syncreon Gets Great Vision with Google Glasses and UBiMAX

Time wasted is time lost. Especially in the fast-paced order picking environment of the warehouse. To make the most of every moment, syncreon, a leading specialized contract logistics company, has partnered with UBiMAX, a leader in wearable technologies for the workplace, to pilot the use of smart glasses and augmented reality within their European advanced warehouse facilities.

syncreon was one of the first 3PLs (Third Party Logistics provider) to implement the UBiMAX wearable technology. Following a successful IT integration project with syncreon’s Global WMS team UbiMAX spent three days on-site implementing the Vision Picking solution and training syncreon employees. During a three-week pilot program 3,000 units were picked from more than 900 warehouse locations by syncreon associates. The pilot program involved a cross functional team including production managers, trainers, IT, quality engineers, and process engineers.

Julian Mordaunt, Chief Information Officer and Chief Solution Officer for syncreon said, “Our Global Solutions and Innovation team constantly evaluates industry-relevant innovations in search of improved worker and customer satisfaction through better operational performance, improved quality, and lower total cost. Wearable device solutions are an area of focus and we are very encouraged by the initial results of our trials with Ubimax and Google Glass.”

The Smart Glasses provide a virtual and intuitive display of relevant information about incoming orders for the wearer. When paired with auxiliary wearable bar-code scanner devices, the goal of hands-free, flexible order picking was successfully achieved!

syncreon front-line worker feedback about the new picking solution has been extremely positive. Users immediately noticed great ergonomic benefits. Step-by-step guidelines projected within the Smart Glasses inform the wearer of next-steps during standard pick operations. This process information, combined with hands-free picking was a serious game changer – resulting in an increased picking efficiency of up to 15%. UBiMAX’s intuitive user interface provides order pickers with only task-relevant information. The possibility of configuring orders in advance enables workers to increase picking performance and reducing error rates at the same time. With over 3,000 units successfully picked, syncreon is currently considering a production deployment to select European sites.

About syncreon

syncreon is the leading specialized contract logistics company consistently recognized for its operational excellence, customer integration and creation of great opportunities for employees and stakeholder value. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, syncreon America Inc. is a global provider of advanced supply chain services that can be tailored to create specific customized solutions for their customers. They offer a range of 3PL and 4PL services in an asset-light business model to provide specialized transportation, inbound, outbound, fulfillment, and aftermarket logistics services to Automotive and High Tech customers. syncreon operates in over 20 countries, with more than 100 facilities, and approximately 13,000 employees.