Intermec’s Workflow Solutions Reduce Costs and Increase Efficiencies
Mis-Picks Cost Businesses Nearly $390,000 Per Year According to Intermec Study
According to a study recently conducted by Intermec, distribution centers are losing an average of nearly $390,000 per year due to mis-picks. With a new year bringing renewed pressure to boost efficiencies and drive costs down, the demands for faultless distribution processes have never been higher. Achieving productivity and accuracy goals is fundamental to improving profit margins, which is why more than half (59%) of managers are now turning to ‘The Perfect Order’ metric to identify areas for improvement.
The study, which surveyed 250 supply chain and distribution managers across the US, UK, France and Germany, found the average mis-pick costs approximately $22, with more than half (52%) of companies reporting a pick rate of less than 97%. A further 19 percent do not even measure the costs of mis-picks in any form, suggesting that the accumulated losses to the supply chain may be even higher.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, companies that have recently conducted a workflow process review found picking (47%) a key area where cost savings could most easily be achieved. For those using ‘The Perfect Order’ metric, opportunities for increased savings were clear, with complete shipments (43%) seen as the most profitable to the bottom line.
Motorola Announces The New MC45 Mobile Computer
Motorola has  announced the new MC45 mobile computer – its first WAN-based solution in a new category of mobile computers that address the needs of field-based mobile workers in cost-sensitive enterprises. The cost- and size-optimized MC45 is targeted at applications such as customer relationship management (CRM), sales order entry, inventory management, proof of delivery, direct store delivery (DSD) and route accounting, while expanding the range of solutions available for small- and medium-sized businesses and fast-growing emerging markets.
Designed to help value-conscious enterprises affordably automate business processes in field mobility applications, the MC45 is ideal for field service/sales opportunities as well as the transportation and logistics industry. The rugged and ergonomic MC45 offers wireless LAN (802.11 a/b/g) and WAN (3.5G HSDPA voice/data) connectivity along with a large outdoor viewable 3.2″ display, numeric keypad and a full-shift battery with power management capabilities.
Honeywell Launches the Thor VM2 – Next Generation Vehicle-Mount Computer
Honeywell has announced the Thor VM2, its tenth generation vehicle-mount computer (VMC) that provides the mobile workforce with unprecedented flexibility and productivity. Featuring a larger 9.7 inch XGA display screen, the Thor VM2 builds off the successful Thor VM1, utilizing breakthrough mobile technology to create immediate time savings and protection against unplanned disruptions in the supply chain.
Equipped with a field-replaceable front panel, the Thor VM2 integrates the two most damage-prone device components, the keyboard and touchscreen, into a user-replaceable part. As a result, users can repair the most common forms of vehicle-mount computer malfunctions on the go, reducing maintenance cost and spare parts capital cost.
CK3B, CK3N, CK3BC: End-of-Build Notice
For more than four years, the CK3B, CK3N, and CK3BC Series provided rugged mobile computing for users in many environments and markets. With the introduction of the CK3X and CK3RÂ mobile computer series, Intermec is providing advanced notice on the retirement of the CK3 Series line of mobile computers. The CK3B, CK3N, and CK3BC mobile computers will reach end-of-build July 28th, 2013. This alert does not apply to the CK3G series mobile computers.
Due to the popularity of the CK3B, CK3N, and CK3BC mobile computer lines, please note that from April 2013 until the end of build in July 2013, orders received will be subject to product availability.
Product Migration
The CK3XÂ and, in some circumstances the CK3R, are the recommended solutions for customers seeking a CK3 Series migration path.
Introducing the New Wasp HC1 Mobile Computer
Wasp Barcode has announced the latest edition to its robust mobile computer line-up with the launch of the HC1 Mobile Computer with 26-key numeric keypad. While the 26-key numeric might be new, the already popular HC1 Mobile Computer with QWERTY 44-key keypad continues to gather rave reviews.
he Wasp HC1 mobile computer combines fast, reliable, rugged construction with the flexibility and versatility you need for today’s aggressive business environments. Effectively scan 1D barcodes with the HC1’s integrated laser scan engine, and instantly download your data back to a PC using the built-in 802.11 a/b/g wireless connectivity
Intermec’s 70 Series Now With Integrated RFID
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Intermec has announced the soon to be available integrated RFID capabilities for its CK70, CN70 and CN70e mobile computers. Part of Intermec’s industry-leading 70 Series family, these no-compromise devices now offer a fully-integrated UHF RFID reader with no external antenna – adding advanced RFID reading capabilities to what is already one of the industry’s most compact, ultra-rugged designs.
Designed specifically for customers seeking a mobile RFID solution in demanding in-premise environments, the Intermec 70 Series RFID reader platform supports medium to long-range read distances and is optimized to read one or many tags in support of inventory and asset tracking applications in retail, healthcare, industrial and government market segments. Additionally, the 70 Series RFID does not compromise size and weight; with a fully integrated design utilizing Intermec’s IM11 embedded module, along with an internally housed antenna, customers can experience advanced RFID read performance while maintaining the already-compact form factor of the 70 Series mobile computers.
Motorola to Bring Windows Embedded 8 Handheld-based Devices
Motorola, a leading provider of mission-critical communication solutions and services for enterprise and government customers, has announced that it is expanding its enterprise mobile computing portfolio to include devices built on the Microsoft Windows Embedded 8 Handheld platform. This expansion brings Windows Phone 8 technologies to enterprise customers, providing an innovative addition to Motorola’s portfolio of devices built on the Windows Mobile and Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 platforms and enhancing Motorola’s future solutions.
Finding The Right Mobile Computer
With all of the options available on mobile computers today it can be a real challenge choosing the right one for your application. Concerns like ruggedness, wireless communications, operating system, and scanner type are key to ensuring the unit you choose will perform well for you.
Luckily, we have a great buying guide to help make the process easier - Mobile Computer Buying Guide. This guide will cover the essentials so you can have a clear picture of the type of device and the features you need. Once you know what you need from the device choosing a suitable model is easy!
As with any product, if you have any questions or need any help feel free to contact us.
Manage All Your Mobile Devices With Honeywell’s Remote Mastermind
Managing all your mobile devices can be a challenge when they are constantly in use out in the field. Luckily, Honeywell has their Remote Mastermind device management tool. Â This simple tool allows you to track and manage all your Honeywell as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.
This video is a great primer into the features and use of Renote Mastermind.
REWE Chooses Datalogic’s Elf PDA for Their Mobile Data Collection Needs
When REWE identified the need to improve their mobile data communications throughout their various locations; they turned to the Datalogic Elf PDA. The Elf PDA transmits information on items, prices, shelf replenishment and inventory automatically and in real-time with the REWE systems.
The REWE Group looks towards maximizing speed and optimizing the store management in its branches by the end of the year through the implementation of the 8500 Elf PDA units, worth several million Euro. The initial installation of these units is transmitting various amounts of data between the branches and the central information center of REWE via radio communications. By choosing the Datalogic Elf PDA, REWE has invested in a technological, ergonomic and sustainable solution.
