Putting it Together - Frontline Innovators - Episode # 7

John Wirthlin, Industry Principal of Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics at Zebra Technology, shares with host Eugene Signorini that how to empower the frontline workforce is about getting them the most information where they are, in the field. These frontline workers rely on their mobile devices for the most up to date, real time information as possible. 

 

Takeaways 

• Providing as much real time information as you can from a mobile device into that workers hands is key
• There is a need to marry silo data sources such as an order management system, transportation management system & other factors into one system for ease of access
• Increase in demand, but decrease in labor post-COVID
• Use new technology (such as augmented reality) to train new employees quickly especially in warehouses, which simplifies and cuts down on nonproductive hours
• “Solution first - and the right hardware is there that will fit into the right solution,” John Wirthlin
• People make projects successful, not technology; involving the frontline workers in the process of creating new technology will help increase adaptation and pride 
• Automation can take on less productive work to make room for workers to leverage their time in more productive ways 

Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncwirthlin/
• Company Website: https://www.zebra.com/us/en.html
• Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/zebratechnology 

Ways to Tune In:

• Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2f4ecd92-6468-4769-b0bf-254e236510b7/FRONTLINE-INNOVATORS 
• Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frontline-innovators/id1572329402
• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/29m3wnK8pbFjdSvJ9wjmyS
• Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/frontline-innovators
• Google Play - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnJvbnRsaW5laW5ub3ZhdG9ycy5jb20vZmVlZC54bWw
• YouTube - Full video -https://youtu.be/bBIS5yuxd0A