Warehouse worker wearing a Zebra WT6400 wearable computer and RS6100 ring scanner lifts a large cardboard box in a busy loading area. Bold text reads: “Wearables Don’t Work Without a Plan,” with a red underline emphasizing the statement.

Maximizing ROI on Wearable Tech: Best Practices for Implementation in Manufacturing

As wearable technology continues to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, companies are increasingly turning to devices like the Zebra WT6400 wearable computer and the Zebra RS6100 Bluetooth ring scanner to boost productivity, accuracy, and safety.

Achieving these technologies’ maximum return on investment (ROI) requires careful planning, training, and integration. IntegraServ is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your organization fully benefits from these powerful tools. This article reveals how manufacturers can leverage these powerful technologies to optimize efficiencies and performance.

Why wearable technology is your competitive advantage

Wearable devices are transforming how manufacturers operate by providing hands-free access to critical data, improving worker mobility, and streamlining workflows. According to Zebra’s 2023 Manufacturing Vision Study, 85% of manufacturers plan to increase wearable tech adoption, and those who’ve implemented it have reported productivity gains up to 15%.¹

The Zebra WT6400 and RS6100 are designed to enhance productivity and efficiency by enabling workers to scan, access, and update information in real-time. The RS6100 can be used as a ring scanner or worn on the back of the hand—keeping all fingers free and allowing for even greater comfort and flexibility in motion-heavy roles. Manufacturers that adopt implementation best practices can capitalize on these advantages.

Proven strategies for powerful implementation

Establish clear goals and metrics

Before integrating wearable technology, it is essential to define what success looks like. Establishing clear metrics for productivity, error reduction, worker safety, and process efficiency will help you evaluate the impact of your investment. By setting measurable targets, you can monitor progress and make data-driven adjustments to optimize performance.

Prioritize user-friendly training programs

The effectiveness of wearable tech depends largely on how well workers are trained to use the devices. Provide comprehensive training programs that cover device operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Ensure workers feel comfortable with the technology by offering hands-on training sessions and step-by-step guides. Companies have documented up to a 50% reduction in training time when shifting to wearable, intuitive tech like the WT6400 compared to older rugged handheld terminals.²

Integrate wearables into existing systems

For wearable technology to be truly effective, it must seamlessly integrate with your existing systems. The Zebra WT6400 and RS6100 are designed to work with popular ERP, WMS, and inventory management software, enabling real-time data exchange. Conduct compatibility tests before deployment and address any connectivity issues to prevent disruptions.

Conduct pilot testing and gather feedback

Introducing wearable technology on a smaller scale allows you to identify potential challenges before full-scale deployment. Pilot studies conducted by Zebra customers have shown that early testers helped reduce rollout issues by over 30%, enhancing long-term user satisfaction and system optimization.³Implement pilot programs with select teams and gather feedback from workers to address concerns, improve usability, and refine processes.

Monitor performance and optimize

Ongoing usage data from wearable tech can identify underperforming workflows and improve throughput by as much as 18% over a 12-month period, especially when paired with WMS integration.⁴Once the new technology is deployed, continuously monitor its performance using the metrics you established. Identify areas where wearable devices are underperforming and make adjustments to improve efficiency.

Encourage worker feedback

Employees using wearable devices daily are the most valuable source of insight. Regularly solicit feedback and encourage open communication to ensure workers feel empowered to suggest improvements. Enhancing user experience leads to greater productivity and satisfaction.

Make wearable technology your competitive advantage

Wearable technology offers incredible potential for improving manufacturing processes. With thoughtful implementation, you can maximize its value and results. When properly deployed, wearable solutions like the RS6100 can reduce scanning time by up to 35%, helping workers complete high-volume tasks faster without compromising accuracy.⁵

By following best practices and partnering with IntegraServ, your organization can successfully integrate devices like the Zebra WT6400 and RS6100 to maximize productivity, safety, and profitability.

Contact us to learn more about how wearable technology can transform your manufacturing operations. We’ll help you build a strategic roadmap from implementation to ROI.