The Hidden Costs of Poor Wireless Coverage
Every second counts in warehouses. Many warehouses operate 24/7, making a stable and reliable network essential. It’s not just a connectivity problem if the network drops, there are other issues too. Productivity, inventory accuracy, worker efficiency, customer satisfaction and operational costs are all elements to consider when networks go down in warehouses. The business impact from instability is not something to overlook.
Every Second of Downtime Adds Up
A lot of warehouses and logistical operations rely on a consistent system to run. Simple tasks like scanning barcodes or managing the shipping processes are affected by downtime, and the longer that goes on for the worse the situation becomes. According to Gartner, the average cost of IT downtime can reach thousands of pounds per minute depending on the operation. Even if there is a small hold up somewhere in the production line or admin, bottlenecks can arise and cause issues with performance degradation in busy periods. But it doesn’t have to be one large drop out that causes the problems, it can be a flaky network constantly dropping in and out that has just as much of an impact on operations.
Worker Productivity Impacted
The devices used by employees in the warehouses are reliant on a working network for their scanners, tablets and any other devices which require an internet access. A faulty service can force staff to record information manually, leading to missed orders and incorrectly logged transactions, which in turn reduces efficiency and increases frustration within the workforce. Any discrepancies may mean that there are larger issues down the line after the outage has long been resolved. Inaccurate stock counts for instance could cause major disruptions for orders at a later date and so ordering, fulfilment and customer service are affected.
Dead Zones in Large Areas
Warehouses often have challenging environments with metal shelving, high ceilings and dense storage. As a result, there can be dead zones where there is no coverage, these can be anywhere on site, such as loading bays, storage aisles and staging areas. If a system relies on visibility, having areas which make assets and transaction disappear even if briefly would be detrimental to the companies’ operations. If devices are unable to connect, operations cannot see what’s happening in real time. Solutions such as RUCKUS access points use advanced antenna technology to help mitigate these challenges by directing signals more effectively where they are needed.
Mobile Robots and Automation Need Reliable Connectivity
A lot of warehouses now rely on the use of robotics and machinery as well as human involvement. AMRs, AGVs and other autonomous systems are dependent on seamless roaming. So, if there is ever a drop out, these machines would stop immediately. These systems rely on continuous, low-latency connectivity to communicate, navigate, and share real-time data across the facility. It’s an industry where automation is only going to keep rising as time goes on and with that comes more demand and pressure on network quality. That’s why RUCKUS is well suited to these environments thanks to its strong roaming performance and ability to maintain reliable connectivity for moving devices.
Customer Experience Impacts
When disruptions occur within a warehouse or logistics operation, customers are often the first to feel the effects. Delayed shipments, fulfilment errors, and missed delivery expectations can quickly damage the customer experience. While a single incident may be forgiven, recurring issues can erode trust and confidence in a brand over time. In a highly competitive market, maintaining reliable operations is essential, as customers are far more likely to seek alternative providers when service levels become inconsistent.
Best Practices for Optimising The Warehouse
Firstly, for coverage, Purdicom has a team of engineers who can map the warehouse and be able to find out exactly where there is a dip in coverage. Their post-installation surveys mean they can examine all around the location and be able to accurately pinpoint where needs to be addressed. Once the connection is established, the team is also able to assess any potential bottlenecking and provide recommendations for peak optimisation.
Updating the technology is also another way of optimising the coverage. RUCKUS provides industry-leading access points and switches which are capable of handling modern day demands especially in warehouses and large spaces. With Wi-Fi 7 and other modern features such as IoT Onboard and a 6GHz PHY rate of 5765 Mb/s. RUCKUS has several different products for varying sizes of operations, for instance, if a warehouse isn’t a supersized building, there are options for smaller and less powerful choices, but the coverage will still be just as reliable and seamless.
Designed to deal with high number of devices, RUCKUS is ideal for high device density. If a warehouse has barcode scanners, tablets, security cameras, sensors and IoT applications as well as other devices then the network is going to find itself under strain with the simultaneous demands. With RUCKUS, their access points are designed to handle this conundrum without compromising performance.
Sometimes it’s not just the connectivity that’s the issue, if the warehouse is based in a remote location, it can be a power related issue. That’s where Legrand’s UPS is a vital component to a smooth operation. Providing the critical running whilst the power to the mains is out, depending on how large the UPS in use is, their Uninterrupted Power Supplies can last for several hours, giving the site time to either rectify an issue or safely shut everything down.
Sometimes it’s not just the connectivity that’s the issue, if the warehouse is based in a remote location, it can be a power related issue. That’s where Legrand’s UPS is a vital component to a smooth operation. Providing the critical running whilst the power to the mains is out, depending on how large the UPS in use is, their Uninterrupted Power Supplies can last for several hours, giving the site time to either rectify an issue or safely shut everything down.
Keeping Warehouses Connected and Operational
As warehouses and logistics operations become increasingly reliant on connected devices, automation, and real-time data, network reliability has become a critical part of maintaining efficiency and productivity. Even minor connectivity issues can have far-reaching consequences, from operational delays and inventory inaccuracies to reduced employee productivity and a poor customer experience. By investing in the right infrastructure, organisations can minimise downtime, eliminate coverage gaps, and create a foundation for future growth. Combining expert network design and optimisation with high-performance RUCKUS networking solutions and resilient Legrand UPS systems helps ensure warehouses remain connected, productive, and prepared for the demands of modern logistics.
Whether you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned or just want to discuss any of the features in here from RUCKUS, Legrand or Purdicom’s Professional Services get in touch here or give us a call 01488 647 647.