Discover More in Our Blogs, Articles and Use Cases

How To Boost Wireless Connectivity in Warehouses?

Aug 18, 2022

There has already been a lot of discussion about digital changes and cellular connectivity in the media. Today's digital-first society is an excellent example of this, as new gadgets and tools are being leveraged creatively to connect brands with their customers. Supply chains and industrial storage facilities were not exempt from this trend, which affected a wide range of industries.


However, the logistics and supply chain industry may be pioneers in using wireless technologies. Warehouses and logistics organizations have previously been using RF and satellite technologies to transfer information and track and monitor products as they move through the supply chain long before smartphones and other Internet-enabled devices.


An ever-increasing demand for enhanced wireless connectivity in warehouses and logistics facilities has been spurred on by the growing popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT). Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) IoT innovations make it easier and more cost-effective for logistics and supply chain operations management to track items and assets. Rather than relying on pricey and limited standalone trackers, these solutions employ any connected devices.


An optimal and high-performing supply chain has been recorded by early adopters of these technologies among the largest logistics companies, with an average revenue growth rate of 7.9%. To take advantage of this opportunity, the other participants in the logistics industry should focus on strengthening their industrial warehouses' Wi-Fi networks.

 

wireless connectivity in warehouse.jpg

Warehouse workers can be connected by the wireless technology


Warehouse Trends in Wireless Connectivity

Warehouse productivity may now be improved with the help of cutting-edge equipment and software. These products are designed to automate processes, making them more error-free and productive. To take advantage of these new trends and solutions, warehouse managers must first have a solid warehouse wireless design. There are a few of these:


  • Location-Based Services (LBS)

Using LBS, warehouse management systems can track down things, devices, and assets in an automated manner. Using geolocation and geo-fencing technologies, warehouse workers may locate these products anywhere in the logistics complex, including offices and warehouses. Theft and pilferage are less likely with such measures in place.


  • For Big Data Analytics, Sensor Solutions

It is possible to employ sensors in wireless instruments like ESL and IoT devices to acquire information in various ways. In addition to temperature and humidity readings, the data gathered by these sensors also include real-time inventory figures. Wi-Fi-enabled sensors provide a wealth of information to warehouse management systems, allowing managers to make better decisions that can increase their warehouse's operational efficiency.


minewtag works in warehouse.jpg

How MinewTag works in the warehouse


  • With LED indicators, ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels)

With ESL solutions, inventories are more accurate, and warehouse operations are more efficient than traditional paper-based sticker labels. ESLs with built-in light indicators are a popular choice for industrial warehouses because of the wide range of products and possibilities. Warehouse workers can quickly find items, especially in large warehouses with several stockrooms. For example:


DZ026

With a 7.8mm body thickness and a 30g weight, DZ026 is a 2.6-inch ultra-thin ESL that exudes elegance and agility. It takes our engineers a long time to make each gram of weight reduction. DZ026's screen is 30% more transparent thanks to a 2.5D lens, which also improves its durability. AES-128 encryption ensures DZ026's safe and secure data transfer, even after immersion in 1m of water for 30 minutes.


DZ026 showcase video


  • Displays with User Interaction

With the advent of interactive displays like the ESL devices with button solutions (such as MinewTag STag29A), warehouse systems may now be upgraded. Using these buttons and interactive exhibits, warehouse workers can flip through numerous pages to find the necessary information. Additionally, these buttons can be utilized to send out system alarms or notify a single warehouse employee.


  • Smart labels for your goods and services

A compact and thin electronic label can be an intelligent item label. As a result, warehouse workers can get real-time information about particular objects or assets by attaching wirelessly connected labels. Additionally, the use of these labels makes inventory management considerably more manageable. RFID and geofencing capabilities can also help prevent theft and pilferage.


  • Smart Glasses for Assistive Reality

Maybe it would be good if we could use the incredible technology only seen in science fiction movies and television shows? Like spectacles or goggles that show real-time information from a central computer via an internal display. Already, such technology exists. Workers in the warehouse can employ IoT-enabled wearables like the aided reality smart glasses to automate their inventory procedures, which can benefit warehouse management. Making their daily tasks more accessible, more efficient, and less prone to mistakes would result.

 

A platform for Advanced Wireless Communication in Your Warehouse

Here are some tips and considerations for building an advanced wireless networking platform and system in your industrial warehouse. Consider platforms with modular setups, making it simple to alter and develop your warehouse as your company grows.


  • Install Your Wireless Network with the Help of a Trustworthy Partner

Wi-Fi networks and Wireless LANs perform best when their network architecture is well-designed and the efficiency of the tools, devices, and equipment installed in it. There are many systems integrators and service providers out there. Still, it's ideal to go with someone that knows a lot about new wireless network technologies like 3G and 4G, as well as more traditional ones like RFID and IoT, like 5G and beyond.


wireless connectivity.jpg

Wireless connectivity


  • Consider Your Device and Installing Options

To get the most out of your wireless network update, it would be wise to conduct a thorough inventory and assessment of all of the wireless-enabled devices, tools, and equipment in your warehouse. There are a variety of devices, including mobile terminals and RFID readers, electronic shelf labels, and IoT devices. All of these instruments have the potential to enhance the efficiency of your warehouse operations, but they must be appropriately connected.


Your wireless technology partner now has a better concept of how many warehouse wireless access point are needed and where these access points should be strategically placed in your warehouse facility after learning about the devices and equipment you will be using.

 

Conclusion:

Wireless connectivity is still being used in warehouse operations in many ways, as stated above. A solid and practical wireless network foundation is critical for warehouse facilities to utilize newer technology.