Big future predicted for wearables in the warehouse

In order to keep up with the increasing demands from retailers and consumers as eCommerce steams ahead of high street shopping, warehouse and supply chain companies are constantly facing the need to simultaneously cut costs while improving productivity. The answer to these efficiency problems is often cited as technological automation because of its reliability, speed and ability to work 24 hours a day if needed. However, human workers bring a level of creativity and experience to a role that is impossible to achieve solely using technology. While many warehouse employees fear the uncertainty that the rise of ‘Industry 4.0’ may bring to their jobs, the combination of human and machine is set to revolutionise warehouse processes. With this in mind, it is no surprise that MHI has predicted that over 70% of warehouses will have implemented wearable technology by 2025 – thus creating the era of the ‘bionic worker’.

This shift in working style has been necessitated by the ever-increasing demand from consumers, and in turn retailers, as the eCommerce shopping experience continues to gain popularity. Delivery windows are constantly getting smaller and shoppers are piling on the pressure by demanding correct deliveries, first time, every time. This places an immense pressure on warehouse and supply chain operations to excel in speed and accuracy in order to meet the new expectations set for them.

Automation

Mobile, wearable technology is by no means a new venture for the warehouse industry. However, legacy devices such as mobile barcode scanners have evolved and been upgraded over time. Rather than the ruggedised, bulky devices of the past, mobile technology is now smaller, lighter and more user friendly. Along with this technological innovation also comes new features, such as voice and vision-enabled picking with wearable headsets and smart glasses. All of these advancements have been designed to be an extension of the user, seamlessly integrating with their work rather than being something that they have to work around, hindering their productivity in the long run. 

Bionic technology can greatly cut down the number of picking errors warehouses make every day by automating tasks such as manual data entry and manual order searches. Mobile devices will tell workers exactly what they need to do, either via a screen or headset, and notify them if an incorrect barcode is scanned – halting errors before they can affect the order. This is especially important in today’s retail environment when failed or incorrect orders can cost a company valuable time and money. The average cost of a failed delivery to a retailer is £12.89, and this figure doesn’t include the potential loss of reputation and future business from disgruntled customers. It pays to get deliveries right first time. As well as mitigating errors by removing admin tasks, such as data input, pickers will be able to complete more orders in a day, speeding up the entire delivery process.  

Safety

In addition to business efficiencies, bionic technology can bring direct advantages to the wearer. No longer relying on a screen for information, safety benefits arise from the worker being able to move around the warehouse with their eyes and hands free. This is critical in a dynamic warehouse environment where being aware of your surroundings is paramount, especially as autonomous machinery, such as drones, are becoming more common sights. Wearable devices can also benefit workers’ health and reduce the likelihood of injuries such as repetitive strain. Technology can automate certain parts of the picking process to reduce the strain on the employee and, through the use of exoskeletons, it can even provide a physical support structure by wrapping around the body to provide additional strength. 

The demands of eCommerce are putting a strain on the warehouse and supply chain industry, but bionic technology holds the key to meeting this demand by making employees more accurate and safer in their roles. Mobile, wearable technology allows businesses to combine the efficiencies that the technology provides with the hands-on experience of human employees to effectively satisfy the ever-increasing expectations of retailers and consumers.

Chris Tozer, territory manager – UK, Ireland and Italy, Ivanti Supply Chain