E-commerce driving DC need for mobile technology

To support e-commerce and higher expectation for fast and accurate delivery, nearly nine in 10 distribution center operators expect to adopt new mobile devices and voice-direction technology in the next five years.

These are among the results of a survey by Honeywell and YouGov that reflects the opinions of hundreds of IT decision-makers across the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany.

According to the survey, picking errors cost distribution centers on average more than $400,000 every year, based on a global average cost of $59 per picking error. IT decision-makers say the cost of a mispick in the U.S. ranks highest ($67), followed by France ($60), Germany ($52), and the U.K. ($50). Technologies to improve accuracy and speed might include mobile computers, printers and scanners, wireless headsets and voice direction.

Honeywell’s survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of distribution centers currently support omni-channel distribution, meaning they have the data capture and asset tracking systems required to fulfill orders both from retailers and from consumers purchasing on-line. Of the countries surveyed, France has the highest percentage of sales coming from e-commerce (54%).

According to the survey, voice direction can add one hour of productive time per worker each month. The majority of respondents anticipate transitioning to voice solutions within the next five years, including 94% in Germany, 87% in the U.S., 82% in the U.K. and 78% in France. Nearly 25% of distribution center workers do not speak the local language, requiring a need for technology solutions that support multiple languages.