One of the biggest trends to hit warehouses is the rise of wearable technology. Gone are the days when wearables were seen as futuristic and niche. Today they can be found in many warehouses all over the country. Not surprising then that the global wearable technology market is expected to grow at a 34.6% CAGR from US$120.15 billion in 2023 to US$1,695.46 billion by 2032.
Widely regarded by experts as a transformative tool, adopting wearables can help management to revolutionise their warehouse operations. When implemented with a best of breed warehouse management system (WMS) solution, these devices can very quickly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of key operations including order picking, packing and inventory management.
Given their huge potential, it is important for warehouse managers to appreciate the many benefits of wearables and explore how they might fit into an intralogistics environment.
This article explores how wearables can be used in warehouses, providing insights into how businesses can evaluate the business case for investing in this important technology.
Benefit from Wearables in the Warehouse
When we talk about wearable technology, this includes a wide range of devices. It is everything from wrist-mounted mobile computers and ring scanners placed on a finger, to interactive glasses and voice headsets.
Regardless of the type of device, the feature all wearables share is the ability for an operative to be working hands-free. This means they can work more naturally, with the freedom to access data and scanning tools, significantly reducing the time spent on each transaction.
For instance, a wrist-mounted mobile computer can display instructions, while a ring scanner allows workers to scan items without needing to hold a traditional handheld device. Even the most basic wearable devices will speed up processes such as picking by up to 40%, by removing the need to constantly pick up and put down equipment.
Voice-directed systems include a headset worn by the operative through which spoken instructions in any language can be given. These systems integrate with a WMS and are very popular in fast moving warehouses. Now that the market for voice-based wearables has matured, the entry costs have adjusted too, making it a more viable option for smaller warehouses to consider.
Finally, more advanced wearables like augmented reality (AR) glasses can provide workers with a visual display of their task list or guide them through the most efficient route to a stock item for a pick. They can even include a validation stage, to ensure the right item ends up in the right tote.
No discussion of investments in wearable hardware would be complete without considering the environmental considerations. Users today expect their devices to have the longest possible lifespan and manufacturers have responded by designing wearables with sustainability and longevity in mind. Ruggedised construction means that wearables are built to last in industrial environments. Many devices are designed to be future-proof, offering support for multiple Android generations with ongoing software updates to ensure security. This long lifespan can make wearables a very attractive proposition for businesses looking to maximise their return on investment.
Three reasons why wearables are so popular
In fast-paced environments like e-commerce and food warehouses, where throughput rates and accuracy are extra critical, wearables offer a significant advantage. Here are some of the main factors behind their growing adoption rates:
- Increased efficiency – Wearable devices reduce the need for repetitive actions, such as picking up and setting down handheld scanners, which can slow down operations. Workers can handle multiple tasks more quickly, increasing the number of orders processed.
- Enhanced worker comfort – Linked to this first point, any tasks that are highly repetitive can also strain workers. Wearables are lightweight and designed for comfort, making them easier for workers to use throughout long shifts, without causing fatigue or injuries.
- Better accuracy – Wearables like ring scanners and voice headsets will drive more productivity gains in the warehouse by truly mobilising the process. They will provide real-time guidance and feedback to workers which leads inevitably to more accurate picking, packing, and shipping. This also means that the learning curve to full productivity is very short, making it very straightforward to increase headcount during busy periods without seeing a negative impact.
Indigo WMS integrates seamlessly with many different types of wearables so that users can benefit from real-time updates, better traceability and true data-driven decision-making. As more businesses adopt these tools, staying informed about the latest trends will be key to maintaining your warehouse’s competitive edge.
https://www.indigo.co.uk
