Drive Greater Performance in Manufacturing with CDW and Zebra Technologies

November 18, 2024

Article
3 min

Drive Greater Performance in Manufacturing with CDW and Zebra Technologies

Scalable, digital-first solutions from partners like Zebra Technologies can help transform challenges into opportunities for your warehouse operations. Here are four ways Zebra technologies can help empower your workers to take more effective action.

CDW Expert CDW Expert
Lady working in a manufacturing facility scanning machine parts using a Zebra tool.

As the manufacturing industry evolves, demand rises and your competitors embrace digital solutions, it’s essential for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to keep pace. With 81 percent of manufacturers ready to invest in digital technology to enhance productivity and 91 percent recognizing that data from machines and people can inform decision-making, technology is becoming key to manufacturing success.

At CDW, we work with SMB manufacturers to elevate your business with modern solutions. We recommend scalable, digital-first solutions from partners like Zebra Technologies to help transform challenges into opportunities for your warehouse operations. Here are four ways Zebra technologies can help empower your workers to take more effective action:

1. Ensure seamless communication

Without real-time insights, it’s challenging to understand what’s happening on the production floor and make quick decisions. By implementing seamless communication tools, such as mobile devices that support voice, text and video, manufacturers can foster collaboration and quick responses to emerging issues.

2. Increase efficiency and productivity

Traditional paper-based processes are time-consuming, prone to error and often lead to unnecessary delays. By adopting a software platform that unifies processes and coordinates intelligence, manufacturers can improve productivity, reduce errors and streamline their operations.

3. Improve quality management

Inconsistencies and defects can arise from manual quality control processes, making it difficult to maintain a high standard of product quality. Handheld mobile devices and scanners help automate quality checks, enabling manufacturers to quickly catch and resolve quality issues.

4. Maximize agility to adapt to market demands

Manual processes can make it challenging to adapt to supply chain changes and grow the business effectively. The right technology can streamline operations, improve data visibility and foster agility, allowing manufacturers to respond to market needs more quickly and maintain a competitive edge.

When your business implements advanced technology solutions across manufacturing processes, your workers will be equipped to drive operational efficiency, improve product quality and nimbly respond to market changes. In addition to reducing costs, this investment ensures you can stay competitive while growing sustainably.

7 considerations for elevating your production lines with modern tech solutions

When upgrading your manufacturing technology or implementing new solutions, consider the following:

  • Compatibility: Determine if the new technology will integrate smoothly with existing tools and systems. Seamless integration minimizes disruptions and enhances overall efficiency.
  • Ease of use: Consider how intuitive the technology is for your team. Solutions that require minimal training enable faster adoption and reduce the learning curve.
  • Cost: Assess both upfront and ongoing expenses to ensure they align with your budget. Look for solutions that offer a strong return on investment by improving productivity and reducing costs over time.
  • Scalability: Evaluate whether the technology can grow with your business or if it will require platform upgrades as your operations expand. Scalable solutions ensure long-term value as your business grows.
  • Data security: Ensure the solution includes robust data protection features to safeguard sensitive information. Effective security measures are crucial for compliance and protecting your business.
  • Support and updates: Check for the availability of ongoing support and updates to keep the technology optimized and reliable.
  • Durability: Consider whether the technology is built to withstand the challenging conditions of a manufacturing environment. Durable, industrial-grade solutions ensure reliable performance, even in tough conditions.

Modernize your operations with CDW and Zebra

CDW is here to support your digital transformation journey with scalable, digital-first solutions from Zebra. We will work with you to select the technology that can help unlock greater performance, productivity and adaptability – so your business can embrace the future of manufacturing. With advanced tools and dedicated support, you can confidently navigate the digital transformation journey and position your business for long-term success.