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The high cost of inefficient receiving
This integrated solution directly addresses the critical challenges of inefficiency inaccuracy that plague the inbound receiving process. The receiving dock is the place where you take ownership of your inventory, and errors introduced here cascade downstream, causing significant operational impact. Time-consuming, manual processes lead to errors, while these labor-intensive processes create delays that disrupt production schedules and inflate operational costs. This disconnect between the capabilities within your system of record and the physical process on the floor represents a significant, untapped opportunity for improvement.
The automated materials receiving solution
This solution connects the system of record to the frontline worker, creating a single, continuous workflow from truck arrival to goods receipt. By combining Zebra’s intelligent data capture hardware and software enablers, manufacturers can fully activate their system of record investment where it matters most: the plant floor.
Potential benefits
Automating this labor-intensive process and connecting the receiving dock to the system of record turns a cost center into a source of efficiency that improves speed and reduces errors.
Accelereate case receiving operations
by 42%
Save three hours
per worker per shift
Reduce pallet scan time
over 90%
How the solution works
Automatically extract document data
The process begins as materials are unloaded. A receiving associate uses a Zebra TC501/TC701 mobile computer to capture an image of shipping documents. The Text Recognition Enabler detects characters within the image, extracting key data from documents such as a BOL, ASN, or PO. The technology also reads unstructured text on cases, such as expiration dates or lot numbers, removing the need for manual inspection.
Efficiently capture all pallet barcodes
Next, using the same device, the associate validates the pallet contents. The Multi-barcode Scanning Enabler captures data for an entire pallet in one motion. Leveraging on-device AI, the system analyzes a single image or video frame to detect and identify dozens of barcodes simultaneously dozens of barcodes on a mixed-SKU pallet simultaneously. This validates that everything on the pallet matches the system records associated with the receiving documents, reducing pallet scan time by over 90% and attacking inefficiency.
Integrate data directly into SAP
The captured barcode and text data flows seamlessly into a Custom Mobile Interface Software application running on the Zebra device. This software provides a guided, role-based workflow that simplifies the user experience and posts the data directly into the SAP S/4HANA system. This removes a major source of inventory inaccuracy, ensures compliance, and provides real-time visibility into received goods.
Expert partners for SAP migration
For organizations migrating to the SAP S/4HANA, ISV partners like Havensight, Synactive, and The Config Team are critical. They specialize in transforming complex SAP screens into fast, guided mobile experiences and simplified, role-based workflows. Their expertise ensures that the transition to S/4HANA is seamless for frontline teams, accelerating user adoption and maximizing the return on the investment.
Transform your goods receipt process
By leveraging AI-powered enablers on a single device, this solution automates data capture, increases the speed of receiving, and ensures data accuracy from the moment goods arrive. It unlocks the full value of your system of record investment by activating its intelligence at the point of work.
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.
