The company, a worldwide leader in temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics, operates more than 450 facilities across 18 countries. Recognised for its critical role in the global food supply chain, the solution rollout follows a successful proof of concept at both locations, where Dematic Voice demonstrated its ability to improve operational efficiency, enhance user satisfaction, and address longstanding challenges. With features such as advanced voice recognition and gamified workflows, the solution streamlines processes across diverse operational environments.

“The feedback from our customer’s operations team was overwhelmingly positive,” says Robert Deane, Connect Workforce Solutions (CWS) Sales Manager, Southern Region & New Zealand at Dematic ANZ. “Operators were impressed by the system’s voice recognition capabilities and intuitive interface. One of the most common questions our customer received from their team was, ‘When can we start using this?’ The success of the proof of concept confirmed that Dematic Voice was the right choice.”

From challenges to solutions

Dematic Voice will replace a legacy system that was creating inefficiencies and operational challenges. The new solution introduces advanced features that increase productivity, streamline workflows, engage users, and improve accuracy.

“Our data shows that companies using voice technology as part of a broader warehouse optimisation strategy see productivity gains of 25–35% for case picking and piece picking,” says Deane. “This is especially important for facilities like our customer’s site in Melbourne, where operational scale requires extremely high efficiency.”

Voice picking has been shown to achieve accuracy rates of 99.8–99.98%, a significant improvement over other methods like pick-to-light (PTL). This precision is crucial in fast-paced environments such as cold chain distribution centres, where even minor errors can disrupt the supply chain.

Another standout capability of the solution is gamification through ‘CWS Reports, which introduces friendly competition to the warehouse floor. Tools like the Top Picker User List provide real-time insights into individual performance.

“The gamified elements of Dematic Voice are transformative,” says Deane. “Recognising top performers and fostering friendly competition encourages operators to consistently push for excellence. It’s a simple concept with a powerful impact on productivity and engagement.”

Additional features, such as Pick Quantity Countdown, provide operators with real-time updates on the number of items remaining for each pick. This feature ensures task accuracy and keeps operations on track. The solution also includes a visualised pick-list interface on Android devices and a Pallet Wizard, which is currently in development, to further optimise workflows.

Custom solutions for diverse operations

Dematic’s approach focuses on tailoring the solution to meet specific site requirements. This ensures that operators can work more efficiently and with greater accuracy, improving overall productivity and reducing operational strain.

“Our tailored approach allows us to align solutions with the unique requirements of each customer site,” says Deane. “At the Melbourne site, deploying headsets ensured a smooth and rapid transition, while the flexibility of Dematic Voice at the Adelaide site demonstrated its ability to integrate seamlessly with Android devices. This adaptability, along with advanced features like pick-list visualisation, has been key for enhancing productivity and accuracy across customer operations.”

A milestone in logistics technology

The rollout at the Adelaide site is underway, with thorough user acceptance testing and workflow finalisation, ensuring a smooth implementation. The collaboration between Dematic and our customer underscores the shared goal of driving operational improvements through innovative technology.

The deployment is expected to be fully operational across both sites in the coming months, providing this Dematic customer with a robust voice technology solution that speeds warehouse processes and meets heightened demands.

For more information, Contact Us today.

The post Leading Global Cold Storage Provider Adopts Dematic Voice Technology to Transform Warehouse Operations appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

Connected Workforce Platform (CWP)

Designed to give businesses a clearer view of their operations, CWP consolidates data from any warehouse management system (WMS) and connects it to mobile, voice, vision and AMR-enabled workflows, providing one platform for all device-driven activities within the warehouse. The result is greater efficiency, faster decision-making and simplified management of warehouse technology.

“CWP is an extension of Dematic’s Connected Workforce Solution (CWS),” explains Lee Koutsos, Director CWS, Dematic ANZ. “It’s the result of our consultancy-led approach, bringing together insights from working closely with customers to understanding their people, devices and processes and turning that into a flexible, intelligent platform that delivers real value. The platform is designed to build on and enhance CWS, giving businesses the visibility, control and adaptability they need as their operations grow more complex.”

Dematic’s new platform allows customers to visualise and manage key metrics, such as pick rates per hour, operator accuracy, congestion zones and order statuses in real-time dashboards. It also includes gamification features to drive team engagement and operator performance, while making it easier for supervisors to identify bottlenecks, configure workflows and respond to on-floor issues.

“Rather than adding more layers of technology, the new platform is all about making what you already have work better,” said Koutsos. “Most WMS platforms operate at a high level but lack the flexibility or speed to support day-to-day improvements. CWP bridges that gap by giving teams real-time insight and control without the need for costly customisation.”

CWP enables advanced picking logic, such as cluster and bulk picking and allows for smart consolidation based on worker location or warehouse zone. It’s compatible with a wide range of hardware, including handhelds, vehicle-mount devices, vision glasses and voice headsets, with infrastructure support provided by Dematic’s wireless engineering team.

The new platform also helps address a common challenge in today’s warehousing sector: high staff turnover. By providing a more intuitive, data-rich environment, CWP helps reduce onboarding time and creates a smoother experience for new hires and experienced operators alike.

“Retention is one of the biggest cost pressures in the industry,” says Koutsos. “With CWP, businesses can onboard faster, manage better, and give their teams tools that genuinely make their work easier.”

The launch of CWP builds on Dematic’s expertise in connected workforce solutions, combining deep warehousing knowledge with local engineering support and a consultative approach to operational improvement.

For more information, Contact Us today.

The post Dematic Launches Intelligent Platform to Unify Warehouse Operations and Devices appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

Unlocking Supply Chain Efficiency with Dematic’s Connected Workforce Solutions

Join us for an exclusive Lunch & Learn seminar hosted by Dematic’s Connected Workforce Solutions (CWS) division, where we’ll explore how businesses can transform their supply chain operations through a proven 5-phase mobility deployment roadmap.

Hear from industry leaders, including:

• Anusan Kandasamy, Head of Supply Chain Technologies at Yusen Logistics Australia, shares insights from Yusen’s digital transformation journey and how strategic technology deployments have delivered measurable results.
• Stephen Lawler, Northern Region Sales Manager at Dematic CWS, leads a high-performing team of mobility specialists helping businesses navigate growth challenges and elevate operational efficiency through tailored, modern solutions.

Event Details

Rydges Parramatta: 116-118 James Ruse Drive, Rosehill, NSW, 2142
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Event timings:

• Arrival & Registration: 11:00 am
• Presentation: 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
• Lunch & Networking: 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
• Event Close: 2:00 pm

Registration

Registration for this event is now closed. 

Guests attending the Dematic Lunch & Learn event will be provided with catered lunch & refreshments. If your organisation requires further information for compliance purposes, please contact us.

What You’ll Learn

• How to plan your mobility upgrade roadmap across 5 key phases:

1. 1. 1. ERP / WMS Integration
      2. WLAN Infrastructure
      3. RF Data Capture
      4. Transitioning to Voice / Vision solutions
      5. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)

• Identifying and quantifying operational pain points
• Managing deployments through peak periods and mitigating risks
• Building deep knowledge-based partnerships for long-term value
• Real-world insights from Yusen Logistics’ 3PL transformation

Why Attend?

• Discover how Dematic’s CWS team delivers expert guidance and scalable solutions tailored for ANZ businesses.
• Learn from real-world case studies and gain actionable strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and future-proof your operations.
• Network with peers and industry experts over a catered lunch.

Featured Speakers

	Anusan Kandasamy Head of Supply Chain Technologies – Information Technology, Yusen Logistics Australia Anusan leads Yusen’s technology strategy and innovation, driving automation and digital transformation across their national operations. His passion for emerging technologies and operational excellence makes him a standout voice in the logistics space.
	Stephen Lawler Northern Region Sales Manager – Dematic Connected Workforce Solutions Stephen leads a high-performing team of mobility specialists with deep supply chain industry knowledge. His team partners with customers to navigate growth challenges, streamline workflows, and elevate operational efficiency through modern, tailored solutions.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Seats are limited. RSVP now to secure your place at this exclusive event.

The post EVENT: Unlocking Supply Chain Efficiency with Dematic’s Connected Workforce Solutions appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

Voice technology has a longstanding history of transforming supply chains in Australia and New Zealand, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility at every stage of the process. As companies face increasing pressure to streamline operations and quickly respond to market demands, voice technology provides a powerful solution, enabling hands-free, real-time communication and task execution. Dematic, a leader in intelligent automation solutions, is at the forefront of this shift, offering innovative voice technology that helps businesses overcome key supply chain challenges.

Dematic Voice: The Basics

At its core, Dematic Voice uses voice recognition technology to guide workers through tasks like case picking and eaches picking. Instead of relying on handheld devices or paper-based systems, workers receive spoken instructions through headsets, which allows them to keep their hands free, improving efficiency and accuracy. Without needing to look down at a device or paper picking slip, operators benefit from improved visibility and awareness of their surroundings, which helps reduce the risk of safety incidents. This is particularly important in busy warehouse environments where safety is paramount.

Features & Benefits of Dematic Voice

Dematic Voice offers a range of features designed to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Companies that treat voice as a technology upgrade alone tend to see 5-10% productivity gains, while companies that utilise voice as part of a broader warehouse operations optimisation initiative typically experience a 25-35% increase in case picking productivity, and 45% or more in piece picking. This enhanced productivity can significantly transform operations and drive efficiency.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Flexibility & Agility: The system allows real-time prioritisation of tasks, such as handling cancelled orders. This agility down to the pick level ensures that operations remain smooth, even when last-minute changes occur.
• Quick Onboarding for Instant Productivity: Dematic Voice is easy to learn and workers using it can be productive within an hour, which is also helpful when bringing in new or temporary staff. When compared to the time it takes to learn other technology solutions, training time and costs can be cut dramatically with Voice, in many cases more than 50%.
• Seamless Operation During Outages: One of the standout features of Dematic Voice is its ability to keep working, even during signal disruptions. The system allows workers to continue picking without interruption, ensuring productivity isn’t affected by WiFi blackouts or other network issues.
• Optimising Picking Routes: The software uses predictive analytics to forecast labour requirements based on current workloads, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. This helps managers better plan and optimise their workforce, avoiding bottlenecks during peak times.
• Adaptive Learning for Accuracy: Dematic Voice employs adaptive learning to improve voice recognition accuracy. Whether it’s learning a worker’s unique voice patterns or being trained on specific words, the system continually adjusts to enhance performance.

Innovations in Voice Technology

Dematic Voice drives innovation in supply chain operations. With a dedicated software team based in Australia, Dematic is constantly developing new features to meet the evolving needs of its clients:

• Integration with Complementary Technologies: Voice picking can be combined with other technologies, such as vision systems, to increase accuracy when handling smaller or high-value components. This integration ensures that businesses can tailor their solutions to meet specific operational needs.
• Internet of Things (IoT): The use of IoT technology allows for real-time tracking and monitoring, giving businesses complete visibility over their operations. This can be particularly useful for inventory management, where accurate tracking is essential.
• Enhanced User Interfaces: Dematic has developed more intuitive and user-friendly voice interfaces. Tailored specifically for each customer, these interfaces use technology layering, allowing features to be turned on or off as needed. This flexibility ensures that the system remains efficient and adaptable, even as business needs change.
• Visual User Interface: In addition to voice instructions, Dematic Voice also offers a visual user interface for greater clarity and accuracy. This dual approach ensures workers have all the information they need at their fingertips, reducing errors and speeding up the picking process.

Customisation & Local Expertise

What truly sets Dematic apart in the market is its ability to provide a fully customised solution, designed around the specific needs of each customer. The process starts with consultancy, where Dematic’s experts work closely with businesses to understand their process flows, identify pain points, and develop a system that uses the right technology for the job.

Dematic’s software team in Australia is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions tailored to the local market. The company’s strong local presence also ensures that customers receive the support they need, whether it’s through consulting, project management, or ongoing 24/7 customer service.

Dematic offers tailored super-user training sessions, ensuring that teams are fully equipped to get the most out of their voice solutions. This “Hypercare” phase includes dedicated support during the go-live process, ensuring a smooth transition and immediate troubleshooting if needed.

The Dematic Difference: Market Leaders in Voice Technology

Having been a leader in voice technology for 25 years, Dematic continues to push boundaries and set industry standards. With an unmatched level of experience, the company has implemented voice solutions for some of the biggest names in retail, manufacturing, and logistics across Australia and New Zealand. Dematic’s ability to fine-tune and tailor all elements of a voice solution—whether it’s WiFi, devices, or software—ensures that businesses get a fully optimised system that works seamlessly in their specific environment. This commitment to innovation, combined with a strong local presence, means Dematic remains the go-to provider for voice technology in the region.

• Click here to continue learning about Voice Picking solutions.

The post Dematic Voice: Boost Productivity by 25-45%, Enhance Accuracy, and Improve Safety in the Supply Chain appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

As an industry leader, Dematic has a strong commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and maximising productivity in close collaboration with its customers, regardless of the size of the operation, or scale of the automation. The Dematic Real Time Logistics (RTL) division focuses specifically on optimising manual processes and pairing improved workflows with technology enablers, specifically warehouse WLAN, RF, Voice, Vision and AMR offerings. The RTL division leverages the local expertise of Dematic and its capabilities in warehouse optimisation across a range of industries, from manufacturing and wholesale to retail and third-party logistics operations, for greenfield as well as brownfield facilities. The best practice approach of Dematic reflects its unwavering dedication to understanding and responding to customer operational outcomes to deliver tailored solutions.

Understanding the Dematic Approach

At the heart of this approach lies a strong emphasis on the customer experience and working closely with customers in partnership. Dematic RTL begins its journey not with products, but with understanding unique customer needs. By immersing themselves in the operations of customers, the Dematic consultation and design team gains invaluable insights into workflows, pain points, and objectives – business, operational and supply chain. This customer-centric approach ensures that every solution is meticulously tailored to address specific challenges and to get the best outcomes.

Navigating the Customer Journey & Identifying Pain Points

Dematic RTL’s journey with its customers begins with a comprehensive walkthrough of its operations. Dematic starts by tracing the workflow backwards, meticulously analysing each step and identifying potential pain points/areas of inefficiency or waste. By working in reverse, Dematic can analyse how each step in the process contributes to achieving the desired output or end goal of the customer’s operation. This ‘Pull-through’ methodology is key to debottlenecking and determining operational constraints. By analysing operational flow and understanding the intricacies of a customer’s operations, Dematic RTL lays the foundation for a collaborative partnership aimed at driving tangible results.

One of the key features of Dematic RTL’s approach is its ability to uncover hidden pain points and inefficiencies that customers may not even be aware of. In many cases, pain points are only identified by a customer when a known solution exists – with broad industry knowledge and experience the RTL team often identifies potential improvements to workflows and unidentified pain points. These solutions once identified can seem obvious in retrospect and are easily implemented. Dematic ensures that its solutions deliver real value and efficiency gains to its customers.

Dedicated Software Engineers

Dematic RTL has a dedicated software team that implements interfaces between any WMS and a broad range of manual optimisation technologies. We know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and our software team is pivotal in our solution offering. Our software engineers are part of the solution from the beginning. Developing detailed Proof of Concepts (POCs) and then engaging in detailed operation flow workshops to scope out an optimised solution. The outcomes are customised workflows, device screens, voice tasks and vision user interfaces that provide the most beneficial outcomes.

Improved workflows, however, are only one part of the solution. Dematic RTL has a wide range of operational analytic reporting platforms to help track in real time the performance of the manual tasks and pivot when needed. Live streams on customised dashboards mean the operation team are presented with the data they need in the format they want it.

Dedicated Project Management & Technical Expertise

Dematic RTL assigns dedicated project managers and engineers to each project to oversee its execution and ensure smooth communication. These project managers act as a central point of contact for the customer and coordinate all aspects of the project, from planning to implementation.

Dematic RTL offers deep expertise in various technical areas relevant to warehouse and logistics operations, such as WLAN, RF devices, voice solutions, vision-guided tasks and operator interfacing automation. Dematic leverages this expertise to design and implement optimised solutions that meet the unique requirements of each customer.

Solution Agnostic Approach & Tailored Solutions

Dematic RTL remains impartial when recommending solutions, focusing solely on what is best for the customer’s specific needs. This includes an evaluation of a wide range of technologies and products to identify the most suitable options for each customer, regardless of the provider.

Armed with a deep understanding of customer requirements, Dematic RTL leverages the broadest array of technologies, products, and solutions to craft tailored offerings to meet the specific needs of each customer. Dematic considers factors such as the size of the operation, industry requirements, and budget constraints when recommending solutions. Whether it’s streamlining processes, enhancing connectivity, or optimising workflows, Dematic RTL’s solutions are designed to deliver tangible benefits and drive operational excellence.

Holistic Approach

Dematic RTL takes a holistic approach to warehouse optimisation, considering all aspects of the operation, from rack systems to automation. The approach also recognises that human performance is a crucial element of supply chain efficiency and as such the solutions are designed to optimise human workflows, productivity, accuracy, asset management, and more. This philosophy has resulted in the development of performance-enhancing layering such as gamification which focuses on the underlying psychological needs of staff and provides for a more engaging workplace, increased performance, and higher job satisfaction.

Throughout the project lifecycle, Dematic RTL provides comprehensive support. Dematic ensures that customers have access to the resources and assistance they need to successfully implement and maintain their solutions.

Essential to Dematic RTL’s approach is the POC, where proposed solutions are validated and tested before implementation. This real-life experience allows the operations to touch, feel and interact with the proposed solution and ensures alignment and transparency throughout the implementation process. With dedicated project managers overseeing every stage of the project, from conception to execution, Dematic ensures seamless implementation and timely delivery.

Ongoing Support and Service

Beyond implementation, Dematic RTL remains committed to supporting its customers through every stage of their journey. With dedicated technicians and a robust service infrastructure, Dematic RTL’s dedicated Customer Service team offers round-the-clock support and maintenance, ensuring that its range of solutions continues to deliver optimal performance. By offering comprehensive after-sales service and support, as well as a local repair centre, Dematic reinforces its commitment to customer satisfaction and success.

Dematic RTL’s approach is scalable, meaning it can accommodate the needs of both small startups and large multinationals’ distribution centres. Solutions are tailored to the size and scale of each customer’s operation, ensuring flexibility and adaptability. Future-proofing is also built into solutions, to ensure they can be easily and quickly scaled up in line with customer business growth.

Commitment to Excellence

In a rapidly changing supply chain industry, Dematic RTL’s customer-centric approach stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. By prioritising customer outcomes, uncovering hidden pain points, and delivering tailored solutions, Dematic redefines the boundaries of operational efficiency and productivity. As the Australian supply chain industry continues to evolve, Dematic remains at the forefront, driving innovation and empowering its customers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Start your journey today – contact our Dematic RTL Team.

The post The Dematic Approach: A Customer-centric Approach to the Australian Supply Chain Industry appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

“In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, it is vital to always know where your stock, orders, people, and equipment are. Dematic’s mobility and productivity solutions empower supply chain operators with key information whenever and wherever it is needed. This leads to enhanced decision-making, optimised service levels, and reduced costs,” says Lee Koutsos, Director of Real Time Logistics and Colby Storage Solutions ANZ at Dematic.

The Dematic Vision Picking Solution incorporates a small heads-up display (HUD) that improves the warehouse picking process by providing visual confirmation of instructions. This hands-free technology works seamlessly with vision-picking software, which can be applied to any vision glasses technology and can also work in tandem with voice-picking technology. By displaying the items to be picked (including images for fast identification) along with their quantities and locations (including check digits to ensure the right location is selected), the solution ensures smoother and more accurate picking.

The Dematic Vision Picking Solution offers numerous key benefits, including:

• Enhanced efficiency: Hands-free picking and better spatial awareness.
• Increased Accuracy: Visual confirmation reduces picking errors.
• Reduced Training Times: Intuitive design simplifies onboarding.
• Improved visibility: Real-time data provides up-to-date information on stock and asset traceability as well as stocktake.
• Optimised Workflows: Improves overall warehouse operations.

Click here to learn more

“The Dematic Vision Picking Solution addresses key challenges currently faced by the supply chain industry, including the high cost of labour, labour shortages and turnover, and the need for faster order fulfilment. By integrating advanced technologies into warehouse operations, Dematic is helping businesses overcome these challenges, improve accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency,” continues Koutsos.

The solution is ideal for various warehouse applications such as picking cases from pallet racking, picking eaches from cartons in shelving, replenishment, stocktaking, and maintenance and inspection tasks. The solution is also ideal in temperature-controlled environments (where staff typically wear gloves) and supports multiple languages, making it suitable for a diverse workforce.

To further boost productivity, the Dematic Vision Picking Solution includes gamification features. Staff can engage in competitive activities and achieve targets, with rewards for meeting activity-based goals.

“The new Dematic Vision Picking Solution is available through our Real Time Logistics division in Australia and New Zealand. It was developed from our deep global experience and rigorous in-house testing, and it is supported by our large Australian team of engineers, project managers, and software developers. We provide ongoing support from a large customer service team with a 24/7 contact centre and in-house repair centre,” concludes Koutsos.

More information on Vision-assisted Picking: https://www.realtimelogistics.com.au/technologies/vision-picking/

The post Dematic Launches New Vision Picking Solution to the Australian And New Zealand Supply Chain Industries appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

Honeywell presented long-term partner Dematic with the award for its strong achievements in the industry helping customers in food & beverage, grocery, retail, wholesale, and other vertical markets to integrate or upgrade voice-guided workflow technology to improve their supply chain processes and customer service.

Lee Koutsos, Director of Real-Time Logistics (RTL) at Dematic, said its Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) RTL team was proud to receive the award, which highlights their hard work and dedication in supporting local businesses upgrade with voice technology over the past year.

“Following continued pressure and growth in the supply chain industry in 2022, our ANZ RTL team had another challenging, but successful year, so it’s great to be recognised by Honeywell for all of our hard work and achievements,” said Lee. “Some of our big achievements during last year included working with leading Asia Pacific businesses such as Coles, Woolworths, GPC, and Lineage. Honeywell is a highly valued partner and it’s an honour for our work to be showcased and to be highlighted as an industry voice leader.”

The Honeywell Award recognises partners who make major accomplishments in innovation, promote annual business growth, and provide the ability to integrate new and emerging technology into customer solutions.

Honeywell voice technology is a seamless, paperless, and hands-free, eyes-up solution. The solution guides workers through a workflow using a mobile device and voice headset and sends voice inputs automatically back to the company’s centralised supply chain systems. This includes data gathered through anything from order picking to replenishment and stocktake.

Voice technology can also be scaled to suit changing business requirements while empowering management with greater control, flexibility, and visibility over their supply chain. Companies that integrate voice technology typically see double-digit improvements in labour utilisation, along with sizeable improvements in accuracy.

By pioneering voice solutions in Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years, Dematic is now a Platinum Elite Partner of Honeywell. Dematic RTL is the largest voice technology integrator in the ANZ region, with a team of dedicated software developers, project managers, engineers, and a round-the-clock internal service centre.

Learn more about Voice Technology >

The post Dematic Recognised as Honeywell’s Voice Partner of the Year for 2022 in Asia Pacific appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

• What is warehouse Wi-Fi?
• The importance of a reliable high-speed Wi-Fi network in a warehouse
• Network Security
• How a good Wi-Fi network can improve productivity and efficiency in a warehouse setting
• Applications of warehouse Wi-Fi networks
• Unique Warehouse Wi-Fi Considerations
• How to Optimise Warehouse Wi-Fi
• Making Warehouse Wi-Fi a Priority
• Helping you choose a warehouse Wi-Fi system

What is warehouse Wi-Fi?

A Wi-Fi system in a warehouse works the same way as Wi-Fi in your home, but on a much larger scale and with several important considerations. In a warehouse, the number of devices that are connected will be significantly higher than in your home, the physical space that the Wi-Fi is required to cover will be much larger, and there are additional complications around interference from other networks and devices, physical objects such as steel racking and walls, ongoing maintenance and optimisation, and the significant subject of network security.

Because of these factors, it is imperative that the Wi-Fi system you install in your facility is fit for purpose and designed specifically for the warehouse environment.

The importance of a reliable high-speed Wi-Fi network in a warehouse

As consumer and customer demands have escalated over recent years, so too has the pressure on supply chains to invest in systems and technologies that deliver increased efficiency, speed, accuracy and visibility of products, orders and customer information. Manual systems are no longer fit for purpose in keeping pace with the requirements of the market in Australia today and in the future. The technologies and systems now standard in warehouses rely on a stable internet connection and many are mobile technologies that must have a reliable Wi-Fi network to connect to.

Many Australian businesses, though, focus on the advanced technologies and systems they are integrating when upgrading or moving into a new site and brush over the specifics of what is required of a wireless network in the warehouse. It’s something they know they need by default, but it’s not something they often spend a lot of time assessing. If warehouse operators get their Wi-Fi wrong, however, and have constant black spots or network congestion that cut or slow connectivity between workers, mobile technologies and the warehouse’s centralised software system, the consequences are costly. Most workers on the warehouse floor rely on a Wi-Fi connection and if there’s an outage or slow-down then that worker offers low to zero productivity or is forced to switch back to old manual processes that are slow, highly inaccurate and lead to duplication in having to later update system information. Additionally, if there is not a reliable Wi-Fi connection, rather than their device being remotely tracked, accessed, and updated, workers need to physically take the device to IT to be updated, which is another hit to worker productivity.

Productivity loss is something that warehouses cannot afford with the current high demands of the supply chain, yet that’s what will happen if a worker’s RF terminal, Voice headset, vehicle terminal or mobile printer cannot connect to the Warehouse Management System (WMS). This loss of worker productivity not only means product fulfilment is halted or slowed and orders aren’t getting to customers, stores or consumers on time – which has dire consequences for customer service – but it also means workers are getting frustrated with and losing faith in the technologies they are tasked with using on a daily basis, and with labour currently in high demand but short supply this risks high employee turnover or staff shortages. Another major cost to the business is not receiving a good return on investment (ROI) for all the technology endpoints that were predominantly acquired to achieve productivity gains in the first place.

Network Security

Another important focus for the entire warehouse IT network, which is often a complex system made up of numerous wired and wireless technologies, which process and store sensitive data, is security.

Cyber threats are at an all-time high. Any time data is created, there is risk involved. This puts pressure on many industries, including the supply chain, to come up with solutions for privacy and security, especially as the dependency on mobile devices and automation within supply chains grows.

Warehouse operators should invest in IT security that delivers multiple layers of security and encryption for Wi-Fi networks, and it is important to constantly update the security system to protect the business from any cyber threats. Ask yourself:

• When was the last time you updated your wireless access points? Regular software updates plug newly discovered security holes which may otherwise be vulnerable to attack.
• Are your access points still supported by the manufacturer? Older models may have passed end-of-life support, so even if they were set up for regular updates originally, they may have stopped coming through, leaving hardware vulnerable.
• Does your Wi-Fi software include intrusion protection & detection and automatic threat mitigation? These services constantly monitor network activity and screen connected devices, essentially keeping an eye on the security of your wireless network for you, alerting you as soon as any potential threat is detected, and automatically taking defensive measures.

If your system is out-of-date or under-protected it will leave your business exposed. Your security system needs to be regularly assessed to identify any potential areas of weakness and ensure they are addressed early.

Wi-Fi management and security are crucial for the supply chain industry. Without it, you leave your systems open to risks that could cause you extended downtime or stolen data if you do have a security breach.

How a good Wi-Fi network can improve productivity and efficiency in a warehouse setting

A Wi-Fi network which is designed specifically for the challenges of a warehouse can ensure that these issues are addressed from the outset and set your business up with a strong and reliable connection. An optimised warehouse Wi-Fi network provides a number of valuable benefits:

• Improved inventory management through real-time tracking and monitoring
• Faster and more accurate order picking and fulfilment.
• Enhanced communication and collaboration between warehouse staff
• Reduced operational costs through automation and optimisation.
• Improved customer satisfaction through faster and more accurate order processing
• Better visibility and control over warehouse operations
• Improved safety and security through real-time monitoring and alerts
• Enhanced ability to adapt to changing business needs and growth.
• Improved overall warehouse performance and profitability.

Applications of warehouse Wi-Fi networks

Wi-Fi is used in a warehouse to provide wireless connectivity for a variety of applications and devices, including:

• Inventory management systems: Wi-Fi allows for real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory, enabling warehouse staff to quickly locate and retrieve products.
• Mobile devices: Warehouse workers can use mobile devices such as handheld scanners, tablets, and smartphones to access inventory data, track orders, and communicate with colleagues.
• Voice picking systems: Voice-enabled picking systems use Wi-Fi to enable warehouse staff to receive verbal instructions on where to pick items and report back when an order is complete.
• Automation systems: Wi-Fi is often used to connect automated equipment such as conveyor systems, sorters, and robots, enabling them to communicate with each other and with the warehouse management system.
• Security and safety systems: Wi-Fi can be used to connect cameras, sensors, and alarms, enabling real-time monitoring and alerts in the event of security breaches or safety hazards.

Overall, a good warehouse Wi-Fi system provides reliable and fast wireless connectivity that is essential for many critical warehouse operations and applications.

Unique Warehouse Wi-Fi Considerations

Setting up a wireless network in an office environment is one of the most common commercial Wi-Fi deployments. Yet, the wireless network needs and setup of an office environment are completely different to what is needed within a warehouse environment. That’s because an office environment is often much more static than a warehouse environment; a warehouse is more dynamic and has much more movement of workers and the technologies they use to perform their roles, as well as products.

Many warehouse operators, though, find themselves setting up their network through external IT professionals or in-house IT departments who often have little experience in setting up Wi-Fi in an industrial environment such as a warehouse. They quickly find that their Wi-Fi is not optimised for the demands of the warehouse and often need to call in more specialised support to reconfigure the network for the unique attributes of their facility.

Some of the unique features of a warehouse that impact the design and setup of Wi-Fi include:

• Racking and Product Considerations: What are the dimensions of the racking and what material is it made of? What are the products being stored (plastic, metal, cardboard, fabric, liquids, etc) and what is the pallet or box they’re transported in made of? Different types of materials used in the warehouse can cause varying levels of Wi-Fi signal interference – for example, metal products reflect Wi-Fi signals while liquids absorb them, so it’s important to look closely at this. Also, has the W-Fi been designed for the current storage levels or a fully stocked warehouse, as fluctuations are likely to happen in future?
• Endpoints: What are the devices that will need to connect to the Wi-Fi in the warehouse – RF devices, voice picking devices, printers, vehicle mounted terminals, smartphones, automated guided vehicles (AGVs)? And how many will be used at peak and in which specific areas of the warehouse? This will determine the number of access points and Wi-Fi signal strength needed in different areas of the warehouse.
• Interference: Is there a potential for interference to the Wi-Fi connection from a facility’s existing outdoor Wi-Fi connections? Should certain warehouse devices be locked to one band to not interfere with other connections and cause dropouts? Or are there nearby industrial sites that are heavy electricity users, which is causing an electromagnetic field that is impacting the Wi-Fi?
• Warehouse Environment: Many warehouses have a mixture of environments – ambient, chilled, frozen etc. Issues such as condensation, operating below freezing point and reflection off metal cool rooms need to be taken into consideration when installing Wi-Fi.

How to Optimise Warehouse Wi-Fi

An off-the-shelf or cookie-cutter approach to warehouse Wi-Fi is rarely going to deliver a good result. Not only do warehouses have different factors across the board to consider, but each individual facility will have its own unique characteristics that a Wi-Fi network needs to be tailored to.

The best way to do this is for a business to partner with a warehouse IT specialist who has the engineering expertise and will put the time into a detailed site survey, as well as run a simulation of the recommended network design. This will help to determine the best Wi-Fi installation for the current warehouse environment, in order to guarantee the network is performing at its optimum level. Then, following installation, a warehouse specialist will also thoroughly test and monitor (on-site and remotely) the Wi-Fi and devices being used by workers on an ongoing basis to ensure it is fine-tuned to best meet the needs of the facility.

It’s best to work with a warehouse specialist from the outset when the Wi-Fi network is first integrated, otherwise, there is a high likelihood of cost duplication from having to bring in a specialist at a later date to reconfigure and upgrade the network installed by a non-specialist. Site plans carried out and designed by best-in-class engineers, with many years spent developing specialised knowledge and experience in warehouse environments, offer the most cost-effective approach to Wi-Fi integration simply because it ensures the job is done right the first time.

Furthermore, it’s not a case of setting the network up within the warehouse once, then the Wi-Fi is set for life. Warehouses are constantly evolving as new technologies are deployed, new racking and shelving is installed, different products and materials are stored and moved through the warehouse, or the warehouse building or systems are extended. That’s why regular site surveys are required to ensure Wi-Fi needs are reconfigured as the warehouse changes.

Making Warehouse Wi-Fi a Priority

We all take Wi-Fi and data connectivity for granted in our daily lives as it’s largely invisible to us, that is until it’s not working properly and many of the devices we rely on to get through our day – our smartphones, apps, online calendar, emails, messaging, smart home devices like security, speaker etc – suddenly stop working.

The warehouse is no different, except that the impact is reduced productivity for many workers (hundreds in large facilities), rather than just a few people. The costs to the business can be huge in dollar value but also a reduction in worker and customer satisfaction.

That’s why warehouse operators invest in optimal Wi-Fi networks as a priority rather than just an afterthought. The same time, energy and specialist expertise that is put into designing the set-up, automation, and technologies in a new or upgraded warehouse must also be given to Wi-Fi to ensure all warehouse investments are reaching their full productivity potential and delivering their true return on investment.

Helping you choose a warehouse Wi-Fi system

Dematic has extensive experience in implementing wireless networks throughout the supply chain. Our team of experts will carry out a comprehensive audit of your warehouse to identify the best solution for your unique requirements. We will then design a robust and reliable system that ensures maximum coverage and seamless connectivity. Our team will configure the system and provide ongoing monitoring and updates to ensure that it continues to meet your evolving needs. With Dematic, you can rest assured that your warehouse will have a Wi-Fi system that is optimized for peak performance, enhancing your operations, and boosting productivity.

Click here to discuss your optimised warehouse Wi-Fi today

The post WiFi Tailored for the Modern Warehouse appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

Tasty Fresh delivers fresh and hot food, snacks, and drinks right to the door of workplaces daily in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle, and Queensland.

“Tasty Fresh is a national business that started back in 1979,” explains Colin Lear, Founding Director at Tasty Fresh Food Co. “We have six outlets across four states and service around 35,000 customers per day from around 153 vans. We produce around 60,000 units per day from our facilities, and we handle around 100,000 units per day.”

Tasty Fresh recently engaged Dematic to help the organisation move from a manual way of tracing stock with paper and tablets to a more automated and centralised solution that delivers higher levels of efficiency, productivity, and accuracy for its supply chain.

“Tasty Fresh’s stocktaking processes previously involved each individual Van Sales Manager doing a stocktake on each individual SKU on our vans,” explains Adam Van Bergen, National Operations Manager at Tasty Fresh Food Co. “With so many people counting so many SKUs, accurately managing stock was a real challenge.”

A key focus of the project was to be able to provide data back to Tasty Fresh for inventory and reporting purposes. A real-time logistics voice-on-Android solution was selected as the best system to meet the needs of Tasty Fresh.

The voice solution deployed by Dematic works as a seamless, paperless, and hands-free eyes-up solution. Operators are guided through a workflow using a mobile device and voice headset, with inputs from voice and scanning automatically sent back to Tasty Fresh’s central supply chain system. This includes data gathered through anything from order picking to replenishment and stocktake.

“The voice solution was deployed at each Tasty Fresh depot,” said Van Bergen. “The two primary voice workflows that were implemented were pick-to-trolley and van loading.”

Tasty Fresh team members are advised on which food or drink product SKUs and quantities are to be loaded onto each trolley. When completed, they proceed to van loading. Team members are then instructed, per van ID, which SKUs and associated quantities are to be replenished into each van in SKU sequence.

Product shorts, overfills, and audits are all tracked simultaneously, saving workers the time of having to go back and forth doing these tasks separately. This helps Tasty Fresh to check expected stock from point-of-sale deductions versus physical van replenishment – all through the one voice technology process.

“The voice solution tells us what to load inside the vans and tells the system how many we are loading,” said Aline Parra Sanchez, Brisbane Warehouse Manager at Tasty Fresh Food Co. “This means that when we are loading we are also doing the stocktake. It’s a great system that ensures our stock is right by checking our sales match with the stock being loaded in the vans.”
Voice technology delivers up to a 35% productivity improvement from legacy systems by allowing worker hands to always be free to pick products and complete all warehouse-to-delivery vehicle tasks.

With eyes always focused on the job, workers are also able to quickly find, pick, and pack the right products, reducing errors by up to 50%. Additionally, automated stocktake has also reduced not only time but also errors through manual counting.

“Voice has improved productivity across the business,” said Van Bergen. “We’re saving between five and ten minutes a day per Van Sales Manager, and while that may not sound like a big deal, five to ten minutes across 170 employees a day is quite a significant cost savings.”

Click here to learn more about Voice Picking Solutions from Dematic.

The post Tasty Fresh Transforms Picking, Stocktake, and Supply Chain Operations with Dematic Voice Solution appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.

As part of its performance recognition awards (announced at the recent Honeywell ANZ Partner Conference in Hobart, Tasmania), Honeywell presented long-term partner Dematic with this award recognising their innovation, annual business growth, and the ability to integrate new and emerging technology into customer solutions.

After a successful year of business and innovative initiatives in 2021, Dematic won the award for many industry achievements, including the implementation and upgrades of voice technology solutions for its customers in several industries, including wholesale, food & beverage, and retail.

“The team were extremely proud to accept this award, acknowledging the hard work and dedication from all members of the Dematic Real-Time Logistics division,” said Lee Koutsos, Director of Real-Time Logistics at Dematic.

“We are pleased to be recognised for our achievements in 2021, which was particularly challenging for those working in the supply chain. Our team worked extremely hard to put new products and processes into place and to deliver the best results for our customers. We are thrilled for our work to have been highlighted and recognised by Honeywell as a valued partner of Dematic,” said Lee.

By pioneering voice solutions in Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years, Dematic is now a Platinum Elite Partner of Honeywell.

The post Honeywell Names Dematic as ANZ Voice Partner of the Year appeared first on Dematic Real Time Logistics.