In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin sits down with Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead at Zebra Technologies; Mark Delaney, Mobility Solutions Leader at Körber Supply Chain; and Mark Butler, Global Partner Management Manager at Zebra Technologies. Zebra, known for its barcode printers and scanners, has expanded significantly, incorporating AI, RFID, robotics, and machine vision technologies.
Körber, recognized for its comprehensive warehouse management (WMS), order management (OMS), and now transportation management systems (TMS), tackles complex supply chain challenges for global enterprises. Together, Zebra and Körber leverage strategic collaboration to digitize warehouse operations, enhancing data capture and process optimization to meet growing market expectations for speed, efficiency, and accuracy.
From Manual to Digital: The Warehouse Technology Evolution
Warehousing has dramatically evolved from paper-based systems to digital data capture technologies. André Luecht from Zebra notes, “No one really needs technology to run a warehouse, but you need a lot of technology to run a warehouse well.” The transition often starts with digitizing basic tasks like barcode scanning and moves toward more advanced technologies such as RFID and computer vision. Although warehouse automation garners significant attention, Mark Delaney points out that most warehouses remain partially manual. The current market seeks point optimization, strategically targeting and enhancing specific processes to deliver quick wins without massive investments or disruptions.
Optimizing Data Capture and Workflow Efficiency
Efficient data capture is foundational for warehouse digitization, especially when labor shortages challenge operations. Zebra’s innovations, including long-range scanners and fixed industrial scanning systems, are essential for streamlining processes. Delaney emphasizes the practical benefits: “Simple things like mobile computers with long-range scanners… instead of physically bringing products down, you scan from two or three bays up, drastically reducing time.” However, André Luecht warns against creating bottlenecks—improving one process without corresponding enhancements elsewhere can hinder overall efficiency, underscoring the importance of holistic planning.
Collaborative Success Through Warehouse Technology Validation
A hallmark of Zebra and Körber’s partnership is their joint efforts to validate solutions to ensure seamless integration. Mark Butler highlights their proactive approach: “We’ve gone through each of Körber’s supply chain software solutions and put them through Zebra’s solution validation process to minimize surprises.” This meticulous approach ensures that software and hardware integrations undergo rigorous testing. The collaboration between Zebra and Korber combines expertise from both organizations to help clients strategically advance their warehouse technology infrastructure.
Luecht suggests a realistic starting point: “Optimization of individual isolated workflows… short of building new, what can we do with the current footprint we have?” Practical implementations, such as fixed industrial scanners or gamification strategies, enhance efficiency and reduce employee turnover, especially among younger workers accustomed to technology-driven environments.
Key Takeaways
- Digital transformation in warehousing begins with foundational data capture—barcode scanning, RFID, and computer vision.
- Point optimization is critical, focusing improvements on individual processes without creating workflow bottlenecks.
- Leveraging appropriate technology can substantially reduce labor time and increase productivity, notably through simple innovations like long-range scanners.
