Unleash Hands-Free Comfort and Productivity With Wearables

In today’s work environment, processes are constantly evolving, requiring employees to spend an abundance of time learning how to use new technology. Companies are at risk of allowing technology to complicate their employees’ day-to-day tasks and reduce their overall productivity. To avoid this, companies must provide employees with technology that is simple – easy to order, easy to deploy and easy to pair.

This is where wearables step in – offering the operational flexibility needed to replace complexity with productivity. In order for workers to move as fast as possible, their hands must be totally free to pick up, sort, put-away, replenish and pack items. Wearables offer a unique solution to this issue, helping employees streamline operations and flow through their tasks without traditional interruptions.

Wearables offer benefits that are revolutionising traditional practices and enhancing overall efficiency for supply chains. The next generation of hands-free wearables can boost productivity by up to 30%, enabling three people to virtually do the work of four. But how? Wearables foster agility when it comes to managing inventory, logistics and distributions, allowing workers to make informed decisions promptly. By facilitating hands-free interactions, this not only boosts productivity but also reduces the risk of errors and accidents. Additionally, wearables minimise training time for new hires, allowing workers to jump into a new job and feel productive from day one – because neither you nor your workers have the luxury of month-long onboarding periods.

Some of the most popular wearable devices on the market today are ring scanners and wrist-worn computers, and for good reason.

The Benefits of Ring Scanners

When the job calls for simple, ergonomic and effortless wearable scanning, ring scanners are the answer. These small but powerful scanners attach to workers’ hands for an instant productivity boost — enabling them to process more orders, increase order accuracy and meet the fastest delivery times.

The RS2100 from Zebra Technologies is one of the smallest enterprise wearable scanner on the market. Its back-of-hand design delivers a new level of comfort and dexterity, meaning your employees will be able to work easily in any environment. But why else should you consider the RS2100 scanner?

Firstly, your workers can rest assured the battery will last even with the most rigorous scanning. This scanner is practically weightless and boasts the lowest profile on the market, enabling effortless picking even in the tightest spaces, and leaves the entire palm free, enabling a better grip on items they are handling.

The RS2100 is so easy to use that there’s no need for training — onboarding is nearly instant. The unique adjustable strap fits comfortably on all hand sizes — they just grab a right or left-hand version and go. With PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology, workers can count on lightning-fast capture of virtually any 1D and 2D barcode, even if its damaged, poorly printed or dirty. The wide field of view provides a large ‘sweet spot’ allowing workers to easily capture any size barcode with point-and-shoot simplicity.

With Device Tracker, you can also pinpoint the location of a missing RS2100, whether it was left behind in a break room or on a warehouse shelf, and set thresholds to ensure you’re alerted immediately when devices are missing. The RS2100 may be tiny, but it’s built for work, designed to handle drops, bumps and spills. It’s been thoroughly tumble-tested and can take 1,000 consecutive 1.64 ft./0.5 m drops to concrete. It’s also sealed to IP54, able to handle a range of dust and spills.

Furthermore, it’s compatible with any Zebra mobile device, as well as consumer smartphones, tablets and Windows PCs. No matter what host you choose, pairing is easy!

The Benefits of Wrist-Worn Computers

Wrist-worn mobile computers are another great option for workers who might be picking orders, sorting goods and managing inventory in the warehouse, distribution centre and manufacturing plant. These devices are packed with innovations that enable unmatched productivity through a new level of hands-free comfort, flexibility and ease of use.

When it comes to wearable computing, display size is crucial – to maximise efficiency, workers need to view and seamlessly interact with the information required to complete a task on a single screen. The WT6400 is the latest breakthrough in Zebra’s wearable computer portfolio and a leader in its class, boasting a 4.7-inch display that practically works in any condition — when wet, with heavy gloves and even in the freezer. And the specially designed bezel around the display provides additional protection against the inevitable everyday bumps that a wearable computer will endure — giving you peace of mind in a fast-paced demanding work environment.

The WT6400 also comes with an integrated keypad for any workflows that require intensive manual data input. Its strategic and compact placement allows both right and left-handed accessibility and increases user comfort by reducing arm fatigue. And the keys are optimally sized and purposefully spaced to enable workers to quickly and easily press only the key they want — even with gloves.

Furthermore, all internal system components are freezer-rated to ensure application performance and processing speeds aren’t impacted by the cold. Its extended battery provides full-shift power, even if workers spend the bulk of their shift in the freezer. The rugged design is built to last for years, with specially designed plastics to provide the same level of shatter protection both inside and outside the freezer.

The Takeaway

Prioritise your front-line workers by deploying user-friendly and efficient wearable technology that is tailored to their needs. This will enhance productivity, minimise training periods and foster a more streamlined operational environment. Wearables provides a unique opportunity for you to deploy highly immersive technology, that will provide your workers with full autonomy and the necessary confidence they need feel valued and boost their productivity.

Learn more about the RS2100, WT6400 and Zebra’s range of wearables.