How Inventory management has benefited from mobile technology?
Introduction
Everything has grown by leaps and bounds: from barcode scanning, smart glasses utilizing augmented reality to inventory handling tools. The reason being mobility. Devices shift from wired to wireless scanning guns, rendering it convenient to be mobile while working and assisting in reducing error in manual inventory management.
As per Research and Markets, the industrial wearable device market is poised to evolve close to 1.5 bn in 2017 to more than $2.6 bn by 2023. Tractica, a market intelligence firm, predicts 172 million wearable devices to be collectively shipped for enterprise use.
“Wearable scanners drive business prospects, provide quick processes, hands-free choice to the requirement for conventional handheld scanners and paper picklists,” says Stephanie Lawrence at ABI Research during a press release.
Mobile technology is the fresh change agent in the inventory management system. These technologies can be executed with ease, besides assisting swifter processes. Refilling stock inventory and other supplies can be done with personal devices without breaking into a sweat. Scanning app technology is widely used and functions smoothly on smartphones, rendering it convenient for MRO people to order tools again and other essential supplies.
Even Customers are also increasingly warming up to voice-enabled technology at home/workplace. Mobile platforms such as Android and iOS are being frequently used and strengthening the mobile market. “The dynamics of wearable devices are evolving in these tough times,” says Jim Hilton, director of vertical marketing strategy, Zebra Technologies.
Another thing that is prompting MRO to change is handling and upkeeping operations instantly. The whole intention is to operate well, to maximize the economic viability and business decision-making method. Bar codes aside, RFID (both passive and active) to be aware of assets and goods. Mobile apps can be used from anywhere at any time. Your field staff constantly updates with the freshest information when the data is accessible instantly.
Five enormous benefits mobile applications offer for inventory management in MRO.
1. Precision
People involved in inventory management in MRO can look into their daily transactions and other business activities devoid of any glitches. Mobile apps are useful for scanning the barcodes and QR codes to ensure data accuracy. They can even key in the exact figures to obtain genuine access to the inventory.
2. Reduce mistakes or errors
With pen and paper there are chances of errors and affects entire business efficiency. By using mobile applications mistakes or duplication of entries can be kept at bay.
3. Instant Information
Another important advantage of moving inventory management to mobile applications is the instant information people access. Managers can get instant insights and help in taking sound business decisions.
4. Work efficiency
Apart from other benefits, mobile apps add comfort in your work by permitting users to get the feature they want at that time. Market vendors like Winklix Mobile offer various mobile app solutions. They also provide customized solutions for every problem and thereby enhance employee efficiency and ease the inventory workflows.
5. Offline storage options
One of the demerits of the MRO business is that the employees don’t get internet access all the time. The provision of offline storage options in mobile applications, users can easily save the done deals. This feature can be very handy, especially when the server is slow and preventing users from performing other transactions. Even a two-second hiccup in server response per transaction dents the company’s revenue. Also, with offline mobility, users can also store the data locally, indulge in other things, and sync the ERP data later.
Overall, mobile will remain significant for everyone. Executing mobility in warehouses also helps a company to get a distinct edge over others and maximize the revenue of businesses.
