” said Lisbeth Lashmana, Head of the European Marketing for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK. “The reality is that with the new modular design of mobile computing devices and the extended support available for the latest powerful devices, there really is an opportunity for organisations to extend the life of the technology used by the mobile workforce, simplify management and improve total cost of ownership.”

In the UK, France and Germany, 750 mobile technology buyers in companies of more than 50 employees across the utilities, emergency services, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and construction sectors were independently surveyed by Opinion Matters, for research commissioned by Panasonic TOUGHBOOK.

PANASONIC research reveals top 5 considerations

The top 5 most important considerations for IT Buyers when purchasing computing devices for mobile workforces were Security (23.7%), Reliability (23.7%), Performance (22.9%), Battery Life (19.3%), Ruggedness (18.7%) and Initial Cost (18.3%).

Surprisingly, half of all IT buyers still do not pilot new computing devices with users before purchase.

On average, companies were supporting 2-3 different types of mobile computing devices within their organisation ranging from laptops and tablets to mobile workstations and wearables.

Recognising the increasing awareness for security, around 70% of respondents considered regular Bios, Firmware and Driver updates as important with the average updates happening between 2.5-3 times a year and taking an average of 4 days a year to implement.

Huge opportunity

“There is a huge opportunity for businesses to reset their approach to buying technology for the mobile workforce and close the Sustainability Gap,” said Lashmana. “By engaging the workforce in pilot projects before purchase, buyers can ensure devices are much more closely matched to the users’ needs. Secondly, by purchasing the latest modular designed devices, the technology can be modified and customised by users in the field to different requirements or repurposed later for another purpose within the business.

“Combine this with the incredible CPU and memory performance available in the latest generation of devices, with the ability to upgrade as required and the long-term extended support being offered by manufacturers like Panasonic and there are reasons to be optimistic. All the elements are now in place for organisations to extend the usability of their mobile computing equipment – by years in many cases.”

Panasonic has recently expanded its range of rugged modular laptops and tablets with the updated TOUGHBOOK 55, the introduction of the TOUGHBOOK G2 rugged tablet and the launch of the TOUGHBOOK 40, the ultimate 14-inch modular rugged notebook designed for Defence and ideal for Police and Utilities. To ensure the security and long use of devices, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK supports its products for a further five years after they have been withdrawn from sale. Panasonic TOUGHBOOK ProTect Warranties can be extended for up to five years for all devices.

CLICK HERE to download an Executive Summary of the The Sustainability Gap – Breaking the four-year technology refresh cycle.

 

JLT VERSO Series validated as ‘Navis Ready’

Posted on by David Priestman

JLT Mobile Computers, the developer of reliable computing solutions for demanding environments, has announced that its VERSO Series of high-performance vehicle-mounted terminals (VMTs) has passed Navis Ready Validation for the latest version of the Navis N4 terminal operating system (TOS). The validation reinforces the fact that the JLT VERSO Series – specifically developed for use in the harshest conditions – is the ideal mobile IT platform for highly demanding port operations the world over.

Navis is a premier brand from Kaleris for best-in-class port, terminal, carrier and vessel solutions. Kaleris, the provider of cloud-based supply chain execution and visibility technology solutions, offers a global platform that unlocks operating data, connects workflows and increases visibility to improve the entire shipment lifecycle. Navis brand technology plays a key role by linking the busiest nodes in the global supply chain to the Kaleris platform.

This revalidation announcement sees a continuation of JLT’s long-term partnership with the Navis Ready Program that began in 2015 and was reinforced in 2019, when JLT became the first hardware provider to ensure that its rugged computers for the port segment would be validated for use with major upcoming Navis N4 TOS releases for the following five years. This gives customers an extra level of security and confidence when purchasing JLT terminals for their Navis system.

According to the Navis report: “This [validation] ensures customers can buy and engage with vendors with confidence knowing that the majority of the integration work has been completed. The information provided in the Navis Ready Validation report helps customers assess the level of integration achieved and what is possible with a vendor.”

As an experienced supplier of rugged IT solutions for the port environment, JLT has also committed significant resources to those requiring help and support in the port sector, including the popular Port Guide: Five ways to make IT your port’s hero, not its headache, which can be downloaded in English or Spanish for free.

 

 

SOTI integrates tech with ProGlove

Posted on by Keith McKinley

SOTI, a leading provider of mobility and IoT device management solutions, is now offering an integration of SOTI MobiControl and SOTI Surf with ProGlove, the provider of wearable industrial barcode scanners. SOTI Surf and ProGlove’s Insight Mobile App are installed on Android devices that already have SOTI MobiControl implemented. After the device and the ProGlove scanner are connected by scanning a QR code, SOTI Surf communicates with the scanner via the Insight mobile app. This ensures that the alerts or notifications received on the ProGlove wearable scanners correspond to the scanned data transmitted to SOTI Surf.

The integration of SOTI Surf and ProGlove is simple. Companies use the JavaScript functions provided by SOTI Surf in their web applications. Once the connection between ProGlove and the device is established, employees can start scanning. SOTI Surf for Android is a secure web browser that can be managed through SOTI MobiControl. It allows users to access corporate data via encrypted connections on their Android devices. The wearable ProGlove MARK Display Scanner enables hands-free scanning and provides employees with important information efficiently.

Using the ProGlove-MARK series of wearable scanners, users can save up to six seconds per scan while avoiding up to 33% of the common picking errors. With erroneous data entry costing over $600bn annually in the transportation and logistics sector alone, these are mission-critical benefits.

Stefan Spendrup, VP of Sales in Northern and Western Europe at SOTI, said: “To stay ahead of the competition, companies need to continue their digitisation journeys while implementing fast solutions that provide accurate data in real time. With our platforms integrating with ProGlove, the perfect condition is created for our customers to be able to optimise their logistics and production processes, to increase their efficiencies.

“Making supply chain processes more effective and efficient reduces the number of errors, meaning our customers can increase their revenues. Ultimately, by working with ProGlove, we can help businesses automate their assembly, warehousing and distributing, and packaging processes so they can offer a far better customer experience.”

“This partnership is based on our shared mission to reduce the cost and complexity of business-critical mobility and IoT,” said Dunja Riehemann, Chief Marketing Officer at ProGlove. “By integrating SOTI MobiControl and SOTI Surf with our wearable scanning technology, organisations can more easily secure, manage and support their mobile processes. This is more important than ever and a critical step in driving workforce growth across global supply chains and manufacturing facilities.”

Handheld launches new ultra-rugged tablet

Posted on by David Priestman

Handheld Group, the manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, has announced the release of the all-new Algiz 10XR, an ultra-rugged 10-inch Windows tablet that it says combines durability with robust field performance, 5G and future-proof features.

It describes the Algiz 10XR as a smaller, lighter, 10-inch Windows tablet that achieves more even while taking up less space. It brings two times better graphics and measurably faster performance. Future-proof 5G communication can handle live video streams and bandwidth-heavy tasks like mapping. The Algiz 10XR was developed for field work or other challenging environments within logistics, mining, public transport, public safety, waste management or GIS and has also been designed with modulisation and customisation in mind.

Other key features of the Algiz 10XR ultra-rugged tablet:

  • Intel Elkhart Lake x6000 platform for reliable performance
  • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (64bit)
  • High-resolution, sunlight-readable 10-inch touchscreen with super-hardened glass and rain-and-glove mode
  • Future-proof 5G capabilities, 4G/LTE high-speed data, Wi-Fi, BT
  • Dedicated multiband GNSS u-blox NEO-M8U receiver for accurate positioning.
  • Untethered dead reckoning (UDR) to provide accurate positioning performance under even weak GNSS conditions.
  • IP65 and MIL-STD ruggedness
  • Full-day, hot-swappable battery
  • Optional, integrated barcode scanner and NFC
  • A broad ecosystem of accessories for field professionals; carry cases, vehicle cradles, pole mounts, extended batteries, as well as a vehicle dock with antenna pass-through for both GPS and Wi-Fi
  • Possibility for customised extensions via backpack

“The Algiz 10XR will bring some great performance gains for our partners and customers who rely on Windows tablets in the field,” says Johan Hed, Handheld chief product officer. “We’ve worked with this segment for decades now and are confident that we’ve developed a device with not only great specs, but a complete accessory package to help our customers with their fieldwork.”

Rugged devices in extreme working conditions 

Posted on by David Priestman

Tash Sievwright (pictured), Transport and Logistics Business Development Executive, Conker, looks back at extreme conditions of 2022 and fit-for-purpose rugged devices.

Largely shaded red and dark red, weather forecast maps of the summer of 2022 were tracking what turned out to be the hottest summer on record for Europe. From June to September persistent heatwaves affected no fewer than 16 countries across the continent. The highest temperature recorded was 47°C and the waves of punishing temperatures resulted in significant danger weather warnings, evacuations and widespread droughts. In the United Kingdom temperatures surpassed 40°C for the first time since records began.

Climatologists and scientists predict that continuing changes in the jet stream will cause heat waves with increasing frequency across Europe causing hot areas to stay hot for long periods of time.

During the unprecedented record-breaking temperatures across Europe, many companies undertook a hazard assessment of extreme conditions to identify the potential harm to staff – a standard requirement for many firms. As most staff will use equipment of some description, extending the assessment to machinery, equipment and tools that workers use to perform their roles makes sense.

The rapid digitalisation of global supply chains, the advent of Industry 4.0 and interest in progressive advanced technology and tools such as AI means that very few industries if any, escape the need for computer devices for on-site staff and remote workforces working in all conditions.

However, day-to-day commercial pressures such as rising costs coupled with improved and advanced functionality such as built-in image readers that decode barcodes and QR codes, buying lower-cost, standard off-the-shelf devices can be tempting. However, do they have sufficient battery life and can they withstand the rigours of extreme working environments – day in and day out – and what happens when they go wrong or get broken?

Extreme working conditions are not limited to high and low temperatures but also include humidity, wet conditions, direct sunlight, dust, snowfall and ice, altitude, atmospheric pressure, low visibility, complex terrain and vibration. These conditions call for a choice of rugged devices that are fit for purpose delivering value for money and with service levels that match the needs of the job.

Many working environments including warehousing, manufacturing, transport and logistics and utilities rely on real-time information that provides visibility of all elements of the supply chain, where goods are or how critical services are being delivered. The cost of failure can be substantial not just in the cost of downtime but in customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Create operational efficiencies

Streamlining different processes, information streams and the entire workforce helps to better manage delayed production, waste and poor planning. These operational efficiencies rely on quality-connected equipment, cost management, technology stack, internal communication, supply chain and order management, and improved business processes. Linking rugged mobile devices that collect operational data and work seamlessly with back-end platforms removes data input errors and provides real-time visibility.

Rugged devices are not only tough but are designed to work in their specific environments, such as being secure in a vehicle or easily lifted in and out of a holster or cradle. In cold or hazardous environments touch screens are designed to be operated with gloves and equally are usable in direct sunlight. Conker enterprise devices sit securely in an operating vehicle and read barcodes, NFC and RFID tags from multiple angles and all devices have a battery life designed to last the entire shift.

Rugged goes beyond the rugged case that keeps the device protected. Rugged devices are a type of hardware designed specifically to tolerate the harshest environments. From extreme temperatures to dusty environments, wet conditions and then back inside. They can tolerate a range of hazards including exposure to fluids and extreme vibrations. Touch screens can be operated with gloves on and as the battery life is designed to last an entire shift – rugged devices are built to last. These attributes can positively impact costs in downtime and the time and cost to replace devices that are not durable enough. All Conker devices are drop tested typically to 1.2m and for peace of mind have the durability rating of IP65, protecting them against dirt and making them dust and waterproof.

Compared to traditional scanners and other mobile devices, wearable devices are less likely to get damaged or dropped, resulting in lower equipment replacement costs over time. The ergonomic design of wearable scanners makes them feel natural to use in day-to-day operations. When a backhand scanner is used in conjunction with a glove, workers benefit from having a full range of hand and digit movement.

Reduction in TCO

Looking beyond the initial cost to acquire rugged devices and considering the cost of deployment, training, support, maintenance and service and critically the cost of downtime will provide insight into the true cost of ownership. If there is no time for downtime in any mission/time-critical environment, rugged is probably a wise choice.

My colleague James Summers, CEO at Conker, says: “The hard-working products surfacing to deliver across global supply chains are further supported by automation and real-time connectivity with other departments. The results include increased productivity, reduced resources, and speed of response to customers’ orders resulting in improved bottom lines.

“In the current period of cooler weather organisations can use this time of respite from harsh, hotter conditions to take stock and review how well they coped in 2022 and consider necessary improvements to ensure that device performance stands up to what might come their way next year.

“It is vital that production managers ensure good usability testing on all tablets, handheld and wearable devices because good usability will help to support a happy workforce. They also shouldn’t be afraid to demand upfront user testing before committing to new devices in the IT stack.”

Panduro increases picking capacity by 20%

Posted on by David Priestman

Panduro, a market leader in hobby materials in Europe, has successfully implemented ZetesMedea Warehouse Execution System to help improve market responsiveness and agility, whilst ensuring that sales are maximised, and delays minimised. The new system was fully operational in less than three months, and speed was a critical requirement as growing surge in demand was putting a mounting pressure on the retailer to fulfil more orders efficiently.

Panduro has 96 stores distributed throughout six European countries. With a total assortment of 10,000 items, distributed through a hybrid retail model, the rapidly expanding organisation was seeking to replace existing outdated voice picking system with a next generation solution to meet rapidly growing market demands.

Ensuring capacity matches demand

Panduro has faced a significant growth in demand in recent years, which the pandemic accelerated. To stretch and align capacity to meet customer demand, it needed to ensure maximum utilisation of its  warehouse operations, without expanding warehouse space. But operating on a legacy system, based on outdated technology, it was not possible to increase efficiency levels.

Panduro was therefore looking for a new solution that needed to meet certain specific requirements; it had to be a next-generation cloud-based solution, capable of being properly integrated into modern structures, and able to reduce operators’ workload whilst increasing productivity. It was also crucial that productivity would not decrease during the implementation stage. Panduro found all this in ZetesMedea’s voice picking solution.

Implementation in less than three months

The new cutting-edge technology from Zetes has allowed Panduro to increase the number of orders executed every day, reaching up to 18,000 order lines per day. A critical factor to meet increasing order volumes and support the company’s continued growth.

User acceptance and uninterrupted productivity was a key reason in implementing the ZetesMedea voice system. Smooth, efficient onboarding of both permanent and seasonal associates is critical to consistently fulfilling order demand throughout the year. This is enabled through the intuitive ‘untrained’ features of the new voice picking technology, ensuring rapid system familiarity and productivity. In addition, less management attention is required to manage onboarding, releasing time for more added value operational focus.

Finally, the speed of implementation was also of significant importance. From first discussion to implementation, the solution was fully operational in less than three months.

Cutting-edge technology

Many companies face the need to upgrade outdated equipment in order to keep up with logistics advancements and avoid risks. In conjunction with ZetesMedea software, Panduro opted to equip its warehouse pickers with cutting-edge Android technology from Panasonic Toughbook. Operating on the FZ-N1 handheld device and headset, the system simply instructs warehouse operators in their tasks and picked items are registered immediately. Panduro can easily access real-time order status updates, performance intelligence reports and track critical operational KPI’s to gain full visibility into operations.

“Thanks to ZetesMedea, we have increased our picking productivity by nearly 20%, reaching up to 18,000 order lines per day. In less than three months from start to finish, we are now processing more order per picker and day than ever before,” said Fia Collin, Warehouse and Production Manager at Panduro.

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