It’s predicted that retailers and logistics companies will increase headcount by 20–25% in the coming months as they build the capacity to cope with the demands of peak trading. Wages are likely to be 20-20% higher too, as the competition to attract seasonal talent hots up.
However, and speaking from experience, this forward planning isn’t enough to avoid the stress of peak. Every year we are flooded with last minute requests to fix faulty mobile computers, replace flagging batteries and even source completely new devices within 24 hours.
Ordinarily these sorts of requests are ones we will always service. Our SLAs are designed to keep operations running. We meticulously plan the resources we need according to the forward planning we do with our customers.
That’s why our advice is to start getting ready in June. Give your devices, peripherals and your network a health check nice and early and avoid Panic Peak. And don’t forget consumables like labels and ribbons.
Yet not everyone lives in a perfect world.
The demands of business can take over and the time to do device audits and check for faults, or even find the spare kit, can fall to the bottom of the to do list.
Leaving peak preparations to the last minute is risky as peak also impacts the rugged device supply chain which can become overloaded.
As a simple example, device manufacturers are overwhelmed by panic requests so lead times for overseas shipments extend, and stock of replacement parts and batteries runs low. This is especially true for older devices that are being retired or have already been phased out.
It’s a very stressful time for all involved and leads to a common scenario where companies will make do with complex workarounds, sometimes reverting to manual processes.
Productivity and accuracy dips and we see companies get into a situation where they have no choice but to take the financial hit on missing service level agreements, often to the detriment of the strong reputation they’ve been building in the months before.
The situation is avoidable
The good news is that this is all preventable with regular device and hardware audits. It’s best if these happen throughout the year and are used for proactive peak planning, looking at both people and device capacity.
Our guide lists practical things you can do right now. For instance, it includes guidance on working with trusted suppliers like TouchStar to buy rugged devices quickly. It’s not late. But you will need to work closely with a supplier who understands the overall supply chain and the best approach for getting what you need in time.
Inform the longer-term plan
Getting hold of more rugged devices will help today, but making a note of what is working and what isn’t as you go through the season will also pay off.
That’s why our guide also looks beyond peak and includes advice and helpful check lists for managing devices every day of the year.
Keeping on top of the state of your devices, updating software, checking battery life and dealing with repairs as they happen pays huge dividends at peak. Training teams to take responsibility for this is also advantageous.
Most of all, if you’re stressed and tired and would like a different experience next year, then speak to us about how we can help you to avoid this in future. Our free warehouse operations audit is a great place to start!
Struggling as your devices are failing to keep up with peak?
If your devices are creaking under the demands of peak shifts and it’s impacting productivity, then get in touch. Even though the device supply chain is under huge pressure, our team knows what stock is available and how to get it fast. They can also work alongside you to support the hardware refresh to minimise disruption to the business.
To book a free audit, buy more devices or talk about a hardware refresh, contact us today.
And don’t forget toread our guide,it’s full of helpful tips that can make an immediate difference.
