Warehouse operations demand faster and more accurate picking than ever before. Businesses rely on a combination of human intelligence and high-performance technology to ensure that picking and order fulfillment operations meet high standards. At ACD Group, we develop portable electronic devices for use in the retail and logistics sector, including scanners built for high-volume picking tasks. Our backhand scanners provide workers and teams with complete connectivity to a centralized order system without impeding flexibility and object handling.
The HasciSE backhand scanner is a wearable logistics device that sits on the back of a wearer’s hand rather than their wrist for easier scanning, notifications, and feedback through LED, vibration, and sound. The scanner combines wearing comfort and functionality for scanning with finger switch, scan button or proximity sensor triggering. The 2D scanner SE4770 has optional dot code-reading capabilities, and can read 1D and 2D barcodes. The HasciSE can be paired with Bluetooth-compatible short-range radio 4.0+ devices and of course other ACD devices for example the Vehicle Mount Terminals. During small-parts picking operations, a backhand scanner allows hands-free order fulfillment.
Some of the key features that make our HasciSE backhand scanners the best fit for warehouse services include:
Backhand scanners have applications in a wide range of warehouse tasks because they allow wearers to stay connected to a centralized database while allowing cord-free mobility throughout the warehouse. Backhand scanners also allow hands-free functionality so operators can handle large, heavy, or fragile items comfortably.
Some of the most common applications for our HasciSE backhand scanners in the warehousing sector include:
Replacing handheld scanner guns and bulky barcode readers with wearable barcode scanners enables faster order picking operations and warehouse inventory management. Some of the key advantages of making the switch include:
Backhand scanners facilitate faster, more accurate picking operations while simultaneously improving workplace conditions. At ACD Group, we are a family-owned, ISO-certified company with locations around the world. We continue to offer our customers innovative solutions like the HasciSE, along with our EMS services, drive technology, and other portable devices for logistics, retail, and industry.
Contact us to learn more about how our wide array of scanners can fit into your existing warehousing processes.
Warehouse replenishment refers to the process of restocking new products from suppliers as well as transferring reserve products to picking shelves. Warehouse managers need to find the right balance between warehouse space and service priorities to avoid understocking or overstocking.
Understocking leads to lost sales when your customers can’t get the products they want. Overstocking can result in expired products that go unsold or wasted. However, following certain warehouse replenishment best practices can save time, reduce labor costs, enhance order accuracy, improve on-time delivery, and avoid logistical issues.
Here are five key warehouse replenishment best practices.
1. Select the Right Replenishment Method
There are three basic methods of replenishment, and you may use one or all of them in your facility, depending on your unique needs:
2. Use Mobile Handheld Computers, Barcode Scanners and RFID
Pen and paper recording can be time-consuming and disorganized, and you run the risk of inaccuracies and lost documents. Mobile Handheld Computers, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, and barcode scanners—like the ergonomic, high-performance HasciSE backhand scanner—streamline inventory replenishment, saving time and reducing errors.
3. Implement Processes for Emergency Replenishment Needs
Even the most organized warehouse replenishment system will face unexpected challenges, but being ready for them can enhance overall productivity. For example, if a picker cannot find a necessary item in its designated location, he or she should be able to flag the issue with a resolution specialist. The picker should move on to the next task while the specialist resolves the problem. These processes enable your warehouse to run smoothly and avoid delays.
4. Replenish Immediately After Receiving for High-Demand Inventory
If you have verified high demand for a product, you can replenish the order directly from the receiving dock. You’ll save time and avoid unnecessary storage because you won’t have to move the products a second time from storage to the picking area.
5. Use Automation to Enhance Picking Accuracy
When possible, rely on the precision of sensors and robots to give you relevant information for inventory decisions. Collaborative AI (Artificial Intelligence) robots can guide associates on the most efficient picking routes to streamline picking and restocking.
At ACD, we specialize in developing and producing electronic products that improve warehouse productivity. We offer Mobile Handheld Computers, Mobile Workstations, Vehicle Mount Terminals, and Wearables like the HasciSE backhand scanners.
These mobile scanners feature a lightweight, compact design and versatile attachment methods. The product integrates with other ACD logistics technology, and wearers retain a full range of motion as they carry out tasks. It’s a simple but crucial way to reduce the workload on your employees, eliminate costly errors, and stay on top of your inventory replenishment.
Contact us to learn more about our products and how they can help you streamline your warehouse replenishment process.
Warehouses and distribution centers rely on barcodes to organize and maintain their systems. New units of inventory can be scanned, identified, and properly stored away. Then warehouse staff can identify individual units via barcode to fulfill orders. In the background, the constant scanning and inventory changes are monitored by a centralized information system that tracks trends in barcode movement and activity. Learn more about how barcodes and barcode scanners can reduce warehouse costs and improve logistics systems across every industry.
Every introduction of technology to your warehouse or distribution center ultimately focuses on reducing operational costs. Introducing barcodes and advanced barcode scanners can reduce your warehouses’ costs and improve daily operations by:
Warehouse barcode scanners can be used in many applications, including:
There are multiple different types of barcode systems available. They include:
Barcodes and barcode scanners are essential investments for every warehouse. At ACD Group, we offer backhand mounted barcode scanners, which connect via Bluetooth to their handheld computer and allow for hands-free work. The computer can also be outfitted with a 2D barcode scanner. To learn more about our backhand scanner products, contact us today.
In 2020, Microsoft announced end of life for several of its handheld and embedded software programs, including Windows® Mobile 6.5, Windows® CE, and Windows® Embedded Standard 7. This is in addition to the end of life announcements issued in 2018 and 2019 for a variety of other mobile and handheld devices. End of support doesn’t just mean fewer upgrades and reduced assistance from Windows, it also poses problems for your operation’s security, uptime, and product development.
If your devices are dependent on Windows® Embedded software, your program has become obsolete, and it is time to consider alternatives that will help keep your operation running safely and efficiently. In this article, we will explain which Windows® operating systems have become obsolete, what it means for your organization, and how changing to an Android OS, such as Android™ Industrial+, can benefit your organization.
Windows® has discontinued support for a number of their Mobile and CE versions. If your operations use any of the following Windows programs, your system may be vulnerable:
So, what does end of life for Windows® Mobile 6.5 and Windows CE mean for you? The discontinuation of Windows support for your program will affect three aspects of your organization: Security, Development, and Uptime/Efficiency.
Using Windows® systems past their end of life date can place your organization at great risk of security threats. Without regular security updates and patches, your Windows® Mobile systems can be manipulated and damaged by parties operating remotely. Security breaches can place sensitive customer and company information at risk, and they can put you out of compliance with federal privacy regulations. What’s more, hackers may be able to access critical equipment, such as ventilation systems, phones, and office hardware.
For organizations with Windows®-based operating systems, end of life could also mean reduced effectiveness for proprietary software. Without regular upgrades, your internal programs will become difficult, if not impossible to operate. Emergency development and internal patching will become increasingly expensive, and your system will eventually no longer serve its purpose.
Devices that use end of life Windows® technology are more likely to fail over time. If your system is heavily dependent on Windows® technology, your manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and retail operations will have to resort to increasingly labor-intensive operations. Your IT department will be swamped with system errors, and labor-intensive workarounds will become the norm. You will have to deal with a greater number of equipment failures, which will affect your operational efficiency and increase downtime.
With the potential for more handheld and mobile migrations as more Windows® versions are released, many businesses are considering switching their operations to iOS/Android™ operating systems. Android™-based devices are designed to be intuitive and easy to operate. Unfortunately, most handheld devices that use outdated Windows® systems are unable to migrate to Android™ OS. Although it may seem like an unwelcome investment, switching to an Android™-based system sooner rather than later will save you time and money in the long run.
At ACD Group, we are pleased to offer a variety of mobile solutions for our customers in a wide range of industries. Our Mobile Handheld Computer M260TE features state-of-the-art Android™ Industrial+ technology. With the M260TE and Android™ Industrial+, you gain:
As more Windows® CE and Mobile programs reach end of life, the security and reliability of your operation may be compromised. Instead of trying to work around the updates, consider switching to a more modern Android system. Contact the experts at ACD Group to learn more about our handheld devices, Android™ Industrial+ solutions, vehicle mount terminals, and pick by voice clients.
In warehouses, distribution centers, and other similar facilities, workers use barcode scanners to facilitate various logistical operations (e.g., inventory management and shipping). While some companies may utilize stationary units in certain applications, many use mobile units since they enable workers to move throughout the facility without losing connectivity or having to manage a wired system.
Mobile barcode scanners can be classified into numerous categories. Two of the most commonly used are wearable barcode scanners and handheld barcode scanners. Both have distinct advantages that make them suitable for different commercial and industrial wearable applications. For example, wearable barcode scanners are ideal for scanning operations in warehouses and fulfillment centers since they offer improved productivity, while handheld barcode scanners are better suited for more complex operations since they often have additional features and functions (e.g., inventory management software).
Below, we explore the various types of mobile barcode scanners available, outlining the benefits they offer to help readers understand which one is right for their needs.
By utilizing wearable barcode scanners, warehouses, distribution centers, and other similar facilities may experience the following benefits:
In addition to the above benefits, different types of wearable barcode scanners may offer specific advantages. For example, backhand barcode scanners secure to the back of a worker’s hand via a hand cuff, glove, or hand strap, which allows workers a full range of hand and finger motion. In contrast, wrist barcode scanners and finger barcode scanners (also known as ring barcode scanners) can impede or limit movement and dexterity.
Handheld barcode scanners generally offer different functionality than wearable units. Key features may include:
While both wearable and handheld barcode scanners can be used in industrial and commercial scanning operations, they are suitable for different requirements. Wearable scanners are good if you need quick and accurate barcode scanning, while handheld scanners are better if you need more complex functions.
Whether you need wearable or handheld barcode scanners, the experts at ACD Group have got you covered. Our barcode scanner selection includes:
To learn more about our wearable products and how they can benefit your facility, check out our wearable product catalog or contact us today.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect businesses, increased online orders and associated supply chain demand have created a difficult situation for warehouses and distribution centers. Not only do they need to ensure adequate staff and operating hours to fulfill higher demand, warehouses must also take into account the need for social and physical distancing, PPE, and other containment measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
With updated CDC recommendations for proper cleaning and disinfecting practices and a minimum required distance of 6 feet between workers, warehouses are searching for creative solutions that will help them thrive despite this current crisis and prepare for the future business climate.
According to the latest guide from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cleaning and disinfection of businesses and facilities takes a much higher priority than it did before COVID-19. Cleaning protocols should include scheduled, routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, tables, doorknobs and handles, light switches, keyboards, phones, sinks, and faucets. These surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water, and then disinfected using an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill any germs and remove contaminants.
Follow the instructions on your disinfectant, as it may have special instructions or safety requirements. Wear gloves when cleaning and disinfecting, as well as any other PPE recommended in the disinfectant instructions. When cleaning and disinfecting electronics, check the cleaning instructions, and consider purchasing wipeable covers to protect them from liquid exposure. Facilities that ship or store food are subject to different guidelines, and it’s important to check FDA guidelines as the crisis develops.
Warehouses and distribution centers are also reorganizing their shifts to ensure worker safety. According to leading commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, instead of overlapping shifts and close working proximity, organizations will benefit from creating separate, staggered shifts with workstations that are further apart. With enough space between shifts for sufficient cleaning of work surfaces, you can reduce the risk of virus transmission through both direct and secondary contact. Although this may result in fewer workers and reduced productivity per shift, this can be mitigated through extending operating hours.
To ensure the safety of all workers, many warehouses and distribution centers are using voluntary temperature checks, based on the evidence that an elevated temperature could indicate a COVID-19 infection. Keep in mind that temperature checks bring up medical privacy issues, and it is important to check with your HR department and legal counsel to ensure that you are in compliance with state and local regulations. As an alternative, you could hire a lab tech for each shift that is dedicated to ensuring all employees are healthy and maintaining proper health practices to prevent the spread of the virus.
While cleaning, staggered shifts, and health awareness will go a long way toward reducing the potential for COVID-19 infections, warehouses and distribution centers should also consider rearranging their equipment. To ensure adequate social distancing per CDC requirements, facilities will benefit from mobile workstations and mobile handheld computers, which will allow workers to operate freely within the facility while maintaining a safe distance from one another.
ACD Group’s mobile workstations and mobile handheld computers offer warehouse and distribution personnel the ability to move throughout the facility and bring their equipment with them. This reduces both the potential for risky interpersonal contact within 6 feet and the risk of cross-contamination of equipment. Workers can simply use the same equipment throughout their shift, and then they or a cleaning crew can clean and disinfect it for the next shift. Coupled with appropriate use of gloves, masks, shields, and sanitization, you can further minimize the potential for exposure.
<Explore ACD Group’s mobile devices for use in warehouses and distribution centers.>.>
The COVID-19 epidemic is unprecedented in today’s business world, so it is no surprise that there are many questions and frequent regulatory adjustments. As we learn more about the virus, governmental agencies are providing continuous updates. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments and best practices, use these sources:
At ACD Group, we are dedicated to providing consistent and pertinent information as the COVID crisis develops. To learn more about ways that our mobile workstations and mobile handheld computers can help your warehouse or distribution center comply with CDC, FDA, and OSHA recommendations, contact our experts today.
Order picking is the process by which workers select inventory to fulfill customer orders. As this task can comprise as much as 55% of total warehouse operating expenses, choosing the appropriate order picking system is an important step toward ensuring success. There are a number of warehouse and distribution center order picking methods from which to choose and the ideal option will depend on several factors, including available equipment, staffing, and product demand.
Each warehouse picking method comes with its own unique advantages. Popular options include:
Also known as discrete order picking, single order picking is one of the most common picking methods. It consists of a single picker going into the warehouse to fulfill one order at a time. It is a straightforward, simple system that allows for a great deal of flexibility in order fulfillment. Other benefits include:
Similar to single order picking, batch picking sends a single picker into the warehouse, this time to retrieve multiple orders. Batch picking can be completed either manually or automatically and is well-suited for situations when multiple orders have the same SKU.
<Explore ACD Group’s products for improving warehouse operations.>
A reduction in travel times per item makes this method particularly efficient. Picking speed and accuracy is further increased when warehouse managers choose to sort inventory by popularity, thus streamlining the batch picking process.
Zone picking assigns multiple pickers their own zone of the warehouse. When an order comes in, it is received and fulfilled by the picker in the relevant zone. This method provides strong warehouse picking optimization results in situations involving orders with multiple components. Zone picking simplifies and organizes these orders to improve overall accuracy.
This particularly efficient picking method enables one picker to fulfill multiple orders at a time, often from a range of different SKUs. As the picker only needs to pass through the area once to collect all the desired inventory, they are able to completely eliminate any unnecessary travel time.
In order to ensure success, this method is best utilized in combination with voice computer interfaces, mobile handheld computers, wearable barcode scanners and warehouse mobile workstations. Tools such as these are highly effective in improving speed and accuracy when fulfilling multiple orders at once.
Ideal for warehouses which experience high demand, wave picking has some similarities to single order picking—one picker fulfills each order, line-by-line. Unlike single order picking, however, wave picking requires the picker to assess each order before completion in order to determine the most efficient picking options. The picker will then send out waves of orders throughout the scheduling window, all prioritized by order of importance.
Rather than fulfilling large orders by passing through each zone individually, order consolidation allows pickers in every zone to simultaneously select the desired SKUs for a single order. The pickers will then send their portions of the order to a central consolidation area. When each partial order is complete, workers will consolidate them into a complete order and send them to shipping. Although this method is somewhat advanced, it can increase efficiency in warehouses that frequently fulfill large orders of varied goods.
In advanced systems picking, workers collect order components in bulk as they travel through various zones. They will then deliver these components to a central consolidation area, where pickers use predetermined systems to rapidly separate the bulk products into individual orders.
At ACD Group, we offer a range of time-saving products to help you implement the best order picking system for your unique needs. Our options include:
For Simplehuman, a leading manufacturer of innovative household products with headquarters in California, ACD’s mobile warehouse workstations helped with warehouse picking method optimization to improve productivity during the order picking and shipping process. Their management explained, “Resources are close at hand, and operators do not have to walk to and from fixed IT positions for documents or labels.” In addition, the Mobile Workstation MAX “allows for real time data entry into the warehouse management system,” and, “Shipping labels are printed and applied on the spot, reducing process time and increasing accuracy.”
<Learn how Simplehuman improved warehouse efficiency.>
The proper picking system supported by the right technology will improve order accuracy, boost employee morale, and increase customer satisfaction. To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us today.
In warehouses, keeping track of incoming and outgoing inventory can be challenging, especially given the pressure to satisfy the varying needs and wants of buyers, suppliers, and employees. Inventory management systems facilitate the monitoring of goods inside of warehouses, ensuring products are organized for smooth and speedy delivery. However, they must be integrated properly to fulfill this purpose. Below we outline our warehouse management system best practices.
The layout of a warehouse should be compatible with the current supply and demand. When these factors change, it is important to restructure the space to suit them better. By not doing so, industry professionals run the risk of decreasing the efficiency of the workflow.
One highly effective modification to inventory storage is prioritizing high selling items. While it may seem logical to sort products by supplier or vendor, it is more efficient to place all the popular products together. Positioning them near shipping stations cuts down the overall time it takes to fulfill orders.
Picking refers to the process of “picking out” individual items from the warehouse’s inventory to fulfill orders. There are four main order picking methods employed, each of which offers unique advantages that make them suitable for different applications. They are as follows:
An equipment audit analyzes the current workflow and how the equipment employed helps or hinders it. The results of the analysis can help industry professionals identify potential opportunities for improving productivity.
For example, at Simplehuman, management discovered that mobile workstations could improve worker productivity when processing business-to-business orders and returns. When processing returns, they found that, “We can take the workstation to where the returns are, rather than bringing them into static offices.” By allowing the workstation to move with the employee, this reduced processing time and improved efficiency. After implementing the workstations in their warehouse, they saved 20% on administrative and operator process time for outbound goods. In addition, other benefits included improving their communication chain, and acting as an additional packaging station to process Black Friday orders.
In addition to battery-powered mobile workstations, some of the other equipment that can boost productivity in a warehouse include:
While these systems do require upfront investment, the increase in efficiency they provide can lead to significant cost savings. Use this ROI calculator to help perform a cost-benefit analysis of mobile workstations for your warehouse.
<Learn how Simplehuman improved warehouse operations.>
When implementing a warehouse inventory management system, choosing one that is compatible with wireless equipment — such as barcode scanners, mobile handheld computers, and pick-by-voice systems — can save time and money. These portable devices enable workers to enter inventory data, track existing inventory, and make changes to storage locations quickly and easily. Additionally, for direct suppliers, they can show availability status to customers to facilitate ordering.
At ACD Group, we offer a wide range of systems and solutions for mobile data collection, including for storage and logistics applications. Our offerings include vehicle mount terminals, mobile handheld computer, mobile workstations, warehouse barcode scanners, and voice technology. For additional information about our products and how they benefit warehouse inventory management operations, contact us today.
The year 2020, which was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, was also a year of contrasts for companies: While some companies drew a disastrous balance, others benefited greatly from the situation. Online retail in particular has never been in such good shape! But did all the winning companies manage to rise to the occasion? The explosion in demand revealed organizational weaknesses in many companies: The situation required a high degree of adaptability to cope with this unexpected demand. Due to a lack of preparation, shipping departments and customer service were often overwhelmed or even completely disorganized.
ACD Group offers tips and tools to improve your ability to adapt to fluctuations in demand and make the difference against your less prepared competitors. Discover our nine tips, divided into three types of organizational changes, for easy implementation in your warehouse:
Maintenance and disposal
The impact of warehousing on team efficiency and engagement is generally underestimated. The advice seems simple: systematic warehouse maintenance, including daily waste removal, is a real value-add for productivity. It’s not always necessary to invest in dedicated staff or equipment to do this: Making employees aware of the problem and including cleaning tasks and their control in their duties can be enough to establish a culture of cleanliness and order in the company. The goal:
Optimize your warehouse management units
To facilitate order preparation in the logistics warehouse, optimize picking efficiency by reviewing the storage of your goods: Packaging units with a larger volume than normal are ideally stored in a more accessible location or closer to the packing tables. Depending on the size, it may be necessary to adjust the containers.
Introduce cross-docking
Cross-docking is the solution when you receive many individual orders for the same packaging unit. It allows you to skip individual shipping steps: Goods from suppliers are pre-labeled to enable direct shipping to the end customer. So the products are not stored, but processed and forwarded directly when they arrive at the distribution platform.
Opt for perpetual inventory
The permanent inventory has many advantages over the annual inventory. It is easy to perform with adapted software and requires a periodic count of the stocks. For each item, the frequency of inventory is determined by the inventory turnover rate. The advantages of the rotating inventory for warehouse management are:
ACD Group offers the latest generation of mobile data capture and identification devices to help you manage your inventory and set up a rotating inventory system.
Optimize the goods receipt
The goods receiving process is crucial in the warehouse, as it is the starting point of logistics operations. With warehouse software, you can create efficient protocols to reduce the risk of errors and congestion at the receiving docks. It is possible to forecast incoming stock, register products, label items and manage the location of goods by optimizing space. WMS software is also a valuable aid in managing the receipt of non-conforming or non-ordered products, cross-docking or the return of goods. To identify incoming items and enter them into the WMS, ACD offers a wide range of solutions to automate and modernize the receiving process. For example, investing in a Mobile Workstation has a return on investment within six months, as the receiving process can be optimized and unnecessary hidden costs can be easily eliminated.
Deploy a fleet management solution for your devices
By deploying a mobile device management (MDM) solution, all mobile devices at the site can be managed through a single interface: Centralized management allows for app distribution, updates, and mass access permission management. This solution saves time and reduces risk for your IT help desk staff, who no longer need to travel to the warehouse to manage the various mobile devices. Learn more about ACD Group’s solutions to simplify the configuration and management of Mobile Handheld Computer.
The switch to Android
Modernizing your warehouse will inevitably result in a migration to Android: The announced end of Windows CE/Mobile means there will be no more software patches or security fixes for mobile solutions. It is important to plan for migration to the Android operating system in order to remain competitive and prepare for a peak in demand like 2020. ACD Group can help you migrate your data collection and identification devices to Android Industrial+, a next-generation operating system with enhanced enterprise security.
Restructuring of the organization
By the end of this extraordinary year, your usual routines may have changed permanently. It’s a good idea to look back and see if the functionality of your floor plan is still optimal. If there is a lack of space in certain logistics areas, it’s probably time to review your overall space organization. There are several parameters to consider:
The investment will be higher if you decide to rethink your vertical organization and these changes include the use of cranes and new elevators, or if you opt for mobile workstations to streamline your processes. But such a reform is justified by a high return on investment (ROI) ratio.