The Android operating system originated in consumer technology, but its share in consumer and secure devices is increasing. This is how this increase affects the productivity of operations, the options for visual instructions and the convenience of warehouse staff .

When we talk about data collection and mobile workflows in the warehouse, it's time to take the trump cards out. This thought not only reflects the urgent need to make ordering work faster and more accurate, but it also tells us more and more about Android , the operating system that is conquering a huge part of the market for corporate mobile devices .

Wireless mobile storage devices have been around for decades, using radio frequency connectivity and scanning to support key workflows and tasks.

But traditional mobile RF devices have undergone many metamorphoses in recent years, both in terms of form factor and operating system.

As a result, the infamous pocket barcode scanners of recent years have largely given way to small and lightweight devices that are more in sync with the user experience in technology. New alternatives to voice features are now available, and smart glasses and smart watches now have many more options.

However, all this is leading to the decline of Microsoft's mobile operating platforms , such as Windows Embedded CE 6.0 , Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 and Windows Embedded Compact 7 . Microsoft has begun offering a newer mobile operating system, but the old hardware will only be compatible with the latest version, forcing many users to switch to upgrading their devices.

Companies that provide warehousing solutions see that Android is gaining momentum not only among consumer devices, but also among specialized secure devices.

In fact, according to VDC Research, Android 's share of the security market in 2015 increased by 30%. But VDC tracks the market for secure devices in several sectors, including retail, field services and delivery, using Android more widely in these sectors than in warehouses .

"We see that Android is already becoming the dominant platform for enterprise secure mobile devices ," said Mark Wheeler, director of supply chain solutions at Zebra Technologies . "The warehouse market lags behind some other sectors in this regard, but Android is definitely in the rankings."

According to Ron Kubera, executive vice president at Lucas Systems, a representative of mobile work solutions, in 2017, 100% of new customers chose the Android operating system for their voice-controlled applications that combine voice, scanning and display. "Android devices not only work with Bluetooth and scanning modules, but also have the ability to NFC connection, with larger and better displays are older devices, which provides advantages in areas such as visual instructions," he said. Kubera.

Companies agree that consumer issues such as ergonomics, performance in scanning and data collection are important, not the details of the operating system, but at the same time user-oriented technologies such as Bluetooth can have operational benefits.

The new advantages of Android in stock

The advantages of Android are the combination of low price , especially for consumer-grade devices, touch screens and built-in support for such standards as Bluetooth and NFC .

Each end portends a whole new beginning. And this is especially true of the cessation of support for Windows mobile operating systems . In 2020, this affected about 2.55 million Zebra devices , which until then were actively used in many companies and enterprises.

The clock is ticking, but it can be seen that warehouses are not in a hurry to switch to modern mobile computers . Maybe they are afraid of the transition, or maybe they just do not realize the benefits of switching to Android devices . In any case, there is no other option, we must move forward.

We can now say that many logistics service providers and many warehouse managers already know that their operations are doomed from the moment Windows support was discontinued. So what are the reasons to give up the old? Most importantly, yesterday's systems cannot meet today's requirements.

Outdated operating systems and applications with green screens were developed before the advent of e-commerce. Warehouses are currently struggling with three key factors: an e-commerce boom, reduced delivery times and labor problems.

And with these large volumes of online trade, there is a problem with packaging, with the fact that orders are now many in number rather than full boxes, and more boxes instead of full pallets.

Warehousing operations are also associated with large quantities of returned goods, so reverse logistics is a very important process.

And the market (more precisely the customer) does not forgive mistakes. To be successful in this field, modern technology is crucial for your business. Yes, old devices may work as before, but these same old systems will create the same problems. The saying is not now: "You can't do the same thing, but expect a different result." This limits innovation and severely hampers business.

Why choose Zebra Android for the warehouse?

Companies that realize that old technologies are "pulling them back" and then switching to Android for their warehouses are gaining an instant advantage over their competitors. Efficiency, productivity, accuracy and safety are much greater already. And one more thing, it has never been easier to take a step forward.

The latest devices from Zebra Technologies are based on the Android operating system . The range covers all options for use in the warehouse - portable, mobile and automotive with a single platform that is easy to deploy and manage. And as can be expected from Zebra , this is a reliable integrated solution , leading the market now.

Goodbye, green screen! Hello, touch screen!

The discontinuation of Windows support from Microsoft means that the days on the green screen are over. But companies no longer need to fear the time, losses and problems of the transition to Android . Zebra technology allows you to do this easily and quickly. They will help you switch from the green screen to the Android screen in minutes. The employees in the warehouse will be ready to work immediately.

Moreover, they will have more functions to perform their tasks and increase their productivity. They will be able to take full advantage of Android , turning their green screens into fully interactive graphics screens that will make their tasks as easy as possible, increase their productivity and overall efficiency. All this will be possible thanks to the Mobility DNA solution from Zebra Technologies .

Mobility DNA , a unique software ecosystem from Zebra , turns Android into a corporate force, making it easier to develop and deploy applications while ensuring the security of the operating system. In addition, Zebra guarantees the extension of the protection of its devices thanks to LifeGuard ™ for Android .

LifeGuard provides periodic security updates and maintains security for legacy operating systems as they transition to a newer operating system.

Frequent updates increase security and can be easily installed both locally and remotely. This constant support means that you will be able to invest safely.

A familiar face to your employees

In the battle to attract and retain staff, Android offers absolute advantages . Employees know its touch interface from their mobile phones. This means that they will learn to work with Android devices in the warehouse for hours, not days or weeks.

With Android, you can only win

Zebra's solid line is complemented by new Android-based touchscreen devices that have fantastic features that increase speed and accuracy when scanning in stock. Camera technology makes reality much more accessible, and SimulScan reads several barcodes at once at the touch of a button. In addition, communication has been improved through the WorkForce Connect solution with Wi-Fi support and push-to-talk function, which allows employees to be connected anywhere and anytime in the warehouse.

To be more productive, more efficient, faster and more accurate in warehouse work, switch to Android ! Because Android is the future of the warehouse , without which you can't do good business! Take a new level of performance with Zebra Android devices !