For many business owners, keeping track of their warehouse inventory and logistics is a daunting task. You not only need to track products moving in and out of a storage facility but product levels, the demand, and each piece’s location. Even for a mid-size company, it requires constant, accurate information.

But business owners no longer need to tremble at the thought of coming up with warehouse logistics solutions. Thanks to ultra-rugged portable devices, time-consuming tasks like manually handling a workflow are a thing of the past. So, if you’re looking for ideas on improving your warehouse's efficiency, consider turning to mobile solutions.

Warehouse Mobile Computing can help warehouse operations in several ways. By incorporating mobile technology into your system, you’ll ensure hands-free mobility, quicker data entry, more sophisticated tracking, and improved productivity. And by increasing warehouse productivity, you will, in turn, improve the overall logistics flow.

In this article, we’ll discuss mobile computing devices that can optimize the workflow of your warehouse and why it’s a good idea to include them.

Must-Have Mobile Technologies for Your Warehouse

In today’s business world, companies are under a lot of pressure to increase warehouse performance and reduce mistakes to a minimum. The good news is there is a wide range of mobile devices that can help you overcome logistical nightmares. Implementing mobile computers, portable barcode scanners, mobile printers, and even AR technologies can be a big boost to improving efficiency. Here's a quick rundown of each device idea that can optimize the inner workings of the warehouse.

Handheld Mobile Computers

Today's mobile computers provide the same level of reliability, processing capacity, and business features as desktop computers and servers. The best part is, you won't have to worry about durability since most handheld computers are engineered to withstand harsh warehouse environments.

Handheld mobile computing can boost the efficiency of most warehouse activities. You’ll be able to check shipments, make purchases and keep track of picking and put-away from the palm of your hand. A handheld mobile computer can also automatically execute replenishment orders based on real-time shelf product scans and confirm charges as they're selected and packaged.

Modern handheld mobile computing systems are fairly straightforward to use and offer user-friendly interfaces, unlike more robust earlier devices. Most durable handhelds run on operating systems your employees are familiar with (Android or Windows Mobile), which they probably have on their tablets or smartphones. As a result, the integration process is smooth sailing.

Finally, rugged mobile computers are designed to survive the harsh conditions in most warehouses. Many gadgets are water-resistant and can withstand repeated drops to concrete, both essential qualities for a warehouse mobile computer. Also, due to the improved battery technology, the devices provide an entire shift's worth of networking.

Wireless and Long-Distance Barcode Scanners

This technology is a must-have for any company looking to modernize and streamline its warehouse operations. When successfully combined with a warehouse management system, wireless barcode scanners make for a reliable tool.

Warehouse scanners are essential for automating data processing in warehouses. The devices can read labels at lightning speed with few, if any, misreads. The technology can also minimize the need for manual data entry down to virtually zero and improve data collection speed through collecting, picking, packaging, and inventory control operations.

It's not unusual to see warehouse clerks (forklift operators particularly) struggling to scan a particular product. That’s where long-range barcode scanners come into play. When something is out of reach, forklift operators won’t have to dismount to be able to scan the object. Instead, they can point the device and wait for it to collect the data. Not only will this increase efficiency, but it'll also provide a safer working environment since workers won't have to climb to get out-of-reach items.

Wireless barcode scanners are part of a broader mobile computing ecosystem that’s reshaping the way warehouses operate in the future.

Mobile Printers

With mobile printers, warehouse clerks can print labels from anywhere in the facility, eliminating the need to be at a specific location. With a decent wireless warehouse network, you’ll save your workers lots of time and effort. Mobile printing systems can also boost efficiency while providing a fast ROI (return on investment).

Of course, mobile printers are bound to be dropped every now and then and most likely be on hard concrete surfaces. As a result, mobile printers also need to be rugged and able to withstand dusty, less-than-ideal conditions without fail. Pro tip: check the IP rank and drop/tumble specifications when choosing a printer to ensure it’s durable. If you're not sure what the scores mean, ask your manufacturer, and look for suggestions tailored to your particular environment.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Warehouse managers can benefit greatly from AR (augmented reality) gadgets, especially when it comes to layout design. AR gives you a chance to evaluate the original architecture without physically moving stock thanks to its ability to produce digital, immersive 3D warehouse layouts. Both warehouse managers and staff will be able to determine the best stocking configurations completely hands-free thanks to the technology.

Also, the whole order-picking process can be made more accessible with AR. When an operator is notified of a planned pick-up, they can put on AR-based smart glasses and search the building. The smart glasses will lead them to the exact position of the item with visual and audio assistance.

Mobile Computing: Why It’s a Good Idea

With rising warehouse costs and frantic supply chain networks, a growing number of businesses are turning to mobile computing to increase warehouse performance. The following are some of the reasons enterprises prefer mobile devices over legacy systems for increasing warehouse productivity.

A More Hands-Free Approach

Mobile computers exemplify hands-free service in warehouses. Some devices, like AR gadgets and barcode scanners, can be used without the need for worker interference. Wearable technology can also screen necessary product details without requiring you to actually touch the item.

As a result, a hands-free operation is becoming more and more popular. It can speed up a wide range of mundane activities, like viewing pick-or-pack lists, scanning objects, and even finding bins. The hands-free approach can also aid businesses in increasing overall warehouse efficiency.

Quicker Data Entry

Manually entering the spec of individual products is a time-consuming, not to mention out-of-date process. But thanks to barcode and RFID scanners, data entry can now be done in a single swoop. Receiving shipments, conducting loop counts, and packaging orders are all easier with these devices. The same functions can be scanned in a fraction of the time thanks to mobile computing.

Apart from performing tasks faster, workers can also gather a broader range of data with mobility solutions than with manual data processing. Mobile computing devices can scan barcode labels and RFID codes, capture location data, announce order status, or even photograph the state of products using the built-in camera or imager.

All in all, you can significantly increase warehouse performance. The time you save can then be invested in other aspects of your business.

Optimized Tracking

Advanced tracking is another advantage of using mobile computing devices in warehouse operations. Handheld devices, in conjunction with inventory tracking tools, let you keep a closer eye on the supply chain.

In addition, mobile computing can provide you with detailed information about each inbound or outbound shipment, including package location and expected arrival time. The technology can also assist the shipping department in verifying the order and printing bills that provide the customer's shipping information.

Flirting With the Idea of Mobile Computing?

Mobile computers can be a welcome addition to a warehouse organization. The devices are well-suited for a fast-paced work climate, enabling smooth connectivity and streamlined operations.

If you're a company owner looking to save money and increase productivity, mobile computers are your best bet. Hopefully, this article provided you with some helpful ideas on what devices may work best for you.

Contact Energy Electronics to get a quote on large orders. They are a leading distributor of high-quality mobile computers that can optimize communications in all business ventures.