The worldwide logistics industry is worth approximately 5.5. trillion euros. With a 1.44% average shrinkage rate occurring, the losses and inefficiencies add up to billions.
The need for accuracy in identifying, handling, and processing packages is extremely important and one of the solutions to these issues is in wearables.
They eliminate time-wasting, improve the efficiency of staff and reduce stress in a fast-paced work environment. The computer/wearable is always on them, allowing them to do hands-free barcode scanning, input data, look up information, find parts, receive immediate alerts, receive new information and free their hands to operate more efficiently.
The pandemic has brought about a need for companies to keep their staff safe while effectively maintaining operations. These wearables have meant that social distancing can be implemented with more ease and effectiveness. Workers are able to keep their distance and be effective and efficient at their jobs at the same time. One of the features of these wearables is they are able to give the worker an alert when breaching the 1-metre social distancing requirement.
Wearables include:
- Smartwatches which can be combined with augmented reality (AR) capabilities that expand their possibilities even further. Applications are developed that take advantage of the high-quality cameras on consumer smartphones for use in barcodes and product scanning. When the information is received, the app can instantly display information about a product. Through artificial intelligence, these apps can identify text on printing labels and even recognise products themselves without a barcode.
- Truck drivers wear smartwatches that vibrate when it is time for them to take a break, or when they are changing lanes, and there is a car in their blind spot. They also wear glasses that through LED monitoring of the user’s eyes are able to alert them when they are nodding off to sleep.
- Smart glasses are used in the warehouse to scan barcodes, record video, and process information without having to lift a finger.
- These devices also create a safer employee work experience by alerting workers when their posture is unsafe and providing real-time feedback when the wearer is in motion. These functionalities prevent potential injuries before they have a chance to occur.
- Finger-trigger and ring scanners allow workers to do more with lighter, portable technology. Workers are handling a large number of packages all day long. Whilst the chances of contracting the virus, via packaging, is low but it is still important to reduce any potential possibility of contact.
Ensuring that workers know how to properly use and maintain their wearable devices is the first step in seeing a wider, more beneficial adoption. The increased safety, improved efficiency, and heightened worker confidence are major benefits in implementing wearables in the logistics industry.