More value, less waste. The goal of lean manufacturing is simple, but the process of getting there can be complex. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the helpful principles of lean thinking and highlight a few rising data collection technologies that manufacturers are using to put them into practice.
When it comes to automating manual processes in the warehouse, distribution center, or on the factory floor, the right technology and the right solution provider are two critical pieces that can make implementation a success. At the same time, your mid-size business rules may not be a direct fit with the enterprise software and solutions that are being offered today. Finding a technology provider who will learn your business and create a system to maximize your strengths is one of the most important decisions you can make.
If you’re not familiar with multi-modal data collection technology in the warehouse, here’s a quick overview to get you up to speed. A multi-modal application involves the use of two or more technologies to perform a variety of tasks, allowing the user to execute these tasks virtually hands-free. This approach includes a wrist-worn mobile computer with a touchscreen, a headset for voice-directed operations, and a ring-style barcode scanner to collect data.
In our culture, it’s all about time. We move fast, and are more aware of how much time we spend on activities and tasks. We are a generation of “NOW” – often demanding instant gratification. Willing to pay more in order to spend less time on tasks, your customers want up-to-the-minute information at their fingertips; whether it’s access to your inventory, the status of an order, or knowing where their shipment is at that very moment.
Today’s workforce is working faster than ever to keep customers happy and stay ahead of the competition. Many of those who come to us for help to streamline processes share one common challenge: Lack of inventory visibility. In fact, a report from Forbes and KPMG International[1] found that 40% of respondents cited lack of visibility across the extended supply chain as one of their biggest challenges.
Zebra Technologies recently conducted a survey to analyze the state of the warehousing market. The resulting report, Building the Smarter Warehouse: Warehousing 2020 Vision Report, highlights their findings in detail.
Choosing a barcode scanner can be confusing given all the various features and options. The task of determining which model to choose can be a difficult one unless you understand the application requirements. Customers often will come to us after purchasing a “value” scanner from another vendor, only to find that the device would not scan reliably for them. Once we inquire further, we realize that the scanner they chose was not designed to meet the demands of their environment or their application.
If you haven’t heard of Direct Part Marking (DPM), here’s a quick definition: DPM is the permanent marking of a barcode on certain materials such as surgical tools, automotive parts, electronics, or other items that are generally made of a hard material like metal, glass, plastic and some softer materials like leather or even rubber.
In today’s world, people are always looking to save a dollar. This is especially true when it comes to running a business. All money-saving options are given a second, third, and possibly fiftieth look. But, that doesn’t mean that the least expensive choice is always the right choice.
With the continuing growth of the manufacturing industry comes orders of greater volume—that customers expect to be completed in the usual turnaround times. So how can you can be prepared to meet this higher demand? With the newest technologies in place, you can increase your operational efficiency, finish orders quickly, boost your profit margins, and reduce errors.
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