Connected workers: An essential ingredient for distribution centers

Connected devices and applications have emerged as critical tools for connected workers in distribution centers, enabling them to work smarter instead of harder. To achieve this, distribution centers need to provide their workers with wireless devices and reliable, consistent network connectivity across the entire facility—both indoors and outdoors as well as in large open spaces, and other locations that have been a challenge to connect. Without this, workers could be less inclined to adopt modern technologies, impacting productivity.

The ever-increasing demand for faster delivery speeds and greater product variety necessitates constant improvements in picking, packing and shipping processes. Connected workers can help enable distribution centers to meet these requirements more effectively.  However, distribution centers could face continued challenges with hiring and retaining employees.

Six connected device use cases for distribution centers

Connected devices and applications are helping to transform distribution center operations, enabling near real-time data access and improving efficiency. Here are six of the most impactful use cases:

1. Receiving

• Verify incoming shipments: Scan barcodes or QR codes to quickly confirm incoming shipments against purchase orders, reducing errors and delays.
• Capture product information: Record product details like weight, dimensions and batch numbers using the device camera or through barcode/RFID scanning.

2. Stocking

• Enhance stocking processes: Direct workers to the most efficient storage location based on current inventory data.
• Validate inventory locations: Use mobile devices to scan product and location barcodes, helping to ensure accurate storage and reducing search time later on.

3. Picking

• Optimize picking routes: Utilize mobile devices to guide workers through the warehouse with the most efficient picking routes, minimizing travel time.
• Hands-free picking: Implement voice-picking solutions that allow workers to receive picking instructions and confirm picks hands-free, boosting efficiency.

4. Packing and shipping

• Generate packing lists and shipping labels: Create packing lists and shipping labels directly from the mobile device, streamlining the process and helping to reduce errors.
• Track order progress: Update order status in near real-time, allowing for better communication and visibility throughout the shipping process.

5. Inventory management

• Current inventory tracking: Update inventory levels in near real-time as items are received, moved, or shipped, providing accurate inventory data.
• Conduct cycle counts: Use mobile devices to quickly and precisely perform cycle counts, helping to improve inventory accuracy.
• Locate inventory: Easily locate specific items within the warehouse using the device's search function and location tracking capabilities.

6. Workforce management

• Task management: Assign tasks and track progress in near real-time, improving workforce productivity and accountability.
• Communication and collaboration: Facilitate communication and collaboration between workers and supervisors through instant messaging or push notifications.
• Training and onboarding: Utilize mobile devices to deliver training materials and onboarding information to new employees.

Distribution centers that embrace connected devices can achieve significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy and overall operational effectiveness.

Connected workers require modern and reliable network connectivity

To help maximize the benefits of these use cases, distribution center operations need to provide robust network connectivity throughout an entire facility, regardless of its unique considerations or challenges.

Legacy wireless technologies, like public Wi-Fi, may not be able to deliver the consistent network connectivity across a large distribution center that today's connected worker solutions require, and it may not provide the coverage needed in harsh industrial enterprises including distribution center operations. As such, it could result in inconsistent coverage, unreliable quality of service and mobility handoff issues between access points in industrial environments. The installation costs associated with a Wi-Fi network, especially for large outdoor deployments, can be high due to the number of access points needed.

Connected worker solutions require modern and reliable network connectivity. A private 5G network can help create a reliable, consistent and secure connectivity environment that can support a large number of connected devices, data volume and high-fidelity applications in a variety of operating environments. Also, private 5G networks can help eliminate the "dead spots" in coverage that can occur with  Wi-Fi deployments in distribution centers.

Empowering connected workers in distribution centers with technology

Connected worker solutions are helping to transform distribution center operations, empowering workers with the current information and capabilities they need to efficiently and accurately perform their tasks. Distribution centers can leverage connected devices and applications to help achieve improvements in productivity, accuracy and customer satisfaction. As technology continues to evolve, connected devices will likely play an even greater role in optimizing distribution center operations and shaping the future of supply chain logistics.

Learn more about Verizon's distribution and logistics solutions.

The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.