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Multi-modal wireless technologies have started to gain widespread attention in distribution centers, but, in general the market’s understanding of how the options can be best deployed is just beginning to evolve.

Multi-modal refers to the concept of combining different types of wireless and data capture devices and technologies in a single unit or system. The most common example might be to use both voice and bar code scanning for order picking: voice for task direction and some pick confirmation steps, scanning to capture the serial number required for that SKU. There are many other total combinations: hand held and wearable terminals; voice, scanning, “talk,” and RFID.

According to Mark Wheeler, director, Warehouse Solutions Industry Solutions Group at Motorola, a smart way to decide which combination is best is to set up a matrix of tasks, processes steps and input/output types.

Each step in a task, such as order picking, can be thought of as being one of the following:

• System direction: What work or information is required to be performed;
• Task confirmation: Updating the system as to the work done; or
• Data capture: Capturing additional information required for the application.

By looking at each task (picking, replenishment, loading, etc.), breaking down those tasks into discrete steps, and then identifying the type and characteristics of each interaction with the system (direction, confirmation, data capture), companies can better understand what types of form factors and technologies are best suited to each task.

Read the full story at scdigest.com.

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