Hands-Free Efficiency 

In today’s supply chain, every second counts. Rugged wearable devices give frontline teams the freedom to work faster and smarter by eliminating the need to hold or handle traditional scanners or computers. From ring scanners and voice-directed systems to wrist-mounted computers, wearable mobile devices enable workers to capture data, receive instructions, and stay connected without put-down and pick-up products or equipment.

Wearables offer durability, comfort, and connectivity in one streamlined design. By extending the power of rugged mobile computers into a truly hands-free format, businesses can improve throughput, reduce fatigue, and elevate worker safety across every stage of the supply chain.

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Solving Challenges of the Modern Supply Chain 

Operational efficiency is only as strong as the tools that support it. Many supply chain environments still rely on handheld devices, paper-based systems, or outdated mobile hardware, slowing productivity, and increasing the risk of error. Wearable devices directly address these pain points by giving workers faster, safer, and smarter ways to complete tasks.

Manual Processes That Slow Productivity 

Workers juggling handheld scanners or paperwork lose precious seconds with every task change. Wearable mobile devices streamline motion, eliminate excess handling, and allow continuous workflows from start to finish. 

Human Error and Inaccurate Data  

Even small scanning or entry mistakes can lead to costly rework or shipment delays. With mobile computing solutions like ring scanners and voice-guided wearables, workers receive instant feedback and achieve near-perfect data accuracy. 

Worker Fatigue and Repetitive Strain 

Constantly lifting or carrying handheld devices leads to fatigue and repetitive stress injuries. Rugged wearable devices are ergonomically designed to reduce strain and keep employees more comfortable throughout long shifts. 

Device Downtime and Breakage 

Consumer-grade devices can’t withstand the demands of warehouses, manufacturing floors, or loading docks. Rugged wearable devices are built to endure harsh conditions, minimizing breakage and extending device lifespans for a lower total cost of ownership. 

Why Rugged Wearables Matter 

When the right technology meets the right task, the results are significant. Rugged wearable devices deliver real-world benefits that extend beyond convenience; they transform the way teams perform, communicate, and collaborate.

Accuracy and Traceability 

Combined with voice or visual guidance, wearable mobile devices help reduce human error and ensure consistent data capture. 

Safety in Motion  

Keeping hands-free and eyes-up supports better posture, awareness, and injury prevention, especially in high-traffic or fast-paced environments. 

Durability and Longevity 

Built to the same standards as rugged mobile computers, wearables withstand shocks, dust, vibration, and temperature extremes. 

Lower Total Cost of Ownership 

Extended device life, reduced downtime, and faster task completion lead to higher ROI over time. 

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How Wearables Transform Key Industries 

Across the supply chain, wearable mobile devices are redefining what operational efficiency looks like. Whether managing a busy warehouse or busy retail stockroom, organizations are using wearables to gain agility, accuracy, and insight.

Warehousing 

Workers equipped with wearable mobile devices and voice systems can pick and pack faster with fewer errors. Ring scanners and wrist-mounted computers simplify scanning tasks, while vehicle-mounted computers and rugged tablets connect mobile teams with warehouse management systems in real time.
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Manufacturing 

On the production floor, rugged wearable devices deliver instant access to digital instructions, work orders, and safety alerts. Operators can verify parts or materials hands-free, improving traceability and quality assurance while minimizing downtime. 
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Transportation & Logistics 

Dock workers, drivers, and cross-dock teams rely on wearable mobile devices for real-time visibility. When paired with vehicle-mounted computers, they can scan, label, and track shipments instantly, accelerating loading times and proof-of-delivery processes. 
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Retail

Associates use wearable mobile devices to locate inventory, check prices, and fulfill online orders without leaving the sales floor. This seamless access to data enhances customer service and supports omnichannel fulfillment strategies.
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Advanced Technology from Trusted Leaders 

Heartland partners with the world’s most innovative manufacturers to deliver hands-free mobile computing solutions built for performance, longevity, and seamless integration. From durable wearables to next-generation rugged tablets and vehicle-mounted computers, we connect you to the technologies that keep your teams moving and your data flowing. 

Proven Partnerships

Heartland is pleased to work with expert hardware providers who are delivering cutting-edge enterprise mobility and industrial automation solutions:

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From retail to manufacturing, Honeywell barcode scanners, printers, mobile computers and RFID solutions are purpose-built for the demands of your business. As a pioneer in the barcode scanning market, Honeywell’s experience, combined with new innovations have helped retailers, distribution centers, transportation and logistics and healthcare organizations achieve significant improvements in efficiency, speed and accuracy of their operations. 

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Zebra anticipates operational challenges so you can scan anything, anywhere, no matter what. Powered by our proprietary DataCapture DNA, everything arrives prepared for duty—ready to deploy, easy to manage, and made to scale. Zebra’s mobile computers, multi-tasking tablets and steadfast printers integrate easily, pair instantly and talk freely to one another to make your workers unstoppable.  

Click here to see a full list of our hardware and software providers.

The Heartland Advantage 

Your mobility strategy should be as agile as your business. Heartland delivers end-to-end mobile computing solutions that help organizations connect people, processes, and assets with speed and precision. Our team of experts works closely with you to assess your needs, recommend the right technologies, and ensure your investment performs long term.

With Heartland, you gain:

  • Deep expertise across industry-leading brands
  • End-to-end lifecycle management with our AlwaysOn™ services
  • Proven performance through rugged, scalable technology integrations

Heartland provides a single source for rugged wearable devices, rugged tablets, vehicle-mounted computers, and other mobile computing solutions all supported by decades of supply chain experience.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are rugged wearable devices?

Wearables are durable, hands-free computers and scanners designed to be worn on the body to enable hands-free data capture in industrial environments. Rugged wearable devices withstand heat, cold, moisture, and impact while enabling workers to capture and access data on the move. 

What’s the difference between wearable mobile devices and traditional mobile computers?

Wearable mobile devices are designed for hands-free operation, allowing workers to perform scanning or data entry while handling products or equipment, boosting efficiency and safety. 

What are the different kinds of wearable devices?

Wearable mobile devices come in many form factors. From finger (or ring) scanners, to wrist/arm, and even voice-guided headsets, wearable mobile devices are available in various forms to ensure every workflow has a well-matched wearable device. 

Can wearables connect with vehicle-mounted computers and rugged tablets?

Yes. All Heartland mobile computing solutions are designed for integration across devices and systems, creating a unified data environment from floor to fleet. 

Do wearables work with existing WMS or ERP platforms?

Absolutely. Heartland’s enterprise mobility solutions integrate with major warehouse management, ERP, and inventory systems for real-time visibility and control. 

How does Heartland support wearable technology?

Through AlwaysOn™, Heartland provides device configuration, lifecycle management, and helpdesk support—ensuring your rugged wearable devices stay optimized and secure from day one.