Zebra Technologies Corporation, an innovator at the front line of business with solutions and partners that deliver a performance edge, has announced Signet’s deployment of Zebra’s WT6000 wearable computer and RS4000 1D corded ring scanner to help modernise its warehouse operations.

Signet is one of Australia’s leading distributors of warehouse consumables, packaging, safety and cleaning supplies, with six distribution centres across the country.

Signet dispatches over 6,000 orders for businesses every day. Its customers benefit from low prices, bulk buy discounts and the convenience of products always being in stock and delivered on time.

Signet’s warehouse workers were previously using handheld mobile computers to pick and scan cartons, which at times resulted in picking errors and manual handling strain through repetitive tasks and the picking of heavy items. After deploying Zebra’s easy-to-use wearables, Signet’s warehouse workers’ productivity increased by up to 40% through reducing their overall picking time, thereby resulting in significant operational cost savings.

“Zebra’s wearable devices have significantly improved our warehouse staff’s efficiency, time spent on picking orders and overall accuracy. The solution has allowed our staff to free up both their hands while picking orders, which reduces the risk of manual handling incidents. Ultimately, Zebra’s solution helped our operations save a significant amount of time and cost,” said Allen Notley, Warehouse Manager (QLD), Signet. “Further, thanks to the familiar Android user interface, our warehouse staff have quickly adapted to using Zebra’s wearable computers, greatly reducing training time and maximising our return on investment.”

As Signet’s previous handheld mobile computers were running on the Windows Operating System (OS), their previous devices were exposed to potential data security risks because the extended support of Windows Embedded and Mobile OS is no longer available. The switch to the Android-powered Zebra mobile computers has helped to mitigate these risks.

“According to Zebra’s Warehousing Vision Study, 73% of decision makers plan to invest in wearables over the next three years as they are user-friendly, secure and easy-to-manage,” said Tom Christodoulou, Regional Director of Australia and New Zealand, Zebra Technologies. “Zebra’s wearable solutions are an important aspect of the warehouse modernisation strategy for any forward-thinking company.”

Signet worked with Zebra’s channel partner, insignia, which provided overall support from the preliminary research carried out to identify the right solution to the technology deployment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Zebra’s industrial wearables improved Signet’s worker productivity by up to 40% and translates into significant operational cost savings.
• By leveraging on Zebra’s WT6000 and RS4000 wearable solutions, Signet joins the 73% of forward-thinking decision makers who are on track to modernise their warehouses.
• Zebra’s solution effectively transitions Signet’s warehouse operations from Windows Embedded and Mobile OS to Android OS, which reduces training time required because of its familiar user interface.