Strategies for Effective Device Deployment in Large-Scale Logistics Operations
Deploying the latest electronics and handhelds may be enough to supercharge a small logistics hub’s productivity. However, what do you do when you begin running a larger operation? At scale, you’ll need a device deployment strategy to get the most out of your electronic assets.
How you use your devices, from Chromebooks to tablets, can mean the difference between streamlined operations and concerning inefficiencies.
Deploy your electronics correctly, and you’ll benefit from greater efficiency and productivity. Conversely, downtime, device loss, and even compromised data can be the results of poorly planned device deployment.
Fortunately, the risks that come with adopting devices into your large-scale logistics operations can be minimized. We at Bretford are here to share our top strategies for device deployment with you.
Start With a Thorough Needs Assessment
Information is power when you’re at the helm of a logistics operation. In particular, you need information on your team and facility’s tech needs.
When assessing technology-related needs, your evaluation must go beyond the devices you’d like to incorporate. For the best results, analyze your operation’s specific requirements.
Do you need faster ways to manage inventory and reach staff on-site?
Or do you need real-time updates on incoming shipments?
Maybe, you’re looking for ways to keep your devices charged and ready like charging carts and lockers.
Whatever your findings are, they will be instrumental in helping you find tech solutions that address critical pain points in your large-scale logistics operation.
Standardize Your Device Selection
Once you’ve assessed your facility’s needs, you’re now ready to select the appropriate tech solutions. When choosing devices, be sure to select standardized ones. Doing this is a must when you’re after easy procurement, maintenance, and after-sales service.
There are two ways to standardize your device selection.
Option 1: Choose According to Your Desired Device Specifications
One of the ways to standardize your devices is to choose based on specifications that can address your logistic operation’s needs. For example, you can select rugged handheld devices or tablets designed to withstand harsh environments common in logistics operations.
Option 2: Choosing One Provider
You can also acquire your tech solutions from the same company.
By choosing one tech solution provider, not only will you benefit from easier acquisitions, but because you’re choosing one company, there will be less complexity in software updates and troubleshooting.
Prioritize Charging and Device Security
The more devices you acquire and deploy, the more you’ll need to keep each device charged and ready. This is where charging solutions come in. Charging solutions provide you with a single location for when you need to charge all your devices. With solutions like charging carts and charging lockers, your electronics like Chromebooks and handhelds will always be accessible and ready.
Of course, there’s more to keeping your devices available than just ensuring they have sufficient battery power. Device theft is a real possibility. Without ways to protect your devices, you can lose valuable electronic gadgets and the data contained within them.
Luckily, charging solutions like the ones we offer are equipped with secure accessibility features that protect your devices from unauthorized access. Hence, you get a solution that addresses your facility’s needs for both device charging and security.
Take Advantage of Security Measures
Some charging solutions like charging lockers and charging carts contain security features to keep your devices safe. To take full advantage of these features, you should first be familiar with the exact type of security protocol your solutions have. Some have PIN authentication while others have multi-step access authorization protocols.
The next step is to control access. You can do this by granting access codes like PIN codes to people who need your devices. Doing this is also beneficial for device accountability. Most importantly, there will be fewer instances of device loss or theft.
Leverage Central Management Platforms
In large-scale logistics operations, one of the most common problems is monitoring multiple devices. For this reason, you’ll need a way to keep track of all your electronics from a single point. This is where a central management platform can come in handy.
Unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions enable you to configure, monitor, and manage all devices from a single location. With UEM solutions like Bretford Connect, you’ll be able to see your devices in real-time, track who has them, and configure them in one user-friendly interface.
This approach improves the visibility of your devices, facilitates consistent software updates, and streamlines the implementation of security protocols across all your electronic assets.
Deploy in Phases
Are you thinking of equipping all parts of your logistics facility? While this approach may seem like a good way to speed up adoption, doing so can overwhelm your team and make fine-tuning difficult. Instead, it’s best to deploy your devices following a scalable rollout plan.
Roll out devices in phases, starting with pilot testing in select locations. From here, you should gather feedback, identify potential issues, and refine processes before scaling up.
This phased approach is conducive to adjustments and reduces risks associated with large-scale deployment.
Provide Adequate Training and Support
It doesn’t matter if you have the latest tablets, laptops, charging solutions, and handhelds. Without training your staff on their proper use and maintenance, these electronic assets can be more harmful than beneficial—both to your productivity and bottom line.
For this reason, you should equip your workforce with the knowledge and skills to use your devices properly. Programs should be tailored to the specific functionalities of the devices and the unique needs of your operations.
There will be an adjustment period as you incorporate more devices at scale. So provide ongoing support to your team to make adoption seamless.
Let Bretford Power Your Device Deployment Strategy
Deploying your devices requires a clear understanding of your logistics operation’s needs, the available solutions, and measures for making adoption seamless. We at Bretford are here to support your strategies for device deployment.
Contact us today for a free quote on our charging carts and lockers, and let Bretford be your partner as you scale your logistics operation.
