What are the top warehouse and delivery hardware items for the supply chain in 2023?
The warehouse and delivery hardware market has undergone major changes in the past decade. Improvements in technology have made it possible to develop durable and reliable handheld computers, wearable devices, printers and scanners that can withstand the rigors of a warehouse environment. In this article we’ll explore some of these new technologies and how they’re changing your supply chain operations and innovating your processes inside and outside the four walls across warehouse and delivery.
The Guide to the Top Warehouse and Delivery Hardware in 2023
Industrial Handhelds
Handhelds are an essential tool for any warehousing operation. They allow workers to quickly and accurately scan barcodes, RFID tags, and NFC tags. This allows them to track inventory and assets through the warehouse as they’re moved from one stage of processing to another, as well as track worker productivity and efficiency. Handhelds can also be used with warehouse management software that can report on shipping traffic in real time; this information can then be used to improve efficiency or avoid congestion problems. Finally, handhelds enable you to use real-time tracking technology so that you know exactly where a package is at any given moment—and when it will arrive at its destination!
The top three industrial handhelds in 2023 are:
- The Zebra Technologies TC58 Series- The Elite Option
- The Honeywell CK65 Series – The Ultra Reliable Option
- The Panasonic N1 – The Rugged Option
Industrial Wearables
While wearable technology is still a relatively new concept, it has become increasingly common in warehouses. Wearables are used for everything from time and attendance, to inventory control, and worker safety. They also have the ability to help you improve productivity, manage workflow, and even improve employee safety.
The top three industrial wearables in 2023 are:
- Honeywell 8675I Ring Scanner – The Slim Fit
- Lydia Voice Picking – The Accuracy Champion
- Zebra RS6100 Wearable Scanner – The Beast
RFID Hardware
RFID technology is a form of object identification. Tags can be read from great distance, making them ideal for warehouse operations where items are often moved through work spaces that have low visibility.
Tags do not require a battery and do not need to be in direct contact with the reader. The tag also contains unique identification numbers that identify specific products, allowing for quick inventory verification and product tracking capabilities.
RFID Readers come in wide variety of formats including but not limited to:
- Handheld readers: These handheld devices allow users to scan products as they move throughout the warehouse environment. Use of these units during manufacturing processes placed on the assembly line can help eliminate loss.
- Fixed readers: These units can be installed on walls at various locations throughout your facility. Employees can quickly identify what items are being stored on any given day
The top three RFID hardware items in 2023 include:
- Zebra Technologies RFD90 Ultra Rugged UHF RFID Sled – The Best In Class Handheld Sled
- Honeywell IH40 RFID Handheld Reader – The Ultra Affordable Option
- Zebra Technologies ZT600 Series RFID Industrial Printers – World-class RFID Printing
Mobile Printers
Mobile printers are a great addition to any warehouse space. They allow you to print shipping labels and receipts on the go! This can save you time, as well as money by reducing the need for employees to run back into the office just to print something. Mobile printers come in many different sizes and styles. We offer an entire array of handheld models that fit in your pocket to full-sized models that attach directly onto your forklift or pallet jack. While some mobile printers are designed specifically for business use (such as adding barcodes), others are geared more toward personal use (like printing photos). The top three mobile printers on the market today include:
- ZQ600 Plus Series Mobile Printer – Fast Printing on the Go
- RP2e Series Rugged Mobile Printer – The Nearly Indestructible Printing Partner
- ZQ300 Plus Series Mobile Printers – The Best Value Printer
Rugged Scanners
Rugged scanners are designed to withstand the harsh warehouse environment in which they’re used. They can be used for barcode scanning, RFID scanning, and OCR. Rugged scanners can withstand drops and bumps that would break other models.
The top three rugged scanners in 2023 are:
- Honeywell Granit™ XP 1991iXLR Ultra-Rugged Long Range Scanner –
- DS9900 Series Corded Hybrid Imager for Retail – Best in Class Retail Scanner
- Zebra Technologies RS5100 Bluetooth Wearable Scanner –
Software and Systems
A warehouse’s software and systems play a critical role in its efficiency. They enable you to better manage your inventory and make more informed decisions about how best to use your space.
In addition, having a software solution that is easy to use will help make sure everyone on your team has the training they need. This allows them to contribute their expertise and drive efficiency and accuracy in other areas of the business.
Here are three top solutions:
The mobile hardware market has evolved rapidly over the past 10 years. Manufacturers have worked hard to develop durable, reliable solutions that can withstand the rigors of the warehouse environment. Warehouse robots and other systems are now handling heavy loads and operating reliably in harsh conditions. They’re also easier to program and maintain than ever before, which means less downtime on-site for maintenance or repairs.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the warehouse tech market is booming. It’s also clear that there are still plenty of opportunities for growth and innovation. As more companies try out new warehouse and delivery hardware solutions, we expect them to find ways to improve their supply chain processes and increase productivity. As you can see technology in the supply chain is changing rapidly. Whether you are looking to deploy wearable devices, handheld computers, rugged scanners, or RFID printers and sleds 2023 will be an innovative year. This has been shown by many examples from our list above: from using wearable devices as part of a workforce management solution (like tracking an employee’s whereabouts), or using hand-held computers for inventory management purposes—these are just two examples which show how technology can be used in different ways depending on its type (i.e., handheld vs wearable).