Mobile computing has radically changed the way companies conduct business. From increased productivity to customer satisfaction, handheld computing devices have improved daily operations throughout a wide range of industries.

One of the most successful examples of mobile computers' substantial impact is the manufacturing industry. In this sector, companies are undergoing a drastic transition by digitalizing their production line and back-office operation.

By equipping employees with rugged mobile technologies, manufacturers can enjoy improved supply chain efficiencies that provide strong competitive advantages.

In this article, we will introduce you to our mobile computer solutions. Finally, we will discuss how they can improve the manufacturing workflow and benefits your business. 

Mobile Computers: Manufacturing Workflows

Here we have reported four ways that mobile computers are used to improve the manufacturing process:

Tracking work-in-progress

Keeping track of the status of work in progress (WIP) is crucial for all manufacturers. Business owners shall keep a real-time inventory system reporting the product and components status updates through the production process. Otherwise, operational downtime may occur producing losses instead of revenue. 

In this regard, mobile computers allow manufacturers to integrate smart manufacturing to boost WIP tracking. For example, mobile devices equipped with barcode scanners or wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) can account for the status of items found across the assembly line. These tools provide operators with full visibility and traceability of the production. 

Goods inventory management

Assuring for an up-to-date finished goods inventory count is important to fulfill customer orders. Lack of visibility into which products are ready to be sent out can burden any manufacturing operation with costly delays.

Handheld mobile computers can support workers by tracking finished goods inventory and automating data capture. Mobile devices are integrated with a production execution system (MES) or integrated warehouse management system (WMS) to help staff track any item on site. 

Order pickup

Human mistakes committed through unreliable picking methods often create significant inventory problems. Thus, inefficient order picking can be a serious bottleneck in any manufacturing operation.

Integrating handheld mobile computers into a manufacturing setting can address picking problems. Instead of simply allowing workers to handle items, handheld mobile devices with a built-in barcode scanner can ensure all goods to be accounted. Human mistakes are limited by the smart device, which prompts workers to decide what items shall be picked and their next destination. 

In practice, this means that more items are picked correctly, reducing inventory problems.

Real-time shipping validation

Logistics partners, suppliers, warehouse operators, freight forwarders, and distributors all need real-time information regarding the status of the items. These subjects rely on this information to plan their operations, schedule work, and adjust resources in the event of delays or spikes in demand. 

Handheld mobile computers play a major role in shipment validation as well. For example, after scanning an item, the mobile device can communicate with a wireless label printer to create a shipping label in a fully automated process. 

Ultimately, real-time visibility and monitoring help everyone to better respond to potential supply chain disruptions. 

UROVO RT40 

To improve manufacturing workflow efficiency, we have developed a new handheld mobile computer. UROVO RT40 industrial mobile computer serves as an all-in-one solution for workers to access information and smartly manage every single aspect of manufacturing operations. Its rugged nature makes it extremely resistant to adverse conditions such as extremely low temperature (works even at minus 30°C). Besides, the equipment is fully protected against water, dust, and external agents.

Its ultra-high performance is made possible thanks to its hot-swap battery, which can be easily replaced without powering off. The 5200 mAh large-capacity batter support users for all daily work. Among the many features, UROVO RT40 stands out for its patented super long-range scanning technology. 

UROVO RT40 can easily scan for goods in an elevated position at a range of up to 15m. Whether scanning for 1D/2D barcodes, OCR, photo, or document, the accuracy and precision are at the highest industry standards. 

Ultimately, scanning is happening instantaneously, and together with intuitive operations, the device can increase productivity and overall efficiency of operations. 

Conclusion

Mobile computing devices enable manufacturers to maintain an accurate, real-time view of their manufacturing and warehousing operations from assembly to shipping. At UROVO, we specialize in providing reliable, professional, and scalable services for our customers.

All UROVO solutions comply with ISO9001 quality management and ISO14001 environmental management systems. In addition, our high-security international payment and telecommunication certifications allowed us to establish partnerships with industry giants such as Google, Master Card, and Visa.

Contact us to know more about our handheld mobile devices.