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Manual data entry slows retail dock operations
Case receiving requires constant manual data entry from bills of lading which naturally creates bottlenecks. Warehouse workers must read and input complex shipment details by hand. This slow process becomes even more problematic when receiving volumes spike unexpectedly. Relying on cloud dependent processing during these peaks adds frustrating network latency and introduces unnecessary security risks as sensitive shipment data travels back and forth.
The delays caused by manual entry and cloud latency directly impact dock productivity and frontline worker efficiency. Operations slow down significantly and workers spend less time on high value tasks. High latency means longer wait times at the loading dock, which ultimately delays inventory availability on the floor and drives up overall operational costs for your business.
Automate data extraction on the edge
Organizations can eliminate these bottlenecks by equipping workers with the Zebra TC701 mobile computers. These rugged devices run powerful Frontline AI Enablers directly on the hardware. This unique combination allows your frontline team to automatically extract and securely process essential bill of lading data using multi-barcode scanning and text recognition right at the loading dock.
Potential benefits
Replacing manual data entry with edge computing creates a highly efficient retail receiving workflow. By adopting this technology, your organization will experience tangible improvements in both worker productivity and overall dock processing speeds.
Up to 42%
faster case receiving workflows
Up to 3 hours
recovered per worker per shift
Reduced cloud latency
with direct edge processing for enhanced security
How the solution works
Capture shipment data at the dock
Workers use the TC701 to capture bill of lading details as cases arrive, instead of stopping to key them in later. The devices support advanced scanning and OCR, helping teams capture barcodes and printed text in the same dock workflow. Running Frontline AI Enablers on the TC701 can further digitize receiving workflows by capturing printed alphanumeric shipping data and multiple barcodes to help process incoming freight faster. All this data is processed on-device, reducing network delays and token costs, keeping sensitive information local, and moving received information forward faster.
Capture multiple barcodes in one scan
Zebra Frontline AI Enabler Multi-Barcode Scanning, also known as the Barcode Localizer, helps organizations automate case receiving by capturing multiple barcodes in a single scan. This reduces repeated scanning steps, speeds up dock workflows, and helps workers process incoming freight more efficiently. Because the data is captured and processed on the device, teams can reduce cloud latency and keep shipment information closer to the point of work.
Recognize printed shipment text on the edge
Zebra Frontline AI Enabler Text Recognition, also known as the Text-OCR Recognizer, supports on-device recognition of printed alphanumeric text, helping workers capture bill of lading details without manually keying in shipment data. Processing this information locally can reduce network delays, lower token costs, and strengthen data security. This is because sensitive shipment information does not need to leave the local hardware environment.
Empower your frontline workers
Equipping your dock staff with advanced mobile edge computing drastically accelerates receiving times. Workers save hours every shift while the business benefits from secure local data processing that keeps the supply chain moving smoothly.
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.
