Mar 30, 2023

The turn of the decade has been marked by constant pressures and changes. Between viral outbreaks, foreign tensions, and mounting calls for higher compliance, it seems as if warehouses are always struggling to stay ahead of change. To understand and resolve warehousing struggles, Zebra surveyed leading decision-makers across the globe. Results demonstrate one certainty: Automation is the answer to staying afloat in today’s dynamic supply chain. Today’s popular automation solutions now include:

• Mobile computers with embedded scanners
• A barcoding system for digitized inventory management
• Real-time team connectivity
• Android’s versatile OS for seamless employee onboarding

Adaptable to sudden change, modern warehouse technologies give warehouses a chance to conquer challenges with flexible agility. Quick response to change is crucial when navigating through today’s top challenges.

1. Managing returns - One in three warehouses struggle to accurately track returned items; however, studies suggest e-commerce return rates can be as high as 30% depending on inventory type. As e-commerce becomes more prominent, it is only expected that consumers will purchase multiple items with the intent to return most of them after trying out products. Consequently, inventory identification and tracking become crucial to manage returns.
   
   RFID technologies and real-time locationing systems can be indispensable when managing incoming returned items since these systems allow you to pinpoint where returned items are stored, thus avoiding misplacements and costly losses. Moreover, regardless of which identification technology you choose, a robust connectivity system will help support your reverse logistics system by keeping devices connected. An experienced connectivity team can target blind spots in your return dock to ensure data isn’t lost as inventory returns.
   
   
2. Establishing visibility in packing, staging, and loading - Your inventory passes through multiple touch points before arriving at its destination. Therefore, manual tracking systems are ineffective since they fail to provide timely updates on inventory movement.
   
   On the other hand, barcoding systems reduce the need for manual data capture since workers can leverage handheld computers to scan identifying barcodes as items progress through the warehouse. Hands-free scanning systems go a step further by reducing touchpoints, ultimately accelerating fulfillment.
   
   
3. Accelerating order fulfillment time - Around 35% of decision-makers cite fulfillment speed as a top hurdle in the warehouse, and that number is only expected to grow. While five-to-seven business day shipping was once the norm, at least 80% of consumers want same-day delivery as a shipping option, further pressuring your teams to work faster around the clock.
   
   Faster speed is often associated with compromised accuracy; nevertheless, lower order accuracy rates will hinder the customer experience almost as much as shipping delay. To increase fulfillment speed and order accuracy, modernization solutions now leverage Android handheld devices with integrated scanners. These devices successfully translate data into and from your WMS, going as far as projecting an optimized pick route for workers via a user-friendly touchscreen interface.
   
   

Dive deeper with Heartland: Download Zebra’s full Vision Study to gain more insight..  

Digitization is maturing at a rapid pace. Studies indicate that 87% of decision-makers plan to accelerate modernization projects within the coming years to tackle challenges with maximized visibility and adaptability. To stay ahead of changes, consider meeting with a modernization specialist and plan your warehouse maturity roadmap for a scalable plan.