Tools such as Zebra's RS2100 wearable scanner increase worker comfort and dexterity. Its back-of-hand design and unique mount leaves the palm unobstructed, providing complete freedom to handle items. And the low profile enables easy picking in tight spaces.
One notable example is pilot training; Kenco is considering this for forklift training, Grant says. Attracting, retaining, and engaging workers. Organizations with engaged employees perform better on just about every metric. This includes pro tability, productivity, safety incidents, and turnover and absenteeism, according to a recent Gallup report . One way supply chain organizations can boost employee engagement is through gami cation, or integrating game elements, like friendly competition and points, into the work world. “It’s not just money that motivates, it’s also being able to enjoy your job and some friendly competition,” Kline says. Gami cation can turn a tough job into something better. Using tools and technologies that support workers can pay off in increased safety, productivity, morale, and performance. Says Santagate: “Labor management plays a signi cant role in driving an operation’s future value.” n
data that lets managers zero in on a potential danger areas, Hart says. For instance, a camera might show that a blind spot at a particular corner is causing numerous near misses between forklifts and employees. Arti cial intelligence automates the process of analyzing the CCTV footage, so managers can more quickly and easily identify the near misses and their locations. Once the problem and its location have been identi ed, an effective solution can be developed. The data can be anonymized, keeping the identity of any employee private. The focus is on making work safer, and not on employee behavior, Hart says. The Protex AI solution, for example, processes video feeds to autonomously identify and report safety incidents and near-misses. Virtual reality (VR) is being used in interesting applications, such as training simulations. These simulations train an individual on the proper operation of large machinery that would be unsafe to operate without practice.
away. If anything enters that zone of protection, the vehicle will stop.” In contrast, PIVs are subject to the whims of the person driving them. The current focus on safety also encompasses tools that can reduce or eliminate jobs that can lead to injuries over time. For instance, some jobs require workers to push carts weighing hundreds of pounds up and down concrete warehouse oors. This strains worker’s bodies, which isn’t good from a health, nor a productivity standpoint. Tools such as slotting solutions, robotics, and voice picking can remedy this, often by reducing the distances employees must travel. “The more a warehouse can bring the products to workers, optimize their pick paths, and reduce the physical walking that workers have to do in the facilities, the less strain you can put on them,” Santagate says. CCTV and virtual reality boost safety. Closed circuit television (CCTV) enhanced with AI can collect
May 2024 • Inbound Logistics 37
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