Why Superior Wi-Fi Networks will Increasingly Underpin the Most Efficient Warehouses

With the increasing reliance of warehouses on technology, it is no surprise that as IT advances, the opportunity to close gaps in efficiency and reduce the impact of errors is one that the most successful warehouses are taking advantage of. High performance networking – and in particular wireless networking – underpins much of this emerging technology. Below we examine why superior Wi-Fi in warehouses is vital if businesses are to gain a competitive edge with today’s evolving supply chain.

Faster connectivity:

Next-gen networking technologies provide faster and more reliable connectivity within the warehouse environment. This enables real-time communication and data exchange between various systems, such as inventory management, warehouse management, and order fulfilment systems. With improved connectivity, warehouse operations can be streamlined, eliminating connectivity issues and enabling uninterrupted operations, improving efficiency.

Improved mobility:

It’s not all about speed. Next-gen networking technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6, offer improved coverage, enabling wireless connectivity throughout the warehouse. This is particularly important for the rising number of mobile devices used by warehouse staff, such as handheld scanners, tablets, and wearable devices, to say nothing of emerging tech yet to become widely adopted. With reliable wireless connectivity, employees can access real-time information, update inventory records, and communicate with colleagues from anywhere within the warehouse, improving productivity, responsiveness and the accuracy of inventory management and tracking.

Supporting successful warehouse automation:

Linked to both speed and coverage, superior Wi-Fi is crucial for supporting warehouse automation initiatives which are seeing rapid adoption due to their ability to deliver and maintain a competitive edge to businesses. Automated systems, such as robotic picking systems or autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), rely on Wi-Fi connectivity to communicate with the warehouse management system (WMS) and coordinate tasks efficiently. A reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi network with 100% coverage delivers ROI on the cost of having implemented automated processes and devices.

Supporting IoT integration for greater awareness:

Similarly to larger automated machines and tools, warehouses are increasingly adopting smaller IoT devices such as sensors to automate processes, track inventory, and monitor equipment. Next-gen networking infrastructure supports the seamless integration of these IoT devices, allowing them to communicate and share data efficiently. This integration enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimization of warehouse operations, leading to reduced downtime and cost savings on building and contents maintenance. Find out more about designing wireless networks with IoT in mind.

Cloud integration and data management:

Next-gen networking facilitates seamless integration with rapidly expanding cloud-based services and platforms which we are already seeing become a pillar of networks. This easy integration enables warehouses to leverage cloud computing power and storage for data-intensive applications, such as data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. By leveraging cloud services, warehouses can optimise their data management processes, gain actionable insights, and make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency and inventory management – all without needing additional data storage.

Security and data protection:

Next-gen networking technologies incorporate advanced security features, including robust encryption, authentication mechanisms, and network segmentation. In a warehouse setting, where sensitive data such as inventory information and customer details are stored and transmitted, ensuring the security and protection of data is of paramount importance. This is only becoming more critical as the number of devices (including those that are cloud-first) grows, permitting more breach points for cyber-attacks. Next-gen networking provides the foundation for implementing strong security measures to safeguard critical information from unauthorised access and potential cyber threats.

Voice and video communication:

In some warehouse operations, voice communication is critical for coordinating tasks, providing instructions, or addressing safety concerns. With superior Wi-Fi, voice-over-Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) solutions can be implemented, enabling employees to use wireless headsets for real-time voice communication. Additionally, Wi-Fi can support video communication for remote collaboration, troubleshooting, or training purposes, improving communication effectiveness and reducing the need for physical presence.

Future-readiness:

As technology continues to advance, warehouse businesses need to be prepared for future requirements. Superior Wi-Fi provides the foundation for adopting emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) for warehouse training, or advanced analytics for operational optimisation. By investing in a robust Wi-Fi infrastructure, warehouse businesses can adapt to evolving technology trends and remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

Wondering whether your wireless network can support your warehouse into the future? Find out about our range of WiFi surveys here.