Is There an App for That?

Is it time to trade in the traditional mobile devices and supporting technology that you’ve been using in your warehouses and distribution centers (DCs) with smartphones? As smartphones become more widely accepted and able to perform a larger number of functions, you may be able to incorporate them into your current warehouses and DC operations and cut down on 1. the maintenance that is required with traditional mobile warehouse devices, 2. the need for multiple devices with fewer capabilities, and 3. the amount of time your people have to spend transferring information from one device, location, or station to another.

What do you think? Can smartphones stand up to the rigorous demands of your warehouse or DC? Are there any functions that you would expect them to be unable to perform? What kind of smartphone applications would be most helpful to you throughout your daily operations?