Use Case

Building a wearable ecosystem for high-volume logistics and RFID workflows


High-volume logistics and fulfilment operations face highly diverse workflow demands. To maintain a competitive edge, businesses must overcome the limits of one-size-fits-all hardware by adopting a tailored approach that enhances frontline productivity, accuracy, and operational agility.

A warehouse worker uses a Zebra WS50 finger-mounted mobile computer to scan a package while unloading boxes from a truck.

Diverse workflows demand tailored devices

In today's fast-paced logistics and fulfilment centres, forcing a single hardware solution across varied workflows creates significant operational friction. Some tasks, like rapid inventory counts, demand frictionless, high-volume RFID data capture where traditional, multi-piece RFID scanning systems can add complexity, increase worker fatigue, and slow operations. For RFID-specific workflows, consolidating RFID capture into a compact wearable form factor helps reduce unnecessary device handling while supporting faster, more comfortable movement.

Conversely, other complex sorting, picking, and routing tasks require larger, clearer displays for detailed user interaction and application navigation. When workers must use devices with small screens for these intricate workflows, error rates climb, leading to costly operational bottlenecks, mis-shipments, and customer dissatisfaction. This inefficiency is compounded by the IT burden of managing multiple, fragmented device platforms, which complicates updates, security, and support.

The high-volume logistics and fulfilment solution

Zebra's comprehensive wearable ecosystem provides a tailored, integrated solution that matches the right device to each specific task. By deploying a blended portfolio of ergonomic, hands-free hardware powered by a unified Android ecosystem, logistics operations can optimise worker productivity, reduce fatigue, and achieve new levels of accuracy and throughput.

Potential benefits

By transitioning from operational challenges to a solution-oriented approach, businesses can realise tangible, measurable outcomes that transform their logistics and fulfilment operations.

Optimised worker productivity

by aligning device form factors directly with workflow needs

Reduced worker fatigue

through ergonomic, hands-free device options 

Improved task accuracy

on complex sorting operations via clear display visibility

Simplified IT management and deployment

through a unified, scalable enterprise Android ecosystem

 

 

How the solution works

A logistics worker uses a Zebra WS501 back-of-hand mount computer to receive packages as they are being unloaded from a truck.

Streamline high-speed data capture

The process begins with workers engaged in fast-paced tasks like bulk scanning and inventory checks. These associates use the Zebra WS501-R, an innovative, all-in-one Android wearable that consolidates computing and RFID data capture into a single, compact unit. This eliminates the need for a separate computer and scanner, freeing workers' hands and allowing for truly frictionless movement and higher throughput in high-volume environments.

Enhance accuracy on complex tasks

For more complex workflows requiring detailed application interaction, such as sorting, picking, and routing, workers use the Zebra WT6400 Wearable Computer. This wrist-mounted device provides expanded screen real estate for clear visibility of operational data while supporting paired Zebra Bluetooth or corded scanners for barcode capture when the workflow requires it. By matching a larger wearable display with the right scanner peripheral, associates can navigate applications, capture data, and make decisions with greater speed and improved task accuracy, directly reducing errors and improving overall quality control.

A partnership for enterprise-scale success

By partnering with Zebra, you gain more than just hardware; you gain access to an innovative Android-based wearable ecosystem and a dedicated global supply chain capable of accelerating massive enterprise deployments to meet your toughest deadlines.

Let's discuss how Zebra's solution can work for you

Note:

Use case figures, savings estimates and images are illustrative only and may be derived from customer data, projections, or controlled testing. They do not represent guaranteed results, and actual outcomes will vary by application; customers should consult a Zebra sales representative to evaluate their specific environment.