The logistics industry is changing rapidly. The technological advancements in portable computing and connectivity have made stock control and management far more efficient.
Most companies have introduced the use of mobile technology to track shipments and interact in real time. One of the newer technologies being used is the use of connected, mobile printers. These printers allow for cost effective labelling, barcode printing, receipt printing and much more.
Businesses continue to develop and consumers increasingly expect free or low cost shipping with fast delivery times. Margins are being squeezed ever tighter, and the greater volume of small, one-off and varied packages to be labelled and shipped puts additional strains on already overstretched systems.
A portable/mobile printer can be hand-held or carried on a belt to be used in the place the printed materials are needed. They are usually networked with the management system or ERP that the logistics company uses. This can be through mobile connections, WIFI or Bluetooth to enable access to the information needed to create the printed item correctly. The devices are durable and lightweight to enable ease of use and in different environments. Thus, they are in use all over a warehouse, on the road, or even in the office. They can eliminate the need for handwriting documents that have to be kept, returned to and office and manually filed. They can be programmed to print barcodes, RIFD labels, tickets, receipts, etc.
They key benefit to mobile printing is their efficiency. Printing can be done at the point of need. The increased speed in managing stock and logistics, compared to the old way of doing things cannot be overestimated.
Mobile printers allow staff to print and label things as they handle them. This brings increased productivity and saves time-costs. This reduction in time needed to label items in the supply chain keeps costs under control and allowing employees to utilise their time on other work that must be done.
Constant trips to labelling stations not only reduces productivity, but reduces concentration. With distractions from other employees more likely the further an employee has to walk, increasing the risk of mistakes and errors. The wrong batch of labels may be collected, or wrongly printed labels attached to goods.
There are no cons when it comes to using wireless mobile printers. They will help reduce operating costs and offer a fast return on investment. They help minimise labelling errors and misidentification of packages. They can make picking and packing tasks easier and can merge with different communication interfaces. Mobile printing devices are now used by thousands of retail and logistics businesses around the world to improve warehouse productivity and profitability.
Wireless mobile printers are available in a number of shapes, styles and sizes and can clip onto cages or shelves while the labels are generated, and there are many options for mobile printers.
Logistics and retail managers face the challenge of finding a model that best fits the business. Factors to be considered while making that choice include what type of printing is necessary, the volume required, and how long the printed material must last and in what conditions.
Up until now, no one has offered such a solution to manage labelling and printer fleets
in warehouses, logistics, and your supply chain, but now we can.
This is not just for new printers, we offer a full “walk in take over” service so there is no disruption to your
mission critical barcode and label printers.
Contact The MPS Team to speak directly with one of our experts and we can help you find a solution best suited for you and your business.
