Increased expectations for shipments have placed a heavy burden on warehouse operators. It’s difficult enough to meet existing demands, let alone prepare for future demands. Because of the ever-shifting industry, warehouses must adapt to stay competitive.
Mobile computing devices play a key role in helping warehouses overcome this challenge, but not every device is made to handle the job. Older legacy devices, like those running on the soon-to-be-EOL Windows platform aren’t equipped to address these obstacles. It’s well-past time to consider upgrading to more future-proof devices. Here’s why:
eCommerce Boom
The entire industry underwent a drastic shift when eCommerce was first introduced, and warehouses have been playing catch up ever since. In order to adapt for growth, best-of-breed warehouse management systems (WMS) and real-time location systems (RLTS) have been implemented to track products in real time. These advanced systems will soon replace legacy operations.
Mobile handheld computers or tablets offer real-time access to WMS, so its’ in your best interest to upgrade your technology if you are looking to meet consumer demands.
Download our free guide: Are you Ready for Windows CE and Embedded Handheld End of Life?
Time Crunch: Same-Day Deliveries
Consumer patience is dwindling, and with more retailers offering 2-day shipping, and in some areas, same-day shipping, the pressure is on for the supply chain to shorten merchandise delivery times and reduce transportation costs. Decision makers are now testing different delivery strategies to cut the amount of time, distance, and cost from shipping orders, and mobile computing devices play a key role in streamlining omnichannel merchandise fulfillment.
Handheld mobile computers equipped with barcode scanners will soon be the device of choice for omnichannel logistics. These ergonomically-designed devices are a huge upgrade from tired manual processes for inventory and cycle counting. They automate these processes, providing on-demand inventory lookup and product info to fulfill orders, no matter where the purchase came from or wherever the inventory resides, be it the retail stock room, fulfillment center, or delivery truck.
Labor Shortage: Increased Worker Turnover
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in logistics are estimated to grow by 26% between 2010 and 2020. Unfortunately, there is a labor shortage in the industry. Not enough workers are available to fulfill the consumer demand for delivery, and employers need to focus not only on recruiting, training, and retaining workers, but also equipping them with the right tools.
Mobile computing devices, like Honeywell’s Dolphin CN80, for example, allow workers to automate many tasks that were previously carried out manually, helping reduce the need for additional labor. Beyond that, it offers a keypad and a touchscreen to bridge the gap between legacy applications and newer touch-centric ones. That, plus the real-time connectivity and advanced data capture it offers makes mobile computing devices like this a veritable workhorse for warehouses and supply chain operations.
OS Migration!
As you’ve probably heard, support for Windows applications will soon end, and operations using these applications will need to migrate over to Android OS.
Windows End of Life dates:
Already past:
- June 10, 2018 Windows Embedded CE 6.0
- June 9, 2019 Windows Embedded 8.1 Handheld
Upcoming:
- Jan 14, 2020 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Most warehouses are already feeling the heat, and outdated technology has left something to be desired. For these reasons, it’s important that you upgrade your warehouse mobile computing devices to handle the ever-increasing demand, rather than fall behind the competition.
Imprint offers a wide range of mobile computing devices like the Honeywell Dolphin CN80 designed to equip your warehouse to handle the increased expectations that the future will bring. To learn more about mobile computing and the future of warehouse operations, contact Imprint Enterprises today.
