The Importance of User Adoption When Scaling Your Operations

Three ways device rental can help with warehouse sector employee fluctuations when scaling your operations.

Introduction

During the past few years, there have been notable economic challenges that have impacted the demands of the warehousing sector. The seismic shift from the high street to ecommerce has turned the whole operation upside down. The consequent challenge of identifying whether this change is permanent, or to accurately predict the extent to which customers will return to the high street, causes planning issues for the longer term.

Technology and devices are key enablers to warehousing operations. By making sure they run smoothly, focus and drive productivity. As well as enabling scalability. If your devices fail to capture data, either by loss of battery power or by system integration failure, this can have compliance consequences and impact your supply chain – and ultimately your customers.

According to SOTI’s recent study , over three quarters (77%) of the UK’s transportation and logistics leaders believe that mobile-first technology will be critical to deliveries in just five years’ time. Your employees are integral to the entire warehousing process and its success. Employees and their acceptance and use of technology, cannot be separated from mobile computers and their capabilities. Including your staff as part of the decision-making process when swapping out your devices and when implementing new software and applications, is critical in driving user acceptance and adoption, leading to project success.

This article is two of six in the series with Datalogic and SOTI that will help with your device strategy considerations as part of a long term, critical business plan.

The three key ways Renovotec, SOTI and Datalogic can help with warehouse scalability are as follows:

1. Device plan flexibility

Organisations of all sizes and stages of growth require the flexibility to scale up and down as required, and as the economy changes. Seasonal fluctuations such as Black Friday, through to Christmas, and then the January sales, place huge demands on operational success and associated productivity targets. As the volume of staff increases, so too does the volume of devices. However, a permanent fleet of thousands of devices is often not required – the request may be relatively short term. Working with business partners that understand this way of working can provide the required flexibility and integration, and support is key.

“Device trials and rentals at Renovotec extend across our entire portfolio, to enable the warehousing sector to adapt in these rapidly changing times. Commitment is hard when there is so much flux, however, we have the ability to adapt and adjust to our customer base and will continue to support trials of our key MDM software partner SOTI, and our core device manufacturers, such as Datalogic” Richard Gilliard, Renovotec Managing Director.

Empowering your workforce

There is also the need to test devices with new or temporary staff members to ensure they are fulfilling the required needs of the business, prior to a longer term commitment.

Warehouse employees need to be able to use their devices at a range of heights, across hundreds of square feet and for extensive periods each day. Their involvement and feedback into the device selection strategy is key. Features such as an ergonomic design, with long life batteries and extensive barcode reading, enable staff to work without interruption and with greater satisfaction.

Other Datalogic device features such as lockable charging stations, being Android Enterprise Recommended and having an integrated camera for proof of delivery, keeps workflows moving and projects on track.

Our continuous innovation is supported by over 40 years in the industry. Our cutting-edge solutions help to increase the efficiency and quality of processes in the Retail, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics and Healthcare industries, and along the entire supply chain” Stephen Butler, UK and Ireland Country Mmanager, Datalogic.

2. Device Configuration, Security and Support Management

When the devices have been tested, accepted, and chosen, their configuration and management is simplified by utilising SOTI’s MobiControl Mobile Device management solution. This helps to keep the device fleet secure and enables rapid resolution of any day-to-day support issues. It also ensures the devices are functioning, and in the hands of staff in minutes.

“When investing in devices, it is key to the project to get a functioning device into the hands of your users as soon as possible. Devices need software updates, profile settings and a whole host of security features and these all need on going management. SOTI MobiControl enables provisioning of devices in minutes, keeping momentum with projects, reducing total cost of ownership whilst keeping business operations moving.” Richard Gilliard, Renovotec Managing Director.

Supporting your operations

71% of UK IT Managers state their focus is to reduce downtime of devices in the field. The SOTI One Platform has additional functionalities such as SOTI Assist, enabling support teams to remote into each device for rapid resolution of device issues in the field. Dialing into the device removes the need for each user to answer various technical questions. As well as helping IT Support to take photos of screens and share this information with their teams for future calls.

From a security point of view, having SOTI MobiControl allows businesses to locate lost or stolen devices, and wipe them of sensitive information. Also, creating lockdown features to prevent access to specific applications or browsers is key for compliance when entering different buildings or zones. As well as maintaining productivity.

“Projects can often lead with budget first and roll out plan second. Our approach is focused on the end user: thinking through the user adoption, who will be using the handsets and what they need to improve their daily role. This is key to the longevity of the devices in field, their adoption, and to ensure an easy and enjoyable experience, with excellent remote support to keep business operations moving and to reduce downtime.” Sarah Edge, Sales Director, SOTI UK.

3. Employee satisfaction and retention of core talent

Employment in the Warehousing sector has several challenges. The growth in online retail has led to the opening of more remote large distribution centres, where finding staff is costly. Social distancing requirements during COVID, through to enhanced automation in the warehouse have also made it harder to recruit and retain staff. Building a workforce culture that embraces automation, enables technology to support a digitally integrated workforce. Thus allowing enterprises to keep a very dispersed team on the same page logistically and moving towards the same goals.

Having the latest devices and technology at hand enhances speed and efficiency in the role and ultimately, helps staff feel in control and achieve their targets and associated bonuses. It can also reduce repetitive tasks and associated errors.

Wearable scanners

Introducing wearable scanners on a glove alongside mobile computers, with their light weight, fast scanning, long battery life, quick charge capability and unique notification features. Thus helping users to maximise the efficiency of their operations with a quick return on investment.

Likewise, keeping these devices active with the latest software pushed to them, with the ability to troubleshoot remotely to avoid device downtime, ensures smooth warehouse operations and avoids workforce frustrations.

“Our Datalogic devices, such as the Memor 10 PDA, offer the power and performance of a smartphone with the user-friendly experience of Android, in a slim and compact device with an integrated 2D imager. The Memor 10 also incorporates Datalogic’s industry-first wireless charging system for ultra-reliable contactless charging, paired with a 1-piece swappable battery for the best operating advantage.” Stephen Butler, UK and Ireland Country Manager, Datalogic.

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