We can all remember a time when smart phones were considered off limits at work. Now, smart phones and other devices are essential in most distribution centers and other packaging warehouses. They have helped to increase productivity, reduce damage, and many other things. Find out more here.
They’re budget friendly
Smart phones are an ideal way of cutting costs by a significant margin. They lower the finances a warehouse has to collect and invest in manufacturing and maintaining hardware. You can get a new set of Android phone or iPod Touch for less than 10% of the cost of a regular RF gun. Imagine your total savings if you replace various other devices with a smart phone. What’s more, you can also upgrade your Android system and take benefit of next-gen technology without having to replace your phone; however, you can’t say the same for an outdated RF gun.
Rugged Tablets
As businesses adapt to customers’ growing expectations for faster service — and warehouses need to create a more productive, collaborative employee experience — many warehouse managers are recognizing the opportunity to update their mobile solutions. According to a report from Ivanti and VDC Research that polled more than 100 professionals in warehousing and distribution roles, about 35 percent of those professionals said their current mobile solutions were nearing the end of their life. The same study advised that many Windows CE or Windows Mobile devices “have already reached their end of meaningful life and are rapidly approaching their end of extended support.”
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Lifting the ban
Leading by example, Amazon has permanently lifted their ban on cell phones in warehouses. One reason is for employee safety. Allowing staff to have mobile devices on them at all times ensures they have a lifeline should the face an emergency. For most companies it is not practical or budget friendly to provide a company issued phone for every warehouse employee, especially when they already own their own devices. Overall, it seems the benefits outweigh the cost.
