Wearable Mini Mobile Computers Enter Scan-Intensive Workflows

Industries like Postal/Parcel, Warehouse/DC, Retail, Ecommerce, Manufacturing, and Airlines are adding wearable scanners to their workflows.

Are you ready to attain a new level of productivity in your warehouse, receiving, shipping, or material handling departments? Hands-free and wearable technology is rapidly becoming the de-facto choice in a myriad of industries. From software that offers workers a voice-based connection to the warehouse management system (WMS), to wearable barcode scanners connected via wireless communication standards like Bluetooth®, technologies that help free up workers’ hands and connect them to data more fluidly are helping to move the industry toward the next era of efficiency in data capture and order fulfillment.

Overview of Honeywell 8680i

Honeywell’s 8680i Wearable Mini Mobile Computer is a compact, high-performance, hands-free cordless scanner designed to help businesses improve workflow efficiency with every scanning transaction, reducing operational slowdown and support costs, and improving productivity. There are two versions:

• Standard Version. The Standard version offers lightweight, ergonomic, Bluetooth®-wearable scanning with clear communication of wireless connection, battery status, and scan results.
• Advanced Version. The Advanced version enables streamlined workflows with a single device vs. a scanner and mobile computer combination. Key information can be presented to the worker on the display to enable task-specific responses (for example, confirm action completion or mark an exception). With Wi-Fi, a customizable user-facing display, and a two-button interface.
• Flexible Configuration. Flexible configuration options can be tailored to the work environment with a choice of a two-finger ring or a glove option, and slim or extended batteries to suit the duty cycle, shift length, and size/weight priorities.

Designed to improve efficiency and productivity for scan-intensive tasks, the device offers 8- and 10-hour battery options and ring scanner or glove-mounted versions. The lightweight, Wi-Fi-enabled device provides workers with a two-button interface and a display of information such as battery status and scan results. By eliminating the need to hold a separate mobile computer, the 8680i can improve workers’ scanning times by approximately 5 seconds per typical transaction. Workers using the wearable 8680i scanner can experience:

• Less wasted movement, more efficient scanning. No need to find, pick up, and set down a handheld scanner. The 8680i wearable mini mobile improves worker transaction times by up to 5 seconds for scan-intensive workflows.
• Ergonomic, lightweight design. The lightweight, ergonomic design – up to 17% lighter than competing products – and advanced battery power allow comfortable, all-day use, and leave the hands free to handle heavy packages.
• Streamlined workflows in a single device. The Advanced version offers a customizable line-of-sight screen, Wi-Fi, and SDK for app development, supporting streamlined workflows as a single, standalone device vs. scanner + mobile computer alternatives.
• Customizable to fit application. Choose from two-finger ring or cut-resistant glove form factors, as well as slim and extended battery options; Standard or Advanced versions available to fit workflow needs.
• Built rugged for the real world. Engineered to withstand 2,000 0.5 meter (1.6 feet) tumbles – twice the durability of competitive wearables – the 8680i wearable mini mobile is built for rugged industrial work environments.
• Honeywell connected workflow analytics. Predictive analytics help manage battery population lifecycle, preventing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted full-shift operation; simple deployment of settings and firmware updates.

Here is how the 8680i contributes to improved performance for scan-intensive workflows in the following industries:

Postal/Parcel: Scanning to drive parcel tracking/traceability

• Scanning while loading or unloading trailers
  • Reading 1D or 2D barcodes to track parcel movement.
  • Added functionality with Advanced version: Exception information presented to user via display (e.g., incorrect sortation identified at time of truck loading, additional documentation required for hazardous cargo, etc.).
• Scanning while sorting
  • Reading 1D or 2D barcodes to track parcel movement.
  • Added functionality with Advanced model: Sortation instructions displayed in users’ line-of-sight reduces training time and increases speed to productivity – particularly important for peak seasonal workforce or high-turnover positions.
  • Exception information identifies parcels requiring additional documentation, special care, diversion, or additional processing.

Warehouse/Distribution Center

• Picking
  • Standard version: Paired with mobile device or Honeywell Voice for simple Bluetooth data entry.
  • Advanced version: With Wi-Fi and display, the 8680i wearable mini mobile can operate with a network application to display work instructions in the warehouse/DC worker’s line-of-sight (pick location, SKU to pick, quantity, confirm, or mark process exception).
  • Scanning verifies worker identity for login, location, and SKU.
  • Similar process deployed in retail for Omnichannel/Buy Online Pick Up in Store (BOPUS).
• Put-Away
  • Similar to picking, but in reverse; with Wi-Fi and display, 8680i device can operate with a network application to push instructions to the warehouse/DC worker’s line-of-sight (login, put-away location, SKU, quantity, confirm, or mark process exception).
• Packing
  • Wearable scanning can save 5 seconds per scanning transaction vs. handheld scanning, driving efficiency.
  • With the Advanced version, the screen can display errors at the point of activity.

Manufacturing

• Assembly
  • For assembly tasks, wearable scanning can save 5 seconds per scanning transaction vs. handheld scanning, driving efficiency.
  • Industrial glove form factor provides increased finger dexterity for fine tasks.
  • Advanced version: Screen can present exception information at the point of activity, preventing errors.

Airlines

• Baggage Handling
  • Wearable scanning leaves both hands free to manage bulky and heavy baggage, enabling optimum efficiency.
  • Bluetooth pairing enables connection to a mobile device, providing WAN network access.
  • Advanced version: With integration, the mobility application can push workflow instructions and exception information to the outdoor-readable display, eliminating the time required to reference a secondary device.

Retail (Omnichannel/BOPUS/Ecommerce)

• Picking
  • Standard version: Paired with a mobile device or Honeywell Voice for simple Bluetooth data entry.
  • Advanced version: With Wi-Fi and display, the 8680i wearable mini mobile can operate with a network application to display work instructions in the warehouse/DC worker’s line-of-sight (pick location, SKU to pick, quantity, confirm, or mark process exception).
  • Scanning verifies worker identity for login, location, and SKU.
• Put-Away
  • Similar to picking, but in reverse; with Wi-Fi and display, 8680i device can operate with a network application to push instructions to the warehouse/DC worker’s line-of-sight (login, put-away location, SKU, quantity, confirm, or mark process exception).
• Packing
  • Wearable scanning can save 5 seconds per scanning transaction vs. handheld scanning, driving efficiency.
  • With Advanced version, screen can display errors at the point of activity.

Honeywell Barcode Scanners and Scanning Systems

At Honeywell, make barcode scanning easy. That’s why Honeywell barcode readers are plug and play with industry-leading scan performance, making even the most difficult-to-read barcodes look good.

From retail checkout to hospital patient care to warehouse supply chains and manufacturing, Honeywell barcode scanners are purpose-built for the demands of your business. Learn More.