Insight by Zebra Technologies

Utilizing RFID and Android devices to modernize government warehouse operations

Everyone got a taste of what issues with supply logistics looked like during the pandemic, whether it was toilet paper or slow delivery times, things were not the...

Everyone got a taste of what issues with supply logistics looked like during the pandemic, whether it was toilet paper or slow delivery times, things were not the same.

However, new technologies are maturing that will help keep supply chains running more smoothly. Warehouses are starting to adopt Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) advancements to better manage inventory.

“With RFID, you can take several hundred assets through a particular point or what we call a choke point, and have it read simultaneously,” said John Wirthlin, an industry principal for manufacturing, transportation and logistics at Zebra Technologies, in a discussion sponsored by Zebra Technologies.

That quick scanning and routing can speed up the process, but it also brings in new challenges and opportunities for the future.  RFID and other technologies used to increase warehouse operation efficiencies also increase the number of devices used by personnel, meaning companies and government agencies need to look at things from an enterprise level for device fleet management.

Harold Reeves, senior manager of the regional portfolio team for North America products and strategy at Zebra Technologies, says that the Android operating system is extremely useful for IT staff to manage their enterprise grade strategy. Keeping systems safe means control over upgrades and patches.  “When we go in and harden the Android operating system, it’s with an ear to what makes sense for the deployment that our customers are facing, “said Reeves.  “A hardened operating system strategy is one that allows the IT staff to be in control.

As companies and agencies adapt to new warehouse management tactics, even more advanced ways of tackling issues are coming into the fray.

Mark Wheeler, director of supply chain solutions at Zebra Technologies, says supply chains will become more visible and transparent as tracking gets more granular.  “Artificial intelligence can be applied to more and more processes. We’ll be able to build on things like sensor capability and analytical data to have systems that continue to adapt to what’s happening in the physical world. Utilizing new technologies in government warehouse operations will deliver greatly improved accuracies, productivity, and efficiencies. Government warehouse managers should consider implementing these powerful technologies today.”

Shape

Warehouse and RFID

With RFID, you can take several hundred assets through a particular point or what we call a choke point, and have it read simultaneously.

Shape

Warehouse Maturity Model

Artificial intelligence can be applied to more and more processes. We'll be able to build on things like sensor capability and analytical data to have systems that continue to adapt to what's happening in the physical world. Utilizing new technologies in government warehouse operations will deliver greatly improved accuracies, productivity, and efficiencies. Government warehouse managers should consider implementing these powerful technologies today.

Shape

Android Migration and Device Evaluation

When we go in and harden the Android operating system, it's with an ear to what makes sense for the deployment that our customers are facing. A hardened operating system strategy is one that allows the IT staff to be in control.

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Featured speakers
  • John Wirthlin

    Industry Principal, Manufacturing, Transportation and Logistics, Zebra Technologies

  • Mark Wheeler

    Director, Supply Chain Solutions, Zebra Technologies

  • Harold Reeves

    Senior Manager, Regional Portfolio Team, North America Products and Strategy, Zebra Technologies

  • Scott Maucione

    Defense Reporter, Federal News Network