With the completion of the hypercare phase, KiK reports an entirely positive outcome: a structured, collaborative implementation, in-depth process knowledge, and a smooth go-live — both in Poland and Slovakia. Together, the two modern logistics centres form the backbone of the supply network for over 4,200 stores across 14 European countries.

The implementation of LFS was not just a technical challenge, but above all a collaborative project that crossed national borders. The central logistics team in Bönen, local staff on site, the SAP team, and EPG’s supply chain specialists worked closely together in a tightly coordinated effort. The excellent alignment among all parties involved was particularly praised. “The way the go-live was executed on site — it was truly first-class,” emphasized Michael Frölich, Managing Director of KiK Logistik GmbH. “The project team was exceptionally well-prepared, communicated as equals, and was consistently solution-oriented.”

142,000 Picks per Day

Kostolné Kračany demonstrates what modern warehouse logistics can achieve. Covering 46,000 square metres and offering around 40,000 pallet spaces, the LFS system manages all processes— from chaotic warehousing with an integrated FIFO principle to precise inventory traceability. The average daily throughput is 112,000 picks, with a record high of 142,000 picked units in a single day. In addition to textiles, the facility also handles seasonal non-food items such as decorations and toys. Specialized areas support the storage of hazardous materials and temperature-sensitive products like confectionery and beverages. Modern mobile data entry (MDE) devices and tablets are used throughout the facility, ensuring smooth process integration and transparent quality control from goods receipt to shipping.

Unified IT Structures as a Foundation for Scalability and Efficiency

With the implementation of LFS in Poland and Slovakia, KiK is pursuing a clear digital strategy: standardizing processes, harmonizing IT structures, and integrating new locations more quickly. Integration with the central SAP ERP system was achieved via standardized interfaces. Numerous custom extensions, such as for managing external warehouses or handling complex picking logic, highlight the system’s flexibility. A key success factor was the well-designed training concept. Employees were prepared for the new LFS using a hands-on approach in a test system. Lessons learned from the Polish rollout were deliberately applied to the implementation in Slovakia — an excellent example of effective knowledge transfer.

“The successful implementation of LFS at two international sites is the result of exceptionally close and trusting collaboration,” says Alain Linder, Team Lead Project Management Consulting at EPG. “Strong process knowledge on both sides, clear communication, and a shared goal made this project a true model for success.”

At KiK Logistik’s headquarters in Bönen, preparations for the next expansion phase are already underway. In the future, LFS will also control a fully automated high-bay warehouse with pallet conveyor technology at that location.

Future-Oriented: Real-Time Data, Transparency, and Paperless Processes

After going live, KiK continues to work closely with EPG to further develop its digital logistics landscape. Already today, the analytics tool TIMESQUARE provides meaningful real-time KPIs on pick times, warehouse utilization, and inventory transparency — an essential foundation for data-driven optimization.

The next milestone is the introduction of a digital delivery note. Currently, a physical packing list is still included in each shipment, but going forward this step will be completely paperless, from goods receipt to shipping. “With LFS, we haven’t just implemented a powerful warehouse management system — we’ve created a future-ready platform that evolves with our needs, both technically and operationally,” summarizes Frölich.

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Synopsis:

In this webinar Steven Timberlake of Infios discusses how you can measure your organisation’s level of supply chain maturity and the steps involved in developing greater efficiency and resilience in today’s challenging environment. Together with Peter MacLeod, Steven will explore topics including artificial intelligence, automation and system modernisation and outline how they form part of the practical steps that any organisation can implement today to relentlessly improve supply chain performance tomorrow.

Steven Timberlake, Infios

Steven Timberlake provides thought leadership and strategic challenge around supply chain execution as the Vice President of Sales Northern Europe at Infios. In his role, Steven plays a pivotal role in consulting businesses on transforming their supply chain execution, leveraging his extensive experience to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth opportunities. With over two decades of experience in technology and supply chain, Steven has established himself as a strategic leader adept at driving growth for his customers. His innovative approach to enterprise engagement has enabled organisations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable success in today’s dynamic supply chain environment.

Register to watch it here now

The name Infios draws inspiration from the concept of infinity, representing the vast, interconnected global marketplace and the limitless opportunities to help businesses create their future. Infios is built on the belief that supply chains should be agile, intelligent, and constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. By leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of customer needs, Infios delivers innovative solutions that drive efficiency, lower costs, and empower businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“Supply chains are the backbone of modern business and global progress. And when they work better — simpler, faster, smarter — businesses thrive, people benefit, and communities become stronger. We believe that the future is better when supply chains work better,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. “Our goal at Infios is to work alongside our customers to provide solutions that meet today’s challenges while thinking ahead to solve tomorrow’s problems.”

Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities. With a thoughtful approach to innovation, the company integrates data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights to help businesses stay ahead, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise.

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Designed to streamline operations across retail, healthcare, hospitality, transportation & logistics, and light manufacturing, the Memor K20-25 maximizes productivity through its perfect balance of portability and durability. Workers can confidently scan any barcode – even damaged or complex ones, including GS1 Digital Link formats – with exceptional speed and accuracy thanks to Datalogic’s powerful Megapixel Halogen DE2102-HP scan engine, reducing delays and minimizing errors that impact customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Frontline workers can input data quickly and accurately in any lighting condition – even low light – thanks to the device’s clear 4-inch display and illuminated 24-key physical keypad, designed for comfortable extended use. With Android 13 OS (upgradeable to Android 15) and Google Mobile Services (GMS), businesses can protect their investment while ensuring seamless usage of their software applications across different devices and maintaining enterprise-grade security.

Built to keep workers productive throughout their entire shift, the Memor K20-25 eliminates downtime as it features a 4,850 mAh battery that supports up to 10 hours of continuous work. Its rugged housing survives inevitable drops (from up to 1.5 meters) and harsh conditions of daily fieldwork. Options for Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi/4G connectivity provide flexibility for both indoor and remote operations. The high-quality 13MP rear camera further enhances proof-of-delivery processes and documentation tasks, reducing manual paperwork and accelerating customer services.

Datalogic’s Memor K20-25 offers versatility, combining touchscreen convenience and keypad efficiency, offering value and reliability for growing businesses. With the full support of Datalogic Mobility Suite and its Android SDK, customers can now unlock the scanner’s full potential.

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Bringing together the advantages of RFID Auto ID and in-mould labelling, Inotec’s RFID Inmould Labels offer durability, accuracy and sustainability. Developed in-house and tested in live customer applications, they are already helping leading logistics and packaging companies move away from single-use plastics while gaining full transparency across their supply chains.

Smart tray tracking at scale

A recent collaboration with EPT (Euro Plant Tray) demonstrates the real-world benefits of this solution. In the plant wholesale sector, over 95% of trays are currently single-use, contributing to around 40,000 tonnes of discarded plastic waste each year in Europe alone. EPT sought a reusable alternative that could deliver both environmental gains and digital traceability.

Working with EPT, Inotec developed a customised RFID inmould label that is seamlessly bonded to the reusable tray during injection moulding. This label offers exceptional durability – it is flush with the surface, waterproof, UV-resistant, and resistant to cleaning chemicals and mechanical impacts. Despite its compact size, it delivers a high-performance read range and allows bulk scanning of up to 1,000 trays simultaneously, with no line-of-sight required.

EPT’s trays now feature a secure, embedded RFID label that supports real-time tracking, inventory management, and cross-border reuse. The RFID inmould label is helping EPT reduce waste, optimise its processes, and set a new European standard for smart, reusable transport packaging.

Advanced performance, built to last Inotec’s RFID inmould labels are based on its own INO-TAG DIOBOND range and incorporate high-performance NXP RAIN RFID chips.

Key benefits include:

● High-speed scanning – multiple tags can be read simultaneously, even at distances of up to 15 metres
● No line-of-sight required – increasing speed and accuracy while reducing labour
● Secure, high-capacity data storage – with the ability to store encrypted tracking and logistics data
● Extremely durable – scratch-proof, smear-proof, waterproof and resistant to chemicals and temperature fluctuations
● Fully recyclable – made from the same material as the container for easier recycling
● Reduced energy use – thanks to in-mould’s one-step automated production process

Ideal for regulated and high-compliance sectors RFID inmould labels are particularly suited to industries where hygiene, traceability and security are critical. In food and pharmaceuticals, the edgeless bond eliminates contamination risk and withstands freezing, washing and sterilisation. IML is also compliant with strict FDA regulations and prevents label tampering or counterfeiting, which is critical for protecting intellectual property and public health.

“With RFID Inmould Labels, we’re combining durability, traceability and environmental responsibility in one powerful solution,” says David Stocker, General Manager at Inotec. “As seen with EPT, this technology helps our customers meet growing regulatory demands, streamline their processes and take a major step towards a circular economy.”

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Minimum size, maximum safety

In industrial automation, efficiency and safety must go hand in hand: People, machines and processes must be reliably protected without impairing production processes. However, space is limited in narrow production lines, on automated guided vehicles and robots. This is where the new ultra-compact RSL 200 safety laser scanner from Leuze scores points: claimed to be the smallest safety laser scanner on the market, it can be integrated effortlessly and used flexibly to safeguard danger zones and access points.

Safety laser scanners are increasingly in the limelight in almost every industry. This is because the versatile devices are indispensable in many cases to ensure the highest safety standards for the protection of people. Thanks to configurable protective and warning fields, they can be used very flexibly for danger zone and access guarding – for both stationary and mobile applications. A typical area of application is protecting a machine’s dangerous working ranges against access and the presence of persons. Laser safety scanners are also ideal for safeguarding autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and driverless transport systems, also known as automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Maximum safety in the smallest space: The future of laser scanners

Modern safety laser scanners have to meet a wide range of requirements at once: Besides their main task of safely shutting down machines or systems, they must not impair machine availability or lead to unnecessary downtimes. In addition, laser scanners are expected to have an impressive operating range and scanning angle, while the system operator takes safety classifications in accordance with Type 3, SIL 2 and PLd as given. The system operator must also be able to rely on convenient configuration and diagnostics, which can be carried out effortlessly and intuitively via various interfaces such as Bluetooth, USB or Ethernet TCP/IP. Last but not least, modern safety laser scanners are selected based on their device size. That’s because increasing automation is making spatial efficiency ever more important in many production environments. Systems are becoming more complex, while the space available for safety technology is shrinking. There is often little room for this, especially in mobile use on AGVs.

Innovative solutions are needed to meet these challenges. The ‘Sensor People’ from Leuze are setting new form factor standards with their advanced safety laser technology that keeps the user as the number one priority. The ultra-compact RSL 200 safety laser scanner is currently the smallest device on the market. It combines state-of-the-art LiDar technology in a minimal space of just 80 x 80 x 86 millimeters. This makes it easy to integrate even in extremely confined spaces, whether in stationary or mobile applications.

Simple installation

The compact safety scanner from Leuze gives the user more options for simple and more flexible installation, especially in confined environments, thanks to its space-saving mounting bracket or connection technology. The right mounting accessories are key to quick integration: That’s why Leuze has developed its own innovative mounting bracket for the RSL 200 to provide effortless fastening and allow the safety laser scanner’s scan level to be aligned horizontally and vertically. Simple servicing is also ensured: The RSL 200 can be replaced quickly and easily with just four screws, and the sensor parameters can be transferred from the old to the new sensor via a memory card without any sensor knowledge required.

Connections and cables must not cause any obstacles either. Rotatable M12 connections on the RSL 200 laser scanner allow extremely flexible cable routing for I/Os, power supply and data transmission. These are essential criteria, particularly for use on small AGVs. The Sensor People also offer a new mobile diagnostics app that allows status information to be conveniently retrieved even if the laser scanner is installed in locations that are difficult or impossible to access.

Aligned to every requirement

For a safety laser scanner to work optimally, its ‘inner’ values are also important. For example, the scanning angle must be large enough to reliably fulfill the application-specific safety task, e.g., to completely cover blind spots or hard-to-see zones behind machines or conveyor belts. It must also be able to safeguard small omnidirectional AGVs/AMRs in every direction – for example, the RSL 200 from Leuze offers a 275-degree scanning angle at an operating range of three meters. The large scanning angle allows the user to ensure all-round protection with just two diagonally positioned devices, even taking mounting tolerances into account.

32 switchable sets of protective and warning fields enable the AGV/AMR user to continuously adjust the speed and direction of travel. The monitored areas can thus be optimally adapted to curved paths, different speeds and various load conditions.

The next generation of safety laser scanners begins with the RSL200. Thanks to its ultra-compact dimensions, it can be easily integrated even in extremely confined spaces, whether stationary or mobile. Advantages such as the innovative, space-saving mounting bracket and rotatable M12 connections also help here. Plus the mobile diagnostics app from Leuze lets system operators retrieve all status information via Bluetooth conveniently and at any time, even if the laser scanner is installed in an inaccessible or difficult-to-access location.

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A smarter, reusable solution

Unlike standard sticky labels, Drytack features a unique dry acrylic adhesive that clings securely to smooth surfaces without leaving any residue. It can be applied and removed by hand – and reused repeatedly. Even if the back gets dusty or dirty a quick wipe with a damp cloth restores the adhesive qualities, making it ready to go again.

Drytack offers all the benefits of magnetic labels – such as flexibility and repositioning – without the cost or bulk. It’s a polyester label with a dry-tack adhesive backing, ideal for dynamic warehouse environments where stock and storage configurations change frequently.

Tried and tested in Europe

One of Germany’s largest bicycle manufacturers recently turned to Drytack when launching a new warehouse with 30,000 racking spaces. Ahead of the full warehouse rollout, the company needed to temporarily mark 5,000 locations as ‘blocked’ and sought a solution that was simple, visible, and easy to reverse when required.

Drytack labels were used to cover existing barcodes, clearly indicating inactive locations while avoiding errors during scanning. Staff could see at a glance which areas were off-limits – and when a location needed to be reactivated, the label could be peeled off in seconds, leaving no trace behind. The customer praised the solution for its simplicity, efficiency, and sustainability.

“With Drytack, Inotec gave us an easy yet highly effective way to label blocked shelf spaces. The handling is straightforward, and the reusability makes it a more sustainable choice,” said the Production Manager of the Bicycle Manufacturer.

Why it matters

Drytack is perfect for operations where shelf or pick locations change frequently, such as seasonal stock rotations. A good example is footwear retailers who shift from flip-flops to winter boots as the seasons change. Drytack makes it easy to relabel quickly, without investing in expensive magnetic alternatives or damaging existing racking with adhesive residue. Available blank, pre-printed, or as thermal transfer-compatible material, Drytack suits a wide range of applications across warehouse, logistics, and retail environments.

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The agreement builds on an existing relationship between the two companies and follows the successful initial implementation phase of the Wise platform. The new contract will see the cutting-edge Wise platform integrated across DPD’s entire UK operations of over 10,000 vehicles, streamlining core processes and enhancing network visibility.

A key component of this deal is Wise’s Network View functionality, which will centralise onboarding for both direct and indirect resources, manage payments to direct resources and ensure robust compliance across DPD’s fleet workforce. The platform will eliminate manual processes, improve data accuracy, and provide real-time insight, reducing administrative pressures and increasing operational efficiency.

The new Network View product was launched in April, and the rollout to the DPD network will start this month.

Express Delivery Operations

Dan Richards, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at Wise, said: “We’re proud to deepen our partnership with DPD to support them in gaining full visibility across their network and confident that we will unlock real value for them operationally. The deal is a testament to the trust we’ve built and the proven impact our platform has had across their service.”

Dan Richards, Wise

Chris Betts, Head of Network at DPD, said: “We chose Wise because, simply put, they are the best in their field. Their software solution helps us to manage a vital resource, making it easier for us to train, manage, and monitor, minute by minute, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible delivery experience for our customers, 52 weeks of the year.”

Chris Betts, DPD

The Wise platform is trusted by over 250 businesses and this deal with DPD further reinforces Wise’s position as a market leader in onboarding, payments and compliance software for logistics companies.

Wise is a leading technology provider supporting logistics businesses to reduce compliance risk, streamline processes, and ensure regulatory adherence. Purpose-built for scale, Wise is a structured system and service providing businesses everything they need to operate compliantly.

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The joint solution, which connects Loftware Cloud with SATO’s cloud-connected printers, eliminates printer driver dependencies, allowing IT teams to avoid installation, troubleshooting, updates, and management. This significantly reduces maintenance and support costs, while enabling businesses to print from any PC browser, providing flexibility to scale or adapt operations without technical constraints. Additionally, users can access the latest approved label templates from anywhere, at any time, through a secure browser and seamlessly print from their SATO printer. The platform also streamlines user management, enabling administrators to quickly add and approve new users in minutes without the need for license keys, reducing administrative burden and improving operational efficiency.

The Loftware/SATO partnership supports a range of industry applications. This includes supplier compliance to ensure accurate, timely labeling and RFID tagging – eliminating relabelling and improving supply chain efficiency. It also enhances in-plant labelling for better process control within factories, ensures retail labelling consistency with industry standards, and streamlines third-party logistics (3PL) labelling for seamless integration with logistics providers.

Hayato Shindo, Group Business Officer at SATO Corporation, commented: “In today’s fast-paced business environment, manufacturers face many challenges, such as changing customer, legal and regulatory requirements; remote working and collaboration; rapid scaling up of operations; and improving productivity while reducing operating costs. Traditional desktop label design applications, while effective in the past, are no longer sufficient to manage these complexities. The solution provided by SATO and Loftware addresses these challenges head-on by offering a centralized and secure platform for label design and printing.”

Loftware Cloud expands labelling capabilities across internal stakeholders, external suppliers, co-manufacturers, and co-packers, who all play a role in the complex supply chain process. With seamless integration into both on-premise and cloud-based business applications such as ERP, WMS, and PLM, Loftware Cloud optimizes workflows for greater efficiency and accuracy.

SATO’s cloud-connected printers further enhance this solution with effortless installation and mobility. Simply connecting a LAN cable ensures the printer is ready for immediate use. This plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to relocate printers as needed, giving businesses the flexibility to adapt to changing operational demands.

Denis Stojanoski, Loftware Senior Alliance Program Manager, added: “Loftware and SATO have a long-standing partnership built on a shared commitment to innovation. Together, we continue to develop cutting-edge supply chain solutions that empower businesses to operate more efficiently, adapt to evolving industry demands, and future-proof their operations. By combining our expertise, we’re driving the future of labeling to deliver greater agility, scalability, and value for our customers.”

Loftware and SATO’s global partnership extends over a quarter century. In recent years, the two have developed an advanced RFID encoding and logging solution to help businesses meet stringent traceability standards. The partnership between Loftware and SATO represents a strategic shift toward addressing specific use cases to better meet modern business needs.

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In response, Schlüter-Systems has accelerated the digitalization of its warehouse operations across the group and built a new central warehouse at its headquarters. At the heart of this transformation is the LFS warehouse management system from EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group), which ensures the coordination of all logistics processes. The result: noticeably improved efficiency, maximum flexibility, and a significantly lower error rate.

Schlüter-Systems offers a wide range of products, including various types of Schlüter profiles, electric and hydronic radiant heating systems, drainage solutions, and much more. With a portfolio of over 12,000 items, the company has successfully expanded into new markets and continuously enhanced its logistics capabilities. At its new warehouse in Iserlohn, Schlüter-Systems stocks approximately 12,000 products across 35,000 square meters and two levels.

From Driverless Transport Systems to Overhead Monorails

Fast shipping requires fast logistics — and a high-performance warehouse management system. As the previous WMS and ERP systems could no longer meet the demands of the new warehouse, Schlüter-Systems decided it was time for a change. After a thorough and lengthy selection process, the company chose the LFS warehouse management system.

“In our new central warehouse, we’ve implemented a very high level of automation — with three automated high-bay storage systems, a driverless transport system, an automated small-parts warehouse, and a self-driving overhead monorail,” says Florian Schmidt, Head of Logistics at Schlüter-Systems. “The main challenge was getting the WMS to seamlessly connect all these systems and coordinate the material flow without disruption.”

By implementing LFS, Schlüter-Systems aimed to enhance picking and packing strategies, optimize material flow, and make processes more efficient and transparent. Thanks to close collaboration with the Schlüter-Systems project team, the supply chain specialists at EPG successfully implemented LFS at the site and coordinated all automation solutions within just a few months. “For the suspended monorail system, which can transport various items with a total weight of up to 1.3 tons, there was previously no existing interface,” explains EPG Project Manager Markus Pauly. “We developed a custom connection from the ground up to ensure seamless integration into the system.”

Efficient, Ergonomic, Error-Free

The modular LFS system helps Schlüter-Systems design automation elements at different communication levels and interfaces with shipping service providers in a sustainable and efficient way. “One of the challenges was coordinating the wide variety and complexity of components in day-to-day operations,” says Schmidt.

In addition to the driverless transport system (FTS), the company also uses the cloud-based International Shipping System (ISS), which offers user-friendly features like Track & Trace, interfaces with over 250 shipping carriers, and fully automated shipping label printing.

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One of the key lessons learnt by the global supply chain industry over the last few years is the critical importance of having robust supply chain processes in place, particularly because customers today demand short lead times and fast delivery.

Developing resilient supply chains won’t come overnight, but having the right technology in place is fundamental to achieving it. In particular, the use of rugged devices and solutions is seeing significant growth throughout the transport and logistics (T&L) sector as whole. In fact, a recent study by IDC and Getac found that 65% of T&L organisations are now spending at least 10% of their IT budget on rugged devices, with 51% planning to increase their spending over the next 12-18 months.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Rugged technology can help enhance efficiency and resolve many of the ongoing challenges that the T&L sector faces: whether that’s a need to improve transparency in the supply chain, eliminate inefficiencies in data gathering or meet health and safety, environmental and sustainability regulations.

Unexpected events from severe weather to ‘black swan’ events can impact T&L operations overnight, which is why the sector needs ready access to technology that can provide visibility and deliver valuable insights. Rugged technology does just that, enabling companies to better track key performance indicators, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions that optimise processes and reduce costs.

A growing number of T&L companies also now use IoT sensors on assets and goods, which give them real-time information on a range of parameters such as humidity and temperature while in transit. When integrated into supply chain management systems, these insights can help inform decisions on things like delivery schedules, with rugged devices serving as the platforms through which drivers/managers access and receive this information.

At the same time, real-time GPS tracking can help keep workers safe in adverse weather conditions, while dispatchers can use it in combination with real-time traffic data to route drivers via the most eco-friendly routes possible, helping to reduce their carbon footprint.

The operational visibility that rugged technologies offer also helps track energy consumption and optimise productivity. IDC’s study found a growing number of T&L organisations were looking to integrate rugged devices into warehouse management, customer relationship, and supply chain management systems, all in a bid to improve efficiencies in the supply chain and boost worker performance.

The Business Case

The business case for rugged devices extends far beyond durability alone. The combination of powerful specification, extensive connectivity and reliability makes them ideally suited to T&L environments, where a single device can travel hundreds of miles a day and be used in a wide range of locations, temperatures, and weather conditions. Most rugged device fleets can also be scaled up easily, using centrally managed security protocols that make it easier for IT teams to protect sensitive data, regardless of where the device physically is.

While upfront capital investment in a rugged device stack might be a little higher than consumer-oriented equivalents, the total cost of ownership (TCO) shakes out in favour of rugged devices. Digital transformation in all sectors, including in T&L, depends on reliable, always-available, accurate data, which can also help automate supply chain processes. The ability to deliver this data when needed means rugged devices can unlock a range of efficiencies across the entire supply chain.

Whether companies are looking to improve their customer service metrics, boost sustainability initiatives, comply with regulations, cut down on waste in last-mile logistics, or improve worker productivity, rugged devices are essential in helping meet these goals.

Implementing Rugged Devices

Rugged devices might be a must-have for T&L operations but making a wise investment decision means considering the following factors in TCO calculations:

Ease of integration with in-house supply chain software systems: For rugged devices to do their job, which is to facilitate access to data, they need to integrate with software systems for that information. Companies need to ensure that rugged devices will work with existing supply chain and warehouse management systems. Integrating rugged devices with inventory management systems such as ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID is crucial to optimise inventory processes and improve efficiency.

One of the key concerns that many companies have is that rugged devices expand the company’s data systems to the edge. Trusted rugged device vendors have robust security protocols in place to keep data secure. Likewise, organizations must evaluate the range of operating conditions that their fleet of rugged devices will need to withstand and pick the right devices accordingly, using the device vendor’s industry experience to guide their decision-making.

The best practises for integrating rugged devices into T&L operations extend beyond the ones listed here. Companies should conduct a comprehensive TCO assessment and ensure a ramp-up period to iron out any potential issues that might surface. Most importantly, the C-suite needs to ensure workforce buy-in, so team members see the devices as aids that help them do their job better while improving efficiency.

No one can predict when the next supply chain shock will occur but being able to access data in real time keeps T&L companies agile and able to withstand ups and downs. Now is the time to invest in rugged devices to make T&L operations function smoothly and ready to take on any challenge.

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