Third party logistics, warehousing and distribution businesses continue to evolve and advance with the addition of exceptional new technologies. In recent years, wearable devices have provided these businesses with operational improvement, increased flexibility and significant cost savings. Wearable devices are compact and lightweight computers and/or scanners that can be worn directly on the body of warehouse staff. With a multitude of device manufacturers in the market, warehouse operators now have their pick of devices designed to fit their specific size, configuration and function requirements. Of the devices available today 3Pls, warehouses and distributors most frequently utilize wrist and ring scanners, voice-directed headsets and in some cases “smart” glasses. Traditional ruggedized durable devices from industry leading manufacturers such as Zebra Technologies have become the top choice of many CTOs and IT managers. Because repetitive processes such as picking, put away and general order fulfillment accounts for nearly 70% of operating costs this is an area of focus for many device manufacturers. Devices are designed to optimize these processes, reducing labor costs for high volume supply chain businesses. These devices also help to improve workforce productivity, safety and efficiency with their hands-free operation. By working hands-free, warehouse staff can focus more closely on the task at hand with a wider range of motion. This helps to increase employee effectiveness and facilitates timelier task completion. Wearable devices also help to reduce “touchpoints” or the number of steps required to complete a task. By simplifying processes, warehouse staff can complete more tasks in less time – a desirable outcome for high volume order processing. Both labor and device TCO savings can be recognized with the adoption of ruggedized wearables through process optimization and durable construction. Replacing manual, paper-based processes with wearable devices also helps to reduce data entry and inventory processing errors. Warehouse staff can also expect a safer and more comfortable experience when using wearables. They are designed with superior ergonomics, making them easy to handle and operate. And with the superior accessory packages and device configurability supply chain operations will see more device and operational flexibility. If your 3PL, warehousing or distribution operation could benefit from process optimization and cost reductions, wearable device implementation is a good first step. With 70% of operating costs hanging in the balance, it is a consideration worth making.

1. ADVANTAGES
OF WEARABLE
DEVICES IN 3PL,
WAREHOUSING &
DISTRIBUTION
B Y : A N G E L A C A R V E R

2. What are Wearable Devices?
• Wearable devices are typically computers and/or scanners that are
designed to be compact and lightweight so they can be worn on the
body of warehouse operators.
• These devices are available from multiple manufacturers in varying
sizes, configurations and for a wide range of functional uses.

3. Most Frequently Used Wearable Devices
• Some of the most well known wearable devicesinclude:
– Wrist scanners
– Ring scanners
– Voice-directed headsets
– Smart glasses/augmented reality glasses
• While smart glasses from manufacturers such as Google have been
the topic of conversation in recent years, their high cost and limited
durability has caused many supply chain operators to rule them out
as potential technology investments.
• Traditional ruggedized durable devices from top manufacturers such
as Zebra Technologies have been the top choice for many CTOs and
IT managers.

4. Why Use Wearable Devices?
• Repetitive processes such as picking, put away and general order
processing accounts for nearly 70% of operating costs.
• This presents the most significant opportunity for cost savings and
process optimization for supply chain executives.
• The implementation of wearable devices, for many warehouses and
distribution centers, has been a significant driver in increasing
workforce productivity, safety and efficiency.
Picking/Order Processing Other Misc Costs

5. • More Focused Warehouse Staff
– Utilizing wearable technology allows your staff to work hands-
free, focusing on the task at hand, rather than spending time
picking up and putting down clip-boards or larger mobile
computers.
– This also provides a wider range of motion for users, allowing
them to more effectively perform assigned tasks.
Benefits of Wearable Devices in the 3PL
and Warehouse Environment

6. • Process Optimization
– Wearable technology such as ring or wristband scanners are
designed to eliminate or reduce the number of “touchpoints” or
steps required to complete an assigned task.
– This, paired with a productivity-enhancing warehouse
management system, can simplify operational processes and
make warehousing operations more productive.
– For high volume facilities especially, this means tasks such as
picking, sorting and staging and be completed in record time.
Benefits of Wearable Devices in the 3PL
and Warehouse Environment

7. • Cost Reductions
– LABOR COSTS: With staff able to complete daily activities more
efficiently, labor costs can be reduced by lowering staffing levels
or redistributing available staff to other functional areas that need
attention.
– TECHNOLOGY TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO): With
superior rugged construction the cost to maintain your wearable
devices will be significantly lower than when using consumer
grade devices in your warehouse or distribution center.
Benefits of Wearable Devices in the 3PL
and Warehouse Environment

8. • Error Reduction
– Implementing wearable automated data collection devicescan
help to eliminate the use of paper-based processes and the
associated manual data entry.
– This will help to improve the reliability of your inventory data and
reduce any costs associated with searching for and correcting
these types of errors.
– Eliminating these errors will help your operation run smoothly and
improve the potential processing volume of your distribution
center.
Benefits of Wearable Devices in the 3PL
and Warehouse Environment

9. • Improved Worker Safety and Comfort
– Wearable devices are designed for superior ergonomics with
lightweight construction, making devices easy to handle.
– Upgraded devices come with large screens and buttons toreduce
the strain on eyes and hands when operating.
– Accessory packages are also available with comfort fit straps and
headsets to allow users to customize their device to fit their
specific needs.
Benefits of Wearable Devices in the 3PL
and Warehouse Environment

10. • Increased Operational Flexibility
– Wearable device manufacturers understand that not every
warehouse operates the same and have delivered devicesthat
are flexible enough to grow and change with your business.
– Most wearable devices come with a variety of data capture
options such as 1D and 2D barcode scanning.
– This allows your business to be more flexible with customer
inventory requirements, increasing customer satisfaction.
Benefits of Wearable Devices in the 3PL
and Warehouse Environment

11. Conclusion
• With an average of 70% of operating costs on the line, many
warehouse operators have implemented wearable scanners as a tool
to increase productivity and efficiency and reduce costs.
• These types of high volume operations benefit from an ergonomic
design and touchpoint reduction with wearables, allowing staff to
complete more pick tasks faster.
SOURCE: https://brainxchange.events/blog/wearable-technology-industry-series-warehousing-distribution/
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/products/mobile-computers/wearable-computers.html

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