Navigating Peak Season: The Crucial Role of Preparedness and Scalability for Retailers and Wholesalers
As the holiday season approaches, retailers and wholesalers in the United Kingdom gear up for one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Black Friday. The surge in customer demand and sales can be a double-edged sword if not managed effectively. In this article, we delve into the significance of preparedness and scalability for businesses, with a specific focus on the need to increase temporary staff and deploy rugged devices for efficient pick and packing operations.
Seasonal Trends
The Black Friday Phenomenon
Black Friday has evolved from being a mere American tradition to a global shopping extravaganza. In the UK, retailers and wholesalers experience an unprecedented influx of customers both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. The pressure to meet customer expectations, offer enticing deals, and ensure smooth operations can be overwhelming.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday is one of the biggest shopping events in the UK, with retailers offering huge discounts and consumers hunting for bargains. Although the volume of sales has reduced over the last three years, the impact to the bottom line cannot be undervalued. In 2022, Brits plan to spend an estimated £3.95 billion on Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases, with an average spend of £189.59 per person.
Christmas and New Years
The holiday season, spanning from late November to early January, is one of the most significant peak periods for UK retailers. Shoppers are actively seeking gifts, decorations, and festive essentials, leading to a surge in sales both online and in physical stores.
It should be noted that In 2022, retail sales volumes fell by 1.0% in December, following a fall of 0.7% in November; sales volumes were 1.8% higher than their pre-pandemic February 2020 levels. In fact, the total value of seasonal sales in the UK was forecast to amount to approximately £82 billion in 2022.
To ensure a successful peak festive season, retailers must be prepared in terms of staffing, logistics, and technology.
Preparedness: A Cornerstone of Success
Successful Friday operations are built on a solid foundation of preparation. For retailers and wholesalers, this entails implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes effective inventory management, supply chain optimization, and strategic workforce planning. By being well-prepared, businesses can not only meet the heightened demand but also deliver exceptional customer experiences, ensuring a successful and profitable Black Friday.
Effective Inventory Management: A crucial component of being prepared is ensuring optimal inventory levels. Retailers and wholesalers alike must accurately anticipate demand and proactively stock popular items to avoid stockouts. Leveraging data analytics and historical sales trends can aid in identifying the most in-demand products.
Efficient Supply Chain Management: A well-coordinated supply chain, with seamless collaboration and communication between suppliers, distributors, and logistics partners, is absolutely critical for the timely delivery of products. By fostering strong relationships and implementing effective processes, businesses can streamline operations, minimise bottlenecks, and significantly reduce unnecessary delays, leading to increased customer satisfaction and improved bottom line.
Scalability: The Art of Flexibility
Scalability is closely tied to preparedness. It refers to a business’s ability to quickly adapt to evolving demands while upholding quality. During the peak shopping season, like Black Friday, scalability becomes paramount as businesses must scale up their operations to handle the surge in orders.
- Temporary Staff: The influx of orders during Black Friday necessitates expanding the workforce. Hiring temporary staff can alleviate the strain on existing employees and ensure timely order fulfilment. These additional hands can assist in various tasks, including packing, shipping, and customer service. According to a survey by Indeed, 42% of UK employers planned to hire temporary staff for the peak season in 2021, up from 35% in 2020.
- Rugged Devices for Efficient Operations: A crucial aspect of scalability is leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. Rugged devices, such as handheld barcode scanners, PDAs, tablets, and laptops, play a pivotal role in optimising pick and packing operations. These devices enable real-time tracking, accurate inventory management, and seamless communication among teams. In fact, 86% of UK retailers planned to increase their investment in rugged mobile devices for their frontline workers.
The Role of Rugged Devices
Rugged devices are essential tools that empower retailers and wholesalers to streamline operations during high-demand periods like Black Friday. These devices offer numerous benefits:
- Durability: withstand harsh environments, rugged devices reduce the risk of damage and downtime. They can handle drops, spills, and extreme temperatures, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
- Real-time Data: With rugged devices, employees have access to real-time data on inventory levels, order status, and customer preferences. This enables swift decision-making and prevents errors in order fulfilment.
- Efficient Communication: Rugged devices facilitate seamless communication among teams, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This leads to quicker issue resolution and improved collaboration.
Black Friday presents both opportunities and challenges for retailers and wholesalers in the UK. Success during this bustling period hinges on preparedness and scalability. By strategically increasing temporary staff and deploying rugged devices, businesses can navigate the frenzy of Black Friday with ease. A well-prepared and scalable approach not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction, setting the stage for a successful holiday season.
How can Conker help?
In the highly competitive world of retail, staying ahead of the competition is essential for success. With new competition popping up all the time, an established business needs to continuously innovate and improve their operations to keep up.
With rugged devices, you can streamline inventory management, increase mobility and efficiency, improve customer service, enhance security, and reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Top Rugged Device Picks for Retailers and Wholesalers:
- Conker SX50 – 5″ Android Touch Computer with 2D Barcode Scanner
- Conker BG2L – Wearable Long Range 2D Barcode Scanner
- Conker SW9 – 2.8″ Rugged Android Smart Watch
- Conker MP58 – Mobile Thermal Printer
A model to Suit your Influx
At Conker, we understand the challenges businesses face when it comes to scaling and managing IT projects, especially during the busy festive season. Our customer-driven approach aims to remove the hassle from the equation.
Our skilled and knowledgeable Project Managers are here to guide you and explore how our solutions can help optimise your operations.
Don’t let IT projects hold you back during the busiest times. Get in touch with Conker today for a hassle-free IT experience!
- Reduced Total Cost of Ownership: The hallmark of successful IT projects are reduced costs and increased productivity. Purchasing rugged devices needn’t be a significant financial commitment. Conker has helped hundreds of companies build sound business cases which demonstrate the investment return rugged devices can deliver through assessing the true rugged device cost of owning tablets and phones. Try calculating your TCO with your current devices.
- Customizable Rental Periods: By incorporating a rental model for rugged devices, retailers can benefit from enhanced agility and cost-effectiveness. This allows seamless accommodation of temporary staff influxes during peak periods.
- Maintenance and Support: The Conker Relax Accidental Damage Warranty comes standard with every device, offering zero repair surcharges and FREE Collect & Return within the UK. This ensures that the devices remain in optimal condition throughout the peak season, minimising disruptions to operations.
- Access to Latest Technology: Technology evolves rapidly, and renting rugged devices allows retailers to access the latest models without the need for frequent device replacements. This ensures that the temporary staff are equipped with efficient and up-to-date devices for smooth pick and packing operations.
- Ease of Management: Coordinating the procurement, deployment, and management of a large number of rugged devices can be challenging. Rental providers often offer streamlined processes for device deployment, maintenance, and return, saving retailers time and effort.
Successful IT projects begin with understanding your challenges and objectives to ensure a fit-for-purpose solution that drives long term value. By avoiding large upfront investments and gaining access to the latest technology, retailers can optimise their pick and packing operations and enhance the overall efficiency of their business during peak seasons.
To find the ideal rugged device for your business, get in touch with us today.
5 Ways A Retail Business Can Leverage With A Rugged Device
In the highly competitive world of retail, staying ahead of the competition is essential for success. With new competition popping up all the time, an established business needs to continuously innovate and improve their operations to keep up.
This means adopting new technologies, improving customer service, and finding ways to increase productivity and efficiency. Retail businesses that fail to keep up risk falling behind and losing market share to their competitors.
If you’re running a retail business, you know how important it is to stay ahead of the competition. Rugged devices are designed to withstand harsh environments and accidental drops, making them ideal for a business that requires durable and reliable devices.
With rugged devices, you can streamline inventory management, increase mobility and efficiency, improve customer service, enhance security, and reduce downtime and maintenance costs. By incorporating rugged devices into your operations, you can stay ahead of the competition and provide your customers with the best possible experience.
Streamline Inventory Management
In the retail industry, inventory management is crucial to keep track of stock levels, prices and products. To ensure the accuracy of the inventory, retail employees need reliable mobile devices that provide proper support through their software itself.
Management
Using rugged devices, a business can install inventory management software that provides accurate and up-to-date information on stock levels, prices and products.
A rugged device offers a range of functionality and flexibility that enables a business to streamline their inventory management processes, reduce errors and increase efficiency.
Barcode Scanning Technology
A rugged device can be equipped with barcode scanners that allow retail workers to scan product codes quickly and accurately. This speeds up the processes, reduces the risk of human error, and ensures that the inventory data is accurate and up-to-date.
Real-time Communication
Another example is the real-time communication functionality that a rugged device provides. With built-in 4G or Wi-Fi capabilities, rugged devices enable retail workers to communicate instantly with each other and with the central system.
This helps to reduce delays, increase efficiency and ensure that inventory data is updated in real-time. Whether you’re in the office or out, rugged devices ensure that you don’t have to worry about field communication.
Increase Mobility and Efficiency
In the retail industry, mobility and efficiency are essential to keep up with the fast-paced environment. Employees need a rugged device that can withstand difficult environments and provide the necessary functionality and ruggedized protection to perform a wide range of tasks.
Real-time Data
Using rugged devices, retail workers can access real-time inventory data, perform transactions, and communicate with other workers and the central system from anywhere in the store. This improves mobility and allows workers to be more efficient and productive. Therefore, anyone can provide the technical support needed no matter the range.
Ability to Multitask
One example of how rugged devices can improve mobility and efficiency is through their ability to handle multiple tasks. A rugged device can perform a variety of functions, including barcode scanning, data entry, and printing. This eliminates the need for workers to carry multiple devices, increasing mobility and reducing the risk of errors.
Durability and Reliability
Another example is durability and reliability. Rugged devices are designed to withstand harsh environments and accidental drops, making them ideal for use in the retail industry. With their robust design and reliable performance, those in the retail industry can ensure that their devices are always available when needed, increasing efficiency and productivity.
One example of devices that allow for mobility are rugged smartphones such as the CONKER SX50. Running on an Android operating system, this smartphone is lightweight and can endure tough conditions that allows employees to stay productive wherever they need to go. It also has an IP rating (Ingress Protection) of 67 which makes it a device that is resistant against dust, fine materials, and other small particles.
Improve Customer Service
In the retail industry, customer service is crucial to building a loyal customer base and driving sales. To provide excellent customer service, a business will need a device that is reliable and efficient.
Quick Response to Customers
Rugged devices improve customer service by allowing workers to provide quick and accurate responses to customer inquiries, easy payment processing, and offer personalised services. Their ability to access real-time data by staying connected to the Internet of Things (IOT) allows them to provide solutions as quickly as possible.
Personalised Services
One example of how a rugged device can improve customer service is through their ability to retrieve customer data securely. With built-in security features, rugged devices ensure that customer data is kept secure and confidential.
This allows retail workers to access customer information quickly and easily, making it possible to offer personalised services to customers.
Another example is the real-time solution that these devices provide. With built-in 4G or Wi-Fi capabilities, a rugged device can enable retail workers to communicate instantly with each other and with the central system. This helps to reduce delays, increase efficiency and ensure that customer service is provided promptly.
Furthermore, rugged devices are designed to provide a solution to extreme conditions, making them ideal for use in the retail industry. With the reliability and durability of rugged devices, a business can ensure that their customer service processes are not disrupted by device limitations or failures.
Enhance Security
In the retail industry, safety and security are top priorities. When it comes to business, you need to ensure that your devices are reliable enough to protect customer data and business operations.
Keeping Data Secure
With their robust hardware and rugged design, rugged devices are able to provide IP ratings, indicating how resistant they are to dust, water, and other hazards. This means that even if the device is dropped, exposed to extreme temperatures, or submerged in water, it will continue to function and keep data safe.
Mobile devices such as rugged tablets like the CONKER NS82 are designed to withstand the harshest environments, making them ideal for use in the retail industry. This device has an IP rating of 65, providing ruggedized solutions and protection to a business.
Some businesses might be looking for Android rugged devices, in which the CONKER SX82 will be the perfect rugged device.
Moreover, rugged devices come with built-in security features that protect against data breaches, hacking, and malware attacks. A retail company can have peace of mind knowing that their sensitive data is kept safe with rugged devices.
For example, rugged devices can use advanced encryption protocols to ensure that data stays protected during transmission.
In addition, rugged devices can use remote locking and wiping features that allow a business to remotely disable or erase data from lost or stolen devices. This ensures that confidential information is not accessed by unauthorised users.
Managing Software Remotely
Rugged devices also have the power to manage OS updates and patches remotely. This is particularly useful for retail businesses that operate across multiple locations. With the ability to update and manage devices remotely, retail businesses can ensure that all devices are running the latest software and are protected against known vulnerabilities.
Reduce Downtime and Maintenance Costs
In the retail industry, downtime and maintenance costs can be a major challenge. When devices fail, it can lead to lost productivity, reduced efficiency, and ultimately, lost revenue.
Rugged devices are designed to be durable and reliable, even in the harshest environments. This means that they are less likely to fail, reducing downtime and the need for maintenance.
For example, the CONKER NS6 is a smartphone that has a rugged hardware and IP65 rating allows it to endure drops, extreme temperatures, exposure to water, and dust resistance, ensuring that they continue to function even in challenging conditions.
In contrast, consumer devices like regular smartphones and tablets are not designed for use in tough environments and extreme conditions. They lack the durability and reliability of rugged devices, making them more prone to failure and requiring frequent repairs and replacements. This often happens to a business that implements the Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) system.
The use of consumer devices in retail environments can cause the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to skyrocket. With consumer devices, maintenance costs, repairs, and replacements can quickly add up, resulting in higher expenses for retail businesses.
On the other hand, rugged mobile devices have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance, reducing the TCO and providing a more cost-effective solution for retail businesses. They come with the specifications needed such as an IP rating and MIL-STD and the hardware that allows them to last as long as they should.
Additionally, a rugged device comes with the ability to remotely manage and troubleshoot devices, reducing the need for onsite maintenance and repairs. A business can save time and money by quickly diagnosing and resolving issues remotely, without needing to send a technician onsite.
Conker Rugged Devices
CONKER is a UK-based technology company that produces a rugged range of devices designed to withstand tough environments, with a high ingress protection rating. Our products are specifically designed for use in industries such as logistics, construction, and retail.
CONKER devices are built to last, with features such as reinforced screens, our durable hardware can withstand drops, dust, and water. With a high ingress protection rating, our devices are protected from water and dust ingress, ensuring they continue to operate even in the harshest environments.
Our devices are also equipped with a range of features that make them highly versatile and user-friendly. For example, they offer devices with built-in barcode scanners, RFID readers, and fingerprint scanners, which allow for easy and efficient data collection.
In addition, CONKER devices are highly customizable, with the ability to run a range of different operating systems and software. This means that businesses can tailor their devices to suit their specific needs, making them highly efficient and effective.
Overall, CONKER offers a reliable and durable solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve their efficiency to ensure their devices can withstand the toughest environments.
To find the ideal rugged device for your business, get in touch with us today.
Scan and Go Technology: Reasons Why It Can Change The Future of How We Do Retail Business
| IN THE NEWS |
Retail
Scan and go technology has great potential to completely change the brick-and-mortar landscape. In fact, in a survey conducted by GPShopper in the United States, about 48% of digital users think that scan and go will make shopping easier. About 43% will choose to try scan and go than wait in a regular checkout line.
Leading the way are Amazon Go stores, allowing a “just walk out” experience which many other major retailers like Macy’s and Krogers are now emulating. Undoubtedly, scan and go technology is helping retailers overhaul the customers buying experience. In this article, we get to know more about Scan and Go Technology and how rugged devices can play a huge role in its implementation.
What is Scan and Go Technology?
Scan and go technology refers to a system that allows shoppers to scan the items they wish to purchase with their own personal device (e.g., smartphone) while they shop, and then pay for their items without the need to wait in line at a traditional checkout counter.
To use scan and go technology, shoppers typically need to download a store’s app or use a store-provided scanner to scan the barcodes of the items they want to purchase. The scanned items are then added to a virtual cart, and the total cost is calculated in real-time. Once the shopper is ready to check out, they can use their personal device to pay for the items using a stored payment method, such as a credit card or mobile payment service.
Scan and go technology can help to speed up the checkout process and reduce wait times for shoppers. It can also help stores to reduce the number of checkout staff they need to employ, as fewer staff members may be needed to monitor the traditional checkout counters. However, some critics argue that the adoption of scan and go technology may lead to job losses in the retail sector.
Reasons Why Companies Should Implement Scan and Go Technology
- Improved customer experience: Scan and go technology can help to improve the shopping experience for customers by reducing wait times at checkout. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and potentially increased loyalty to the store.
- Increased efficiency: Scan and go technology can help to streamline the checkout process and make it more efficient. This can help to reduce the time it takes for customers to check out, which can help to reduce congestion in stores and improve the flow of customers through the store.
- Cost savings: Implementing scan and go technology can help stores to reduce the number of staff members needed to man traditional checkout counters. This can lead to cost savings for the store in terms of labour costs.
- Increased sales: By making the checkout process quicker and more efficient, scan and go technology can help to reduce the barriers to purchase for customers. This can lead to increased sales for the store.
- Competitive advantage: Adopting scan and go technology can give a store a competitive advantage over other stores that do not offer this service. It can help to differentiate the store from its competitors and attract customers who value the convenience of being able to check out quickly.
The Role That Rugged Devices Play in Scan and Go Technology
Rugged devices, such as rugged smartphones or tablets, can be used in scan and go technology as a means for shoppers to scan the items they wish to purchase. Rugged devices are designed to be tough and durable, making them suitable for use in busy retail environments where they may be subjected to rough handling or accidental drops.
In a scan and go system, shoppers can use a rugged device to scan the barcodes of the items they wish to purchase. The device can then add the items to a virtual cart and calculate the total cost in real-time. Once the shopper is ready to check out, they can use the rugged device to pay for their items using a stored payment method.
The use of rugged devices in scan and go technology can help to increase the reliability and durability of the system, as these devices are less prone to damage than regular consumer-grade smartphones or tablets. This can help to reduce downtime and maintenance costs for the store.
How Can Scan and Go Tech Change the Future?
Scan and go technology has the potential to transform the way that people shop and check out at stores. Here are a few reasons why it is considered to be the future of retail:
Convenience
Scan and go technology allows shoppers to scan and pay for their items on their own personal device while they shop, eliminating the need to wait in line at a traditional checkout counter. This can be a highly convenient experience for shoppers, especially those who are in a hurry.
Increased efficiency
Scan and go technology can help to streamline the checkout process and make it more efficient. This can help to reduce the time it takes for customers to check out, which can help to reduce congestion in stores and improve the flow of customers through the store.
Contactless payments
With the rise of mobile payment systems, scan and go technology can enable shoppers to pay for their items using a contactless payment method, such as a mobile wallet or NFC payment. This can help to reduce the risk of transmission of germs and bacteria during the payment process.
Personalisation
Scan and go technology can allow stores to gather data on their customers’ shopping habits and preferences. This can enable stores to personalise their marketing and recommend products to shoppers based on their past purchases.
Overall, scan and go technology has the potential to revolutionise the retail industry by improving the shopping experience for customers and increasing efficiency for stores.
Rugged Devices For Order Fulfilment Operations
| IN THE NEWS |
Retail
Order fulfilment is a unique way of explaining how customers get the product that they paid for. It is typically the final and most crucial stage of any sales process. A poorly planned fulfilment strategy could easily mean dissatisfied customers. In this article, we look at how rugged devices for order fulfilment can ultimately help your business.
Businesses might face a variety of order fulfilment-related difficulties, but the most common ones are those related to inventory management and the accuracy of business processes.
Challenges in Order Fulfilment
Order fulfilment, also known as inventory fulfilment, is the process of getting new orders and sending the goods to the end consumer. This entire process involves accepting the orders, warehousing, packing, and, finally, shipping the products. Ultimately, order fulfillment aims to accurately and efficiently deliver the products to the consumer on time.
Before, many ecommerce brands simply offered free shipping as their main order fulfilment strategy. Unfortunately, as more e-commerce stores have become available, offering free delivery is no longer enough. Customers’ expectations are much higher, and creating a real strategy will be helpful.
Inaccurately filled orders
When orders are filled incorrectly, the end result will typically be an upset customer or vendor. Inaccurately filled orders happen when orders are erroneously recorded. It can happen along different areas of order processing during the picking or packing phase. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid this problem is to start adopting barcoding technology.
A barcode scanner will save your team hours more than manually typing a code. Using a barcode system will also reduce picking errors because users get the accurate information in seconds. Barcoding your inventory management will make work quicker and easier.
In the time it takes your average person to type a couple letters or numbers manually, you can scan a single barcode containing numerous characters at once. That means barcoding your inventory will make inventory management much quicker and easier.
Conker rugged devices for order fulfilment is a perfect tool because it allows you to easily and quickly collect data through a built-in barcode scanner. Check out the top rugged devices with barcode scanners here.
Seasonal spikes and supply chain volatility
Ecommerce stores need to work around volatile supply chain systems. These unstable processes can be caused by seasonal spikes in demand, supply shortages, disruptions due to weather, COVID-19 restrictions, and many other factors. To solve this problem, your order fulfilment business must be prepared with the suitable capacity, inventory, visibility, and agility.
Seasonal peak times, such as holidays, raise the stakes even more. Compared to regular times, order fulfilment is enhanced during these demanding periods. Your team can use a system and various tools to help analyse and predict these peak times. Make sure to build strong working relationships with suppliers and delivery services as their help can be very valuable during peak season.
Optimising your inventory management can also be a great solution to this problem. This allows your teams to predict stocks efficiently. Using the right devices will help your team improve inventory management. Rugged devices for order fulfilment with a barcode scanner is an excellent solution. This gives users the ability to collect, save, and send data using a single robust device.
Order processing and packing times
Delivering orders to consumers on time and reliably is the heart of any successful order fulfilment business.
To do this, it is important to minimise order processing and packing times. Most e-commerce stores put in place about 2 – 3 days order processing and packing times window. So as a fulfilment business, you must be able to meet this demand. After all, you want to avoid making your customers wait.
Lack of usable data
Order fulfilment businesses understand that having the right data and using this to automate inventory management is crucial. A report by McKinsey shares that within the supply chain management industry, early adopters of artificial intelligence improve logistics costs by 15%, inventory levels by 35%, and service levels by 65%, versus slower-moving competitors.
Human error can cause catastrophic issues with any part of the fulfilment process. By automating processes, your team will be able to avoid these problems. Collecting data and analysing it to your advantage helps ensure that you make informed decisions about your operations. This is another area of your order fulfilment business where a rugged device could play a crucial role.
Improve Last Mile Delivery
Last-mile delivery is the transportation of goods from a warehouse or distribution hub to the customer (which is also the final delivery destination). The goal of last-mile delivery is to deliver the goods as quickly, affordably, and accurately as possible.
In our previous blogs, we shared why last-mile delivery can be the most challenging part of any supply chain process. Last-mile delivery remains to be the most expensive part of retail logistics. Nonetheless, it has the most visible impact on the customer journey and consumer satisfaction.
Understanding your order fulfilment business’s challenges will help you find the best solutions. Overcoming these challenges will streamline how you deliver your services and keep customers happy as a result.
4 Ways Wearable Rugged Devices Improve Business Efficiencies
The introduction of wearable technology is changing how businesses work today. According to research by the Harvard Business Review, on average, the mobile worker will access their devices at least 150 times during the day. Depending on the industry where they belong, this number could easily increase. lets check the best 4 Ways Wearable Rugged Devices Improve Business Efficiencies from here. In addition, this act of constantly checking typically needs a sequence of actions such as typing in a password, choosing an app, entering important data, which will take about 20 seconds.
To keep up with the ever-demanding changes, using a wearable rugged device will ultimately help.
There is a multitude of ways wearable tech would benefit businesses all over the world.
Best 4 Ways Wearable Rugged Devices Improve Business
Wearable Tech Streamlines Operations
The convenience of wearable technology ends up streamlining the operations of many industries. It provides a "hands-free" experience for your workers. Workers now have increased flexibility, and can work on multiple tasks better while still doing an amazing job. Of course, it improves your business's overall productivity as well.
Here are a few more examples of how it can increase the productivity of your business:
- Tasks are easier to keep track of and follow. Thus, managing workflow and time are easier to do with wearables.
- Supervisors can keep track of all of the employees at all times. They can see and manage work easier and better.
- Information becomes easier for staff to access. No need to go around to gain information, just reaching out with the device in their hands.
- Employees and workers alike don't have to spend too much time lugging around devices. They can just work automatically with the device on their body.
Better Communication between Staff
Sometimes, it can be difficult to pick up calls and messages with a regular device. This can happen while employees are working on something. Such situations can lead to broken devices and miscommunication happening within the workplace.
Avoid such situations by investing in rugged devices. We also recommend taking on rugged wearables for your staff.
With better communication, comes better safety within the workplace as well.
Ensured Safety Within the Workplace
Wearable technology can provide extra assistance and comfort to employees. In a previous article, we explain that wearables increase awareness in employees.
Wearable rugged devices can warn employees regarding potential hazards. These can be, but are not limited to; hot surfaces, slippery floors, toxic fumes, and so on.
In the low chances of an accident occurring, there is no need to worry. Individuals can easily reach out for help when it comes to it. Furthermore, wearables can inform nearby staff regarding a situation happening within the workplace.
Better Customer Service, Increased Customer Satisfaction
The use of wearable devices can also increase customer satisfaction. Customer service is overall better for your business with the implementation of wearable devices. This happens because staff won't have a hard time guiding consumers, answering their queries, and satisfying their requests.
Moreover, appealing to customers and marketing items in your store is better. When acquiring information, customers don't have to wait for too long. Staff can easily access important information regarding an item they want. Overall, customer service is improved- it's quicker and more accommodating.
Since the pandemic, contactless payment has been the preferred method of transaction for many customers. This is a safer method for your staff as well. Rugged Wearables will allow your staff to perform contactless transactions even better.
How Companies Improve Operation Efficiency with Rugged Wearable Devices
DHL
One of the biggest industries to rise during the pandemic was e-commerce. From 2019 to the present, there was an increase in demand for e-commerce services. Shipment leader DHL addressed this increasing demand by equipping their employees with wearable rugged technology.
The change allowed users to have improved flexibility and efficiency. Workers are no longer tethered to their workstations and can move around where they have better access to various parcels.
Bosch Thermotechnlogy
To help improve efficiency for their packaging department, Bosch Thermotechnology searched for a way to allow hands-free operations. With the help of rugged wearable devices with barcode scanners, workers are able to:
- Preserve high-speed turn-out which is around 45-120 seconds
- Maintain as many as 12,000 barcodes scan each shift
- Allow handling of as many as 50 variations per assembly line and per shift
Geis Group
One of the leading warehouse operations, Geis Group required a solution to help workers manage more than 350,000 automotive parts. Some of the major issues are sorting, issuing, and clearing their processes. With more than 100,000 barcode scans daily, using a wearable rugged device allowed Geis to become more efficient. It required their workers to reduce their walking distance and remove the traditional bulky barcode scanner.
Wearable rugged devices have been proven to help improve efficiencies in numerous industries. Find out how your team will benefit from this solution. Contact us now.
Rugged Wearable Devices And Their Role In Business
In recent years, wearable technology has made a significant impact in the health and fitness industry with devices such as smartwatches, smart glasses and ECGs. These devices can track a user’s fitness levels, sleep patterns, and even connect with other devices. However, the use of wearable devices is not limited to casual settings anymore, they are now making their way into various industries, with rugged wearables leading the charge.
A rugged wearable device is a specialised wearable that is designed to withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures. It is configured to operate efficiently in different work settings and can withstand drops and impacts. Rugged wearables have become the preferred choice for businesses in the warehousing, manufacturing, engineering, retail, and logistics industries due to their durability and versatility.
Rugged Wearable Devices In A Business Setting
Rugged wearables offer several advantages, including the ability to increase productivity by providing hands-free access to critical information and data required for a task. Equipped with the latest technology, including CPU ports and right-click functionality, they are an excellent choice for businesses looking to achieve greater efficiency.
In addition, rugged wearables are designed to accurately track a user’s arm movements, making them ideal for gloved users. They can be easily removed and worn on the arm, allowing for quick access to critical information without interrupting workflow. Overall, rugged wearables are a perfect solution for businesses looking to increase productivity, efficiency, and safety while performing various tasks.
Rugged wearables are changing the landscape of various industries by providing numerous advantages for workplaces, companies, and industries. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more businesses adopting rugged wearables to improve their operations, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of the competition.
5 Benefits of Wearable Rugged Devices
The “hands-free” convenience
The introduction of rugged wearables is bringing a significant change to the way workers perform their tasks. It offers a seamless work experience, eliminating the need for workers to stop and retrieve their devices. Moreover, there is no longer a need to manually input information into their devices.
With the use of wearables, workers can simply put out their hand or arm, making their work more efficient and convenient. Wearables provide a lightweight and portable option for workers to carry around, improving their overall work experience.
Greater connectivity between workers
Wearable technology has revolutionised the way employees stay connected in the workplace. With wearables, it is easier for employees to keep track of their tasks and responsibilities for the day, week or even the month. Moving from one task to the next has never been smoother with the help of these devices.
Moreover, wearables facilitate better communication among colleagues. They enable employees to monitor tasks and check on the status of deliveries. In addition, supervisors can keep track of their employees and ensure their safety within the workplace using these devices.
With wearables, workers can access information in real-time, without the need to go back and forth to retrieve the information they need. This allows for a more efficient and streamlined workflow. Rugged wearables are especially useful in providing a better connection between everyone in the workforce, increasing overall productivity and safety.
Workers have better awareness and focus
Rugged wearables are truly remarkable devices that create incredible opportunities for workers to perform multiple tasks while maintaining high-quality output. The ability to multitask more efficiently allows workers to have a better understanding of their surroundings, reducing the chances of accidents occurring in the workplace. Additionally, increased awareness helps workers to focus better on their current tasks, resulting in improved performance.
As a result, rugged wearables are an excellent tool for increasing workplace efficiency and productivity. With these devices, workers can complete tasks more quickly and accurately, leading to higher productivity and better output. This improved efficiency can lead to significant cost savings for businesses, making rugged wearables a valuable investment for any company looking to enhance their operations.
Rugged wearables increase productivity and efficiency
The previous point and this one are interconnected, as rugged wearables not only improve worker awareness and focus but also enable easier connectivity and access to information. This eliminates distractions and reduces the time needed to access devices, ultimately allowing workers to work at their best pace and improving the overall workflow and productivity of the workplace.
Furthermore, these devices also help to minimise the risk of human error and mistakes, resulting in better quality output and reduced costs. Overall, rugged wearables offer a smooth and seamless experience for the workforce, making it an excellent investment for companies looking to improve their operations and stay ahead of the competition.
Increased safety for individual workers
Employing rugged wearables has become crucial for businesses that put a premium on safety. These devices can facilitate instant communication among workers and provide quick access to important information, helping prevent accidents and hazards. With wearables, workers can quickly alert their colleagues to potential hazards and inform them of any unsafe incidents in the workplace. In the event of an emergency, workers can instantly call for assistance with their devices, ensuring that help arrives quickly.
Incorporating wearable technology into your workplace can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Therefore, businesses can benefit greatly from rugged wearables, not just in terms of productivity and efficiency but also in terms of employee safety.
What Industries Benefit from Using Wearable Tech?
The adoption of wearable technology is intended to enhance people’s lives, especially by reducing the burden of work in various industries. Its convenience promotes faster work completion while also ensuring worker safety.
In general, wearable technology can increase the efficiency of many industries. Below are some examples of industries that could benefit significantly from this technology.
Healthcare
Wearable technology has been in use in the healthcare industry for some time now. However, it has the potential to perform many more functions than it currently does. For instance, these devices can monitor a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and detect early signs of any anomalies in their body. This enables healthcare professionals to remotely monitor the status of their outpatients and provide early intervention if necessary.
Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered, making it more efficient and effective.
Manufacturing
Wearable technology can significantly enhance safety and productivity in the manufacturing industry. With the use of sensors and alerts, workers can be warned of any potential hazards in their environment, such as high temperatures, leaks, or toxic fumes. This leads to a safer work environment and reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents or injuries. Additionally, wearables can provide real-time data on production processes, allowing for improved efficiency and customisation of products. With these benefits, it’s no wonder that the manufacturing industry is increasingly adopting wearable technology to enhance their operations.
Retail
Wearable technology has numerous benefits in the retail industry, including streamlining operations, communication, and customer service.
- Firstly, wearables provide a smooth transition between tasks for employees, allowing them to easily check completed tasks and know what to do next. This results in a more efficient and productive workflow.
- Secondly, wearables enable supervisors to easily communicate with their employees, while employees can quickly seek help from their co-workers if needed. This enhances communication and collaboration among team members.
- Lastly, wearables enable employees to quickly access information about stock availability and prices, resulting in faster and more accurate customer service. Wearables also facilitate contactless payments, which has become more important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, wearables can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations in the retail industry.
Warehouse & Logistics
The warehousing industry carries out multiple operations simultaneously. Wearable technology allows employees to access information more easily, simplifies inventory management, and facilitates tracking of operations and the current status of items. As a result, wearable tech enhances the efficiency of the warehousing industry.
Education
Wearable technology has the potential to enhance the educational experience for both students and teachers. It can provide students with a more immersive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, wearables can enable students to participate in virtual field trips and other remote learning experiences.
Moreover, wearables can be used to monitor students’ physical fitness and health during physical education classes. They can also provide opportunities for students to explore different career paths through the use of virtual reality technology. Furthermore, gamification of the education system is another potential benefit of wearables in the classroom.
Limitations of Wearables
Wearables come with several challenges and limitations that need to be considered. Some of the most common ones are:
High Cost
Wearable technology is generally more expensive compared to regular consumer wearables. This is because rugged wearables require specialised design and materials that make them durable and able to withstand harsh environments.
Limited Battery Life
The battery life of wearables is often shorter than regular wearables due to their higher power consumption in demanding environments. This limited battery life can be a significant issue for workers who rely on their devices for extended periods without access to charging points.
Design and Comfort Issues
Wearables’ design often prioritises durability and sturdiness over comfort and usability, leading to potential discomfort or even injuries for workers who wear them for long periods.
Conker Wearable Devices
Conker is a leading producer of rugged wearable devices in the UK, with a range of products designed to provide reliable and efficient solutions for businesses in various industries. The company offers a diverse range of wearable devices, including the BG2, a pointing device that allows for easy and precise input on rugged devices, and the WC4, an Android PDA that enables fast and efficient data collection and communication.
Conker’s wearable devices are designed to be tough and durable, making them ideal for use in demanding environments. They are built to withstand harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, water, and dust, and can withstand drops and shocks, ensuring they are capable of enduring the rigours of everyday use.
The devices are also user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and ergonomic designs that ensure comfortable use even over extended periods. They are also equipped with advanced features such as long battery life, high-resolution displays, and powerful processors, ensuring they are capable of handling complex tasks quickly and efficiently.
Overall, Conker’s wearable devices offer a reliable and efficient solution for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve productivity in challenging environments. With their rugged design, intuitive interface, and advanced features, these devices are the ideal choice for businesses looking to optimise their workflows and stay ahead of the competition.
If you are looking for the right wearable tech for your business needs send us a message and one of our experienced consultants will be in touch.
Barcode Scanning Technology Is the Future of Retail Groceries
Even the tiniest retail business can benefit from using barcodes to streamline their operations. The latest barcode scanning technology used in many rugged smartphones and tablets can help retailers with their inventory processes. This is one of the most efficient ways to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Traditional scanning technology, according to experts, is not evolving fast enough to meet the changing needs of retailers. As a result, services are not provided fast enough to meet demands. On the other hand, mobile devices are constantly changing. In fact, one of the biggest changes is the availability of rugged smartphones in the market. By combining barcode scanning technology with rugged mobile devices, retailers may be able to solve their ever-expanding inventory management pain points.
The Importance of Barcode Scanners For Retail Operations
Barcode scanners are devices that read barcodes and decode information from barcodes. Barcodes are a series of vertical lines, often printed on a label, that represent data about a product or item. Barcode scanners use a laser or camera to read the barcode, which is then decoded and translated into readable text.
In retail operations, barcode scanners are essential tools for a variety of tasks, including inventory management, pricing, and checkouts. They allow retailers to quickly and accurately collect data about products, which can be used to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and save time and money.
Advantages of Scanning In Retail
One of the key advantages of barcode scanners is their ability to sort and classify products based on their barcode type. There are several types of barcodes, including UPC A and UPC E (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), QR codes (Quick Response), and more. Each barcode type has its own format and function, and barcode scanners can easily identify and categorize products based on their barcode type.
Barcode scanners can also be used to scan barcodes online, using apps or web-based tools. This allows retailers to access product information and manage inventory remotely, without the need for physical access to the products. This can be especially useful for retailers with multiple locations or large inventories.
What are Rugged Devices?
In our previous blog, we explained what rugged devices really are. To put it simply, rugged devices are more than the robust tools that you might think they are. Today’s rugged devices are advanced, versatile and extremely functional.
These are Android or Windows devices that are made to withstand harsh environments. They are created to meet key benchmarks like IP ratings. Conker’s rugged devices are made with the latest operating systems such as Android and Windows 10. Furthermore, a built-in barcode reader allows your employees to easily scan, save, and send data.
Choosing Barcode Scanning Technology For Retail
Improve Scanning Efficiency And Reduce Costs
The retail industry typically faces difficulties in keeping up with accurate inventory management. Businesses need to ensure that perishable products or those that have a limited lifespan, must be updated with the correct information at all times. Any waste of products can cause retail companies huge losses. In fact, a study by the Food Marketing Institute, says that an average grocery store has only a 1.2 percent profit margin after taxes. As a result, any unnecessary waste due to missed expiration dates can lead to a huge drop in turnover.
Furthermore, manual inventory can be extremely time-consuming and requires extensive manpower. This means errors can become commonplace. Any error in manual physical counting can lead to problems like excess inventory, incorrect orders, profit loss, and misdeclaration of out-of-stock items.
Having reliable and versatile scanning technologies is one method supermarkets can use to increase the efficiency of their physical counts. Many retailers are now scanning inventory with app-enabled mobile device cameras. The Conker SX50 2D with a built-in barcode scanner is an example of a robust device that retail stores can use for their businesses. This rugged Android smartphone is equipped with the top operating system, as well as a dedicated barcode scanner that can help you easily scan QR code and other types of codes.
Mobile barcode scanning technology has a lot of value in an industry where even little improvements in inventory management may make a major difference in the bottom line. Allowing employees to complete physical counts more efficiently can help retailers save money as it allows workers to focus on higher-value duties.
Improve Flexibility and Durability
Mobile rugged devices are a good choice versus traditional barcode scanners. This is because aside from their barcode scanning capabilities, these rugged devices are also flexible and come with a powerful operating system. Inventory management solutions are also less expensive and require little training as most individuals are already familiar with them. Through tools such as a rugged barcode reader, users can ensure that files and documents are properly saved in the right places.
Why Rugged Devices Are A Better Choice?
Compared to a regular consumer-off-the-shelf (COTS) device, rugged devices are known to last longer and perform better even in the most demanding environment. In a retail grocery store, barcode scanners need to be consistently used. They are exposed to high-traffic areas where the chances of falling or breaking are common. Using a rugged smartphone device with built-in scanners can help ensure downtime is reduced.
Consumer devices rely on the built in camera to scan barcodes where as specialised rugged devices with integrated barcode scanners have high performance scan engines that can read barcode faster and more accurately in varying light conditions and with challenging contrast. Some devices can scan at long range.
Device breakdown losses can easily get out of hand for small to medium retail grocery operations. Therefore, while you may pay more initially with rugged devices, this hardware is more beneficial than regular devices in the long run. It's important to understand the value of a comprehensive rugged device warranty.
Now a new trend is also starting with an increasing number of retailers adding wearable scanning solutions to their rugged device infrastructure.
Android or Windows OS
Today, there are a wide number of choices, including a choice between some of the most reliable operating systems in the market. When it comes to the operating system, it is important for retail grocers to see which one works best with their inventory management software.
Conker offers a range of rugged devices which operate either on Windows or Android. For Windows you can check out the popular and reliable Conker NS6, offering users a full Windows 10 operating system.
For rugged Android users, Conker SX50 and SX5L are the best choices. With long-range scanning, hot-swappable batteries, and fast processors as features.
To learn more about these products, be sure to have a look at our complete range of rugged devices. Alternatively, book a meeting with a knowledgeable sales consultant here.