Wearable devices, specifically wearable computers and wearable barcode scanners, aren’t necessarily new to the warehousing and distribution industries. Still, by most accounts, they represent the fastest-growing sector in the barcode data collection device space. Why is that? Has the technology changed dramatically to make it more appealing? Not really. There have certainly been some technological advancements, but what has changed is how some warehouses and distribution centers operate, making wearable devices more appealing and appropriate for these applications.
What is a Wearable Computer?
First, let’s define what we mean by “wearable” as it pertains to the typical warehouse or distribution center. In most cases, a wearable system consists of two components. One is a small, compact computer that is worn on the arm, generally somewhere between the elbow and the wrist. The other component is a barcode scanner that is worn either on the forefinger or on top/back of the hand, both typically worn on the same arm as the wearable computer. When the scanner is worn on the finger, it is typically referred to as a “ring scanner”. On the back of the hand, it is typically referred to as a “top of hand” scanner.
The barcode scanner must be able to transfer its scanned data to the wearable computer, so it is connected either through a cabled connection or using a wireless connection. If the connection is wireless, the scanner must have its own, self-contained battery which would make it slightly larger and heavier. If the scanner is designed for a wired connection, then it would draw its power from the wearable computer and would likely be smaller and lighter. The trade-off is that the battery in the wearable computer would have to do “double duty”, supplying power to both the computer and the scanner.
Why is the Popularity of Wearable Computers Increasing?
The basic functionality of a warehouse or distribution center hasn’t changed. Bring stuff in and keep it until it’s needed, then ship it out. However, the type of products and processes found in the warehouse is what has changed, driven mostly by the growth of e-commerce-based businesses. When the primary package moved in a warehouse is a pallet, crate, or box the frequency of scanning is likely lower. In a facility that is geared for “direct to consumer” (DTC) fulfillment, the amount of product handling “events” tends to be higher. In a DTC environment, the “picking” of items is no longer about pallets and crates, but individual items pulled from bins and collected with other dissimilar items and prepared in a package that will end up on a front porch instead of a receiving dock.
Picking individual pieces, instead of boxes, will generally result in two things (1)a higher scan rate (more scans per hour) and (2) a greater need to keep your hands free. Constantly picking up a barcode scanner to scan a label, and then setting it down so you can place the widget in a box is time-consuming. If the worker has both hands free by using a wearable, they can scan the barcode and package the item much faster. In addition, the ergonomics of a wearable computer are far superior to a handheld device. The user isn’t going through the repetitive action of grasping a device and squeezing a trigger to scan a barcode. To activate the ring or top-of-hand scanner, the user simply presses a button with their thumb, using a very natural action.
Ultimately, the wearable scanning system not only speeds up the scanning process but the overall workflow as well. Eliminating the amount of time it takes to pick up, scan, and set down (or re-holster) a handheld device is significant.
Does this mean that wearable scanning systems should only be used in a DTC fulfillment operation? Of course not. Wearable scanners can be used in almost any environment where a handheld device is used. In many cases, it simply comes down to personal preference and comfort. But if a specific application requires a fair amount of manual data entry, then a handheld device with an alphanumeric tactile keypad might make more sense.
The Mechanics of a Wearable System
Your workers will need to wear the device on their arm, as well as on their hand or finger. Some will embrace this approach and quickly enjoy the freedom of not having to carry and use a handheld device. Others will be reluctant to change.
Wearable devices will have limited tactile keypads available if any at all. Most will depend heavily on on-screen keyboards utilizing the touchscreen, which are notorious for typographical errors. “Auto-correct” software won’t fix errors found in unique entries like part numbers and quantities.
Compared to handheld devices, wearable computers are spared much of the abuse that handheld devices are subjected to. Anything that can be held in the hand, can and will get dropped. And once on the floor, even worse things can happen to it. Wearable computers are less susceptible to drops and should be more reliable. Users should experience less downtime, lower repair costs, and less disruption. In addition, it should be pointed out that because wearables are attached to their user and not carried, they are less likely to be misplaced.
Keeping It Clean: Sanitary Concerns for Wearables
Because the device comes into contact with the skin, consideration should be given as to the most sanitary approach to protect the user, especially if the devices are to be shared. It is probably best that even if the wearable devices are shared, the mounting bases and straps are not. Make sure the device uses hypoallergenic, medical-grade silicone to provide the primary contact between the device and the arm, and the strap that secures the device to the arm should be of a similar material or disposable.
Wearable Barcode Scanning Technology
The scanning technology options available in handheld devices are generally also available in ring and top-of-hand scanners, thanks to the continued miniaturization of these devices so that really shouldn’t impact the decision-making process. However, some wearable computers will promote integrated scanners as an alternative to ring or top-of-hand scanners, meaning that the barcode scanner is built right into the wearable computer. Know that these scanners may have limited depth-of-field and will certainly be more awkward to use. It’s far easier to “point” the scanner with your finger or your hand than it is with your arm.
In Summary…
Wearable scanning systems will save time, speed up workflow processes, be a better ergonomic solution for your workers, and tend to be more reliable than handheld devices. Because of these reasons, their deployment doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to DTC applications or even just to picking applications. In most cases, the wearable computer can replace the handheld device in virtually any task in the warehouse.
