Topic: Mobile & Wireless

From augmented reality to the “voodoo of voice” to the sunset of Windows mobile operating systems, here are five voice-related trends that are impacting warehouses and DCs right now.

With more than 900 exhibitors, a record number, there’s bound to be plenty of innovation and ideas on hand to help attendees “Solve for X” at the materials handling industry’s premier trade show and educational conference, sponsored by MHI.

Wearable technologies are nothing new in warehouses. For decades, equipment such as ring scanners, arm-mounted devices, and voice headsets and terminals have made warehouse processes more productive and accurate. That doesn’t mean, however, that wearables are standing still.

In an era where making the "business case" for technology investments isn’t always easy, image-based barcode scanning stands on its own when it comes to ROI.

By taking the process to the product, mobility enables a more streamlined, more accurate and faster approach to warehouse and DC management in today’s e-commerce age.

Both legacy and modern technology leaders agree that leveraging API connectivity is critical in keeping up with the pace of a world that demands not only speed and agility, but also a deep level of visibility. During this session a panel of technology and industry experts discuss impact APIs can have on annual net income and market capitalization.

With the objectives of expanding into new transportation modes and growing its product’s data intelligence and analytics capabilities, Chicago-based project44, a technology services provider offering standardized, secure Web service API (application programming interfaces) integrations enabling 3PLs and shippers to connect with carriers in real time, said today it has closed a $10.5 million Series A investment of growth capital.

The Port of Oakland today introduced two smart phone applications that could transform containerized cargo handling at seaports.

Logistics managers seeking yet one more forecast as the year gets underway, may wish to check in with Rodger Howell, PwC’s Strategy& Principal, specializing in strategy and operations. He sees a few key areas that should be central to corporate efforts during 2016.

Seeking better efficiencies and workforce productivity, logistics organizations are slowly, but consistently embracing the idea of mobile technology within the four walls.

The growing complexity of transportation management is driving more logistics operations to explore mobile options. Whether they’re monitoring assets, human resources, or more efficiently scheduling deliveries, logistics organizations are turning to mobile tools to help achieve new efficiencies outside the warehouse and DC.

The results of the 2014 GS1 US Standards Usage Survey show that apparel and general merchandise manufacturers and retailers are using item level Electronic Product Code (EPC)-enabled radio frequency identification (RFID) to enhance inventory visibility and respond to consumer demands for omni-channel options.

The quest to improve worker productivity and enhance order accuracy in an omni-channel distribution environment is pushing more warehouse and DC managers to increase investment in warehouse mobility solutions. According to market thought leaders, not only has mobility arrived, but users are pushing for the next generation.

Our top technology analysts give us an in-depth look at the current penetration of wireless and mobility outside of the four walls and offer their outlook on the future of real-time, 24/7 supply chain monitoring.

Faced with booming volumes and subsequent picking challenges, a leading plumbing and heating products distributor integrated voice picking with its warehouse management system (WMS). They’re now fulfilling record volumes more accurately in less time and with fewer people. Here’s how they’re getting it done.

The RFID market is showing signs of steady growth as companies work to achieve a meaningful return on investment in specific areas of given processes.

Earlier this month, global third-party logistics (3PL) services provider CEVA Logistics introduced its new Mobility Suite, which it said is a strategic mobility and shared-network suite of solutions leveraging its TMS, CEVA Matrix.

Our Technology Correspondent offers an in-depth look at how voice and mobility are driving speed and efficiency inside today’s more automated, multi-functional distribution operations.

Top industry analysts define the leading wireless and mobility trends that are helping logistics professionals work smarter and faster in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Retailers and solution providers are once again talking about the Internet of Things.