0:00 / 0:00
Manual data entry slows retail dock operations
Case receiving requires constant manual data entry from bills of lading which naturally creates bottlenecks. Retail 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
Retailers can eliminate these bottlenecks by equipping workers with the Zebra TC501 or 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.
42%
Speed up case receiving workflows by up to 42%
Recover up to 3 hours
per worker per shift
Zero network cloud latency
by executing direct edge processing for enhanced security
How the solution works
Accelerate receiving with fast scanning
Frontline workers utilize the Zebra TC501 mobile computer to scan incoming shipments. Using state-of-the-art scanning, including long-range color imaging allows high motion tolerance for rapid, "scan-and-go" simplicity even on damaged, dirty, or poorly printed labels. Processing occurs securely on the TC501 device itself without relying on external networks, keeping data local and keeping dock operations moving at a fast pace.
CTA: Learn about the TC501
Accelerate data capture in demanding retail environments
Retail teams facing extremely demanding environments deploy the Zebra TC701 mobile computer to maintain high productivity. To handle unexpected receiving spikes, the TC701 uses best-in-class scan engineswhich are designed for fast, accurate scans. The TC701 features on-device OCR solutions with flexible tools that enable workers to scan single words or entire lines on any document, instantly converting printed text into digital data.
Process data securely on the edge
Frontline AI Enablers drives the intelligence behind the data capture. Using the Multi-Barcode Scanning and Text Recognition Enablers, retailers can automate case receiving. This on-device processing reduces cloud latency and token costs. Retail operations benefit from immediate data extraction and enhanced security since the shipment information never leaves 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 and savings estimates 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.
