Current state of technology in the warehouse

With warehouse management software becoming increasingly sophisticated and Windows based handheld computers and PDA’s taking advantage of the latest technology it is no surprise that many businesses are moving away from paper based systems to take advantage of new technologies.

A benefit of using a warehouse management system is to manage stock locations to improve speed and accuracy of picking. A system can decide where a product should be placed based on weight to ensure that heavy products are stored on low levels and frequency of picking to ensure that fast moving items are the closest to despatch.

The latest technology uses rugged handheld computers, such as the Psion Workabout Pro and the Symbol 9000 series, alongside dedicated software, increasing productivity through the use of voice recognition.

Why go wireless?
Incorporating handheld computers into a wireless network allows work to be distributed to warehouse workers in real time, whether in the cross dock, picking or despatch to maximise productivity.

Real time data transmitted between the handheld computers and the warehouse management system ensures that efficiency can be increased through workflow management and issues flagged up to be dealt with quickly and efficiently, improving customer service.

What about RFID?
There is growing interest in RFID tags as an alternative to bar codes, but currently the cost is too expensive for most applications. Due to cost RFID tags are currently used for automatically tracking higher value items and re-usable containers. Examples include pallets and plastic trays used by food manufacturers to supply supermarkets, the RFID tags increase speed and efficiency because a stack of trays can be read in one process.

Provided by Tony Mariani, Managing Director, AM Labels Ltd

For more information on warehouse management please call AM Labels on 01536 414222 or contact us online

Voice Technology - The Highlights

There has been plenty of talk about voice technology in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. Voice recognition is not new – receiving instructions and relaying information through a headset has been around for over a decade. Initial problems have been eradicated and voice technology is regarded as a mature technology.

Companies increasingly appreciated the benefits of voice recognition systems in many environments including order picking, goods replenishment and despatch.

The benefits of voice technology are:

• Staff operate hands free
• Improved accuracy
• Staff training is achieved in a matter of hours
• Increased productivity
• Reduction in paper work – no requirement for printed pick/put away lists
• Access to real time data
• Traceability of process and goods
• Greater transparency of every part of the business
• Improved customer service

The move towards voice applications is one of the most significant events in the warehouse and logistics industry and is set to go from strength to strength.

Tony Mariani, Managing Director of AM Labels comments: “These hands free systems are very affordable and can produce a return on investment in as little as ten months. The benefit of voice systems are that they can either be implemented from the start of a project or can be added at a later date by linking to an existing warehouse system. It is also possible that existing handheld computers can be upgraded to work with voice technology.”

Psion has developed a handheld computer with voice applications and integrated speech module, the WORKABOUT PRO Speech. This is the first of its kind in voice recognition devices. This intelligent computer enables users to order, select and put away items by voice, then scan a bar code, or read with an RFID transponder. The WORKABOUT PRO offers a new level of flexibility and freedom, to conduct a variety of tasks with one device, in the data collection environment.

The Psion WORKABOUT PRO and accessories are available from AM Labels Limited. For more information and technical advice on how this powerful technology can benefit your company, call our sales and technical teams on 01536 414222. Or visit the website at: www.amlabels.co.uk
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New Rugged Psion G2 Workabout Pro

The latest design and technology advances with the Psion Workabout Pro G2

The Workabout Pro G2 adapts quickly
and easily to your evolving business needs.

View Workabout G2 product details

This flexible and rugged handheld computer is easy to upgrade which makes it an ideal choice for customers operating in dynamic mobile markets.

Ideal for a variety of market applications including:

• Field Service
• Courier /Delivery
• Asset Tracking
• Meter Reading, Ticketing, Retail
• Warehousing and Manufacturing

Prices from: £636.66

PDA Guide

A guide to PDAs


Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers with many features including calculator, calendar, Internet connectivity, E-mails, address book, word documents and excel spreadsheets.

The latest PDAs have colour screens and audio and can be used as mobile phones, web browsers or media players. These PDAs can access the Internet and company intranets and networks through Wireless Wide-Area Networks.


Operating System

The main operating systems currently used in PDAs:

Palm - Developed by PalmSource for PDAs, it is designed to be similar to Microsoft Windows. Palm OS consists of basic applications including an address book, clock, note pad, sync and security software.

Microsoft Windows Mobile is a compact operating system combined with a suite of basic applications for mobile devices including Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket Outlook.


Synchronisation

PDAs can be sychronised with contact databases, e.g. Microsoft Outlook, on personal computers or remote servers. Synchronisation ensures that the PDA has an accurate list of contacts, appointments and e-mail, allowing users to access the same information on the PDA as the host computer.

Most PDAs come with the ability to synchronize to a personal computer. This is done through synchronization software provided with the handheld, such as HotSync Manager, which comes with Palm OS handhelds, or Microsoft ActiveSync, which comes with Windows Mobile handhelds.

Software

Like a personal computer, it is possible to install additional software on most PDAs. Software can be bought or downloaded from the Internet and stored in a memory card slot or hard drive. PDAs with Bluetooth can also utilise devices like headsets, mouse and keyboards.

Touch Screens

Touch screen PDAs, including Windows Pocket PC devices, usually include a stylus. Activating buttons or menu choices can be performed by using the stylus. Text can be inputted through a virtual keyboard or using handwriting recognition.

Rugged PDAs

Businesses and government organisations rely on rugged PDAs for mobile data applications. Applications include supply chain management in warehouses, direct store delivery, route accounting, medical treatment and record keeping in hospitals.

References: Information obtained from www.wikipedia.org and www.amlabels.co.uk