As noted in the previous discussions, the current supply chain labor shortage is expected to continue growing parallel to the projected increase in the demand for faster order fulfillment. While many months away, the 2021 holiday peak season is estimated to yield over $206 billion in ecommerce sales alone, with 20% attributed to Cyber Monday and Black Friday, official kickstarts to the season. Whether projected or by surprise, sizable disruptions are harder to manage with a smaller workforce, which is why manufacturers and distribution centers must prioritize adaptable connectivity to keep teams unified.
In a list from easiest to most complex, the following initiatives have been common ways we’ve seen organizations strengthen communication channels within supply chains.
- Establishing available tech support for field and warehouse teams – When crucial devices break, current communication systems may fail. As a result, services like SMG3 Edge provide step-by-step assistance to preserve current connectivity solutions in and out of the warehouse.
- Adding push-to-talk capabilities into mobile computers – Automation has long been a popular trend in today’s warehouses since it empowers workers to eliminate repetitive manual tasks and the errors often associated with them. Newer enterprise-grade devices now offer push-to-talk capabilities to replace the need for additional 2-way radios. This means your workers can communicate from anywhere in the warehouse to provide real-time updates on inventory, pick routes, delays, and any other vital information.
- Upgrading WiFi and networking options to accommodate change – Along with automation, Internet of Things (IoT) has also been on the rise, which is why over 60% of warehouses have made plans to deploy 5G connectivity in order to ensure unbroken strong connectivity between assets and team members alike. Wireless services can be fully customized to embrace team size and work environment, giving you more flexibility to increase accessibility where needed most.
- Deploying real-time locationing for inventory and assets – While last on the list, integrating RFID technologies is less complex than previously imagined when done alongside careful piloting and expert insight. By tracking in-motion inventory and assets, your workforce gains actionable insight into operational workflows. This facilitates creating proactive reaction plans based on predictive analytics collected throughout your facility.
Maximizing connectivity efficiency will be a crucial necessity as we continue to navigate through the wide-spread labor shortage. As leaders in scalable solution planning, SMG3 is equipped with future-forward tools to keep your teams ahead of change. Contact us today to learn more about these initiatives or to explore new tailored solutions fit for your workforce.