What are the benefits of a connected warehouse?

Shifting supply chain demands create higher costs and unexpected challenges for warehouse and distribution centers. Consequently, decision-makers need to find solutions that enable quicker responses to adapt to these shifts. While there are several technologies currently available to connect workers, a facility’s network infrastructure plays a lead role in securing unbroken connectivity. A connected warehouse removes disruptions to increase efficiency and reduce costs, ultimately saving businesses countless dollars and headaches from missed deadlines.

Studies show that poor workforce communication costs businesses at least $12,000 per employee every year, resulting in a $1.2 trillion annual loss. Not only are warehouse expenses drained when workers can’t connect, but productivity is damaged, safety is less certain, and overall worker and customer satisfaction drops. In the end, an unconnected warehouse is unable to address consumer expectations and supply chain demands. Additionally, poor communication can result in bad inventory management, poor preparedness for seasonal demands, and delayed order fulfillment.

 Just one of these issues can also lead to more problems and lost revenue. For example, dropped signals interrupt inventory counts, contributing to sudden stockouts or overstocking, ultimately leading to inflated product expenses. On the other hand, a connected warehouse empowers teamwork since it:

1. Creates scalability now and for future challenges - By ensuring your warehouse is properly connected, you ensure that your workers can properly communicate and adapt to shifting stock levels and inventory counts. Faster wireless speeds give your workers quick access to team members to make important decisions during high demands. Quick and informed decisions allow your warehouse to grow with customer expectations.  
2. Enhances staff collaboration and boosts worker satisfaction - Efficient collaboration when demands are high and in day-to-day workflows makes warehousing easier. When workers know who to talk to or have a faster option to connect with a team member, workflows are smoother. A stronger, experienced network that works to eliminate dead zones, overlapping signals, and dropped devices streamlines wireless connectivity.
3. Reduces downtime with easier mobility - An experienced engineer team can create a custom wireless plan that optimizes your mobile network performance. This helps create a connected warehouse that prevents networks from failing. Proper network management can secure operations and the frontline from suffering.

What to Look for in Your Connectivity Team

As technology continues to advance, connectivity teams must be able to incorporate new systems without instigating further downtime. When evaluating possible partners, consider looking for:

• Preliminary site assessments to verify possible challenges before implementation
• Custom network design that adapts to your constraints and workforce size
• Remote network monitoring to pinpoint dead zones and high usage areas
• Assisted installation and reconfigurations for intricate systems like RFID and Bluetooth
• Maximized availability and team communication for real-time troubleshooting

A connected warehouse creates scalable operations, reduces downtime, and streamlines ease of use. Streamlined warehouse communication gives businesses consistent network strength to overcome supply chain challenges. Contact us today to learn more about how you can build a stronger network.