The Internet of Things visualizes the flow of goods
Researchers such as Professor Willibald Günthner from the Chair of Materials Handling, Material Flow and Logistics at the Technical University of Munich believe in the future of the Internet of Things: "Packages, pallets and containers are identified by a chip that stores both product and transport information. Like data streams on the internet, shipments will find their own way to their destination." DHL maps both the information collected via mobile scanners and transport and loading devices (e.g. forklifts) as well as the data from the warehouse management system. It records the location and processing status of each parcel in real time. For Tjalling de Vries, Site Development Manager and Innovation Lead at DHL, the advantage of this new intralogistics approach is obvious: "One screen with a clear visualization of what happens in the warehouse."

Process restructuring via augmented reality
Augmented reality supplements the real world with interactive content such as text, graphics or videos. Data glasses can be used to feed information into the employees' field of vision to support them when packing goods, for example by displaying the perfect position in the box. Augmented reality is of particular interest for picking goods. According to a study by logistics professor René de Koster, picking accounts for 55 to 65 percent of warehousing costs. What's more, this work is often carried out by inexperienced assistants. Augmented reality tools help employees to find the right items and the shortest transport routes, for example using a "pathfinding app".

Blockchain tracking for more security
Basically, the blockchain is a security system. It is a track that is stored on as many hard disks as possible to prevent the addition or deletion of tracks (blocks). The Linde Group is planning to use blockchain in intralogistics: for the maintenance history of a vehicle. "The blockchain makes it possible to store data uniquely and unalterably in the blockchain data record when it is passed on using cryptography," says Roger Campbell, Head of Intralogistic Service at Linde. The aim is to be able to trace the complete maintenance history without any gaps. Similar processes are conceivable for tracking supply chains and shipments. A consortium led by Kühne + Nagel has already developed a blockchain replacement for the consignment note that accompanies every shipment.

The key to success: the right equipment
The Internet of Things, augmented reality and blockchain - these future technologies are based on powerful software and hardware solutions. Getac, an international provider of robust computers, has established itself in the logistics segment. This is because the mobile devices used in intralogistics in particular have to meet high requirements. They should be particularly robust and resistant to dust, impact and water. However, the quality of the housing must not be at the expense of performance and handling. Many national and international companies therefore use robust tablets from Getac in their logistics centers, which have a multi-touch display that can be read at any time, WLAN, Bluetooth and an integrated spare battery. Employees also appreciate the compact design, low weight and easy handling. Even large volumes of data, such as those generated by modern warehousing applications, can be processed in real time. The devices come with an extended warranty: the three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty even covers accidental damage as standard. In the event of a failure, Getac also provides a replacement device within a very short time - anywhere in the world.

Two questions for Eric Yeh, Sales & Operations Director DACH at Getac Technology

© Getac

material flow: What are the most important criteria when it comes to robust and mobile devices for logistics?
Eric Yeh: Our customers in the logistics sector are particularly challenged and have to automate and digitalize more and more. They have very high demands on their robust hardware, which no longer just has to withstand a lot and be light and handy at the same time. In modern warehousing applications, they need absolutely reliable, fail-safe, robust and mobile devices that also enable extremely fast processes. Very large data streams need to be processed at high speed - just think of IoT, augmented reality and blockchain applications. This is only possible with high-performance devices that meet all the requirements - from real-time connectivity and GPS to displays with multi-touch functions that are always easy to read. A long battery life for uninterrupted work and high temperature resistance are also important.

material flow: What makes Getac devices for logistics particularly stand out?
Yeh: We have a wide range of robust devices for logistics that meet the highest demands in terms of ease of use, technology, functionality and performance. Our ZX70 and T800 tablets, for example, are very popular. Our new "Screen Driving Safety" solution is particularly interesting for logistics, as it reduces driver distraction by restricting device functionality during movement. Once this function is activated, the screen display is locked to prevent or restrict the use of the vehicle computer. This improves employee safety and prevents accidents. We are also the only manufacturer to build the housings for the devices, which enables us to achieve high levels of robustness with a relatively low weight. And, of course, to always bring innovative technologies to the market that set standards in terms of performance, functionality and safety. Our industry-leading bumper-to-bumper warranty even covers accidental damage, which gives our customers great planning security.
gives our customers great planning security.

About Getac
The company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, focuses on technological innovation and employs hundreds of engineers in the development department alone. In addition to the logistics sector, Getac devices are used in a wide variety of areas, such as the military, industrial production, the process industry, the automotive sector and the blue light sector.