Bar Code Reading Tablet

warehouse management

Running a successful warehouse operation is a substantial challenge. Every scenario is unique as there are so many variables that can change how to move, store, and keep track of everything.

By implementing mobile devices, warehouses can dramatically improve their operations in several ways. At ConnectUs, we’ve designed solutions that greatly improve productivity and accuracy for all different kinds of operations. We’re going to explore the most common obstacles with warehousing and discuss how mobile solutions provide great benefit to these portions of a business.

Problems experienced in warehousing

Running a warehouse can be a lot like moving to a new home, but every day – some parts are simple but there’s a major challenge that becomes apparent when new inventory arrives, and it doesn’t quite “fit” with your current model. In this sense, it’s a lot like trying to get an awkward couch through a door that’s too small. But in a warehouse, it’s all the time.

Keeping track of items is historically difficult. Sometimes, items are suddenly moved or reorganized and if this isn’t communicated to all the proper parties, there becomes a serious bottleneck in operations. This is the case for both models that supply outside customers as well as in B2B operations.

Inventory management cycles differs between all products. Most items, whether perishable or not, have a limited viability, meaning it’s important to plan and execute both movement and storage for the duration you’ll carry the product. Ideally, someone on the business end has an idea of how long the product will be kept, but when numbers don’t work out as planned, it’s an issue that falls on warehouse operations.

Shipping and receiving manifests can turn into a nightmare if not properly organized and archived. Especially for companies not utilizing digital means to track these documents, it requires unwavering diligence to keep on top of these. Losing these items or not properly recording data translates to financial losses which harms everyone involved in your transactions.

At ConnectUs, we’ve delved into many of the issues experienced with warehousing operations and come up with effective solutions. Our designs allow warehouses to operate more efficiently, improving the bottom line.

Solving warehouse problems with mobile solutions

In almost every warehouse scenario, scanning is major portion of the operation. Scanners are almost always a requirement, but they’re often utilized in a less than efficient manner.

By implementing a cataloging solution that best aligns with the operational model, this greatly increases productivity. Sometimes, replacing 1D scanners with those capable of 2D or 3D scanning can make a substantial difference as these designs can convey more data. Tagging inventory in a such a manner (or with a QR code), can pass additional parameters, enabling the device to take more advanced actions, like opening a webpage or an application.

It’s essential to make sure everything connects – this is true for both physical devices and software. Devices configured to transmit data between the clients on the devices to the inventory software in real time ensures that stock for any given item doesn’t simply disappear. This allows counts to remain accurate so there are no sudden issues that result an inability to fulfill an order.

Hardware needs to consistency work with applications used in the process. Proper pairing and ensuring that devices don’t get confused and cross over with nearby equipment keep the process as efficient as possible. For example, a Bluetooth scanner that links with a nearby staff worker’s device and suddenly inputs information creates inaccurate records.

The less paperwork, the better. It is possible to eliminate most, if not all, paper records in many instances. Although you’re still going to need to print paperwork when shipping items, having a digital record makes the process simpler to manage.

Go mobile by selecting ConnectUs to improve warehouse operations

Adding mobile devices to warehouse operations makes challenging tasks far simpler. We’ve identified many operational nuances in warehouses that we’ve resolved with various kinds of mobile technology. Each location is different, so we tailor solutions to match needs for each unique scenario.

In addition to serving warehouses that are essential to various industries, we build cost effective mobile solutions for every kind of business model. If you’re looking to become more efficient at your business with smart devices and helpful peripherals, visit our contact page and reach out to our staff to learn more about how we can improve your operations.

Cab Tablet
New York Taxi Company Uses Samsung Tablets for Payments and Ads
Cab companies use Samsung Tablets for Payments and Advertisements

At some point, you’ve probably had to rely on a taxi to get you from point A to B – if you’re in a big city, it’s common part of everyday life. As part of the industry, you’ve certainly noticed some serious deficiencies that have become painfully evident in recent years, especially considering the rise in popularity of companies like Uber and Lyft. As such, it’s either time to onboard modern technology, or face defeat at the hands of these highly-connected companies.

Traditional cab services can benefit greatly from mobile solutions – and you don’t have to build a snazzy app like your competitors. Even though the industry is changing, adopting newer technologies proves to be incredibly beneficial to this business model. Here, we’re going to discuss the issues with the taxi business and provide and overview of how mobile devices can solve dilemmas in a cost-effective manner.

The issues with the taxi business

The ability to hail a ride from almost anywhere has come to fruition in modern times, thanks to GPS-enabled mobile devices and correlating applications. Unfortunately, this has created major dents in the revenue stream for cab companies across the country. In order to remain competitive, it’s essential that taxis become more accessible to keep business afloat.

Mobile apps have made ordering a ride for customers incredibly convenient. If a taxi business isn’t in an area where riders can easily flag a passing driver, the company suffers some degree of financial loss. Even in heavily populated areas – where this model has sufficed for decades – the lack of modern equipment has proved to be detrimental to these designs.

Without a functional mobile solution, taxi businesses suffer because they can’t connect with customers like newcomers to the industry. Too, there are issues with effective usage of mobile devices as providing these items without an adequate strategy often renders these investments virtually useless. At ConnectUs, we’ve assessed the various obstacles faced by taxi companies and derived several solutions that are cost effective, allowing these traditional designs to remain competitive.

Ram Mount Samsung Tablet in Taxi

Ram Mount Samsung Tablet in Taxi for Point of Sale

ConnectUs solutions for the taxi business model

Helping the taxi business means implementing mobile solutions that allow more-traditional services to keep pace with technologically-equipped service providers. Implementing mobile devices – even without building a sophisticated app – allows this business model to flourish.

Below, we’ll look at a few areas where mobile devices have assisted our clients in the cab business.

POS system – One of the biggest struggles cab businesses face relates to efficient processing of payment. In the past, riders required cash to fund a ride, but this is no longer the only feasible option for payment. By utilizing a mobile device, cab companies can easily accept payments from other methods, allowing customers to pay in a more convenient manner.

Navigation – Vehicles equipped with modern navigation systems are great, but it’s not economical to retrofit an entire taxi fleet with this technology. Using smart devices and accessories that reduce distractions (i.e. mounting systems) gives drivers an edge that improve ride accuracy which increases customer satisfaction. Too, it helps locate riders which is helpful for drivers that aren’t familiar with certain locations. By becoming more efficient, the user experience improves which helps with a business’s bottom line.

Advertising – One of the greatest advantages companies like Uber or Lyft have is visibility, which is an inherent part of their design. It gives them an edge over traditional companies, but it doesn’t make them unbeatable. By implementing web-based advertising that’s targeted toward prospects for a service area, this provides visibility that allows cab services to acquire revenue that would otherwise be captured by more modernized systems. Ideally, this solution should make calling (or texting) for a ride as easy as possible, thus allowing users to advantage of traditional taxi services.

Make your taxi business mobile friendly with ConnectUs

At ConnectUs, we pride ourselves on our ability to analyze and implement solutions for a vast assortment of mobile needs. In the taxi business, creating an app to keep up with some of the new players in the game seems like the best option, but this isn’t the case. Implementing mobile devices with an effective strategy to connect riders doesn’t require reinventing the wheel.

Even if you’re not in the taxi business, ConnectUs designs a variety of mobile solutions for any industry. Get in touch with us by visiting our contact page so we can discuss your needs and create an ideal solution that allows you to better interface with your prospects and existing customers.

OBILE DEVICES ARE UTILIZED TO IMPROVE THEME PARK OPERATIONS

In what is perhaps one of the most unique instances of the hospitality industry, theme parks have been adopting new technology to improve attractions and vending operations. Mobile devices are being implemented in a variety of places to optimize processes, giving productivity a major boost in several key areas.

With theme parks, there are a great deal of moving parts, both literally and figuratively. Aside from the mechanical portions of attractions, there are other elements that make for a successful theme park. At ConnectUs, we have identified a few key areas where the implementation of a well-designed mobile solution can greatly improve customer experience and improve a business’s bottom line.

Challenges for theme park operations

Several places within theme parks experience inefficiencies if not properly equipped with modern technology. Utilizing antiquated processes for handling various customer needs results in a loss of revenue across many areas.

In the big picture, basically anywhere a customer needs to wait for an extended time is both a problem and presents an opportunity. Without addressing these defunct areas with tech that expedites processes, everyone loses.

In addition to the lost direct loss of revenue from not implementing effective ways to engage with customers as they wait, indirect losses occur as a result. Without modern tech aiding with these processes, issues arise from inaccuracies and errors, amplifying the issues that come along with poor speed.

By assessing details of theme park obstacles from various angles, ConnectUs has come up with solutions that can – and have – vastly improved operations for theme parts. Below, we’ll discuss some of the specifics of theme park deficiencies we’ve identified where mobile devices have proved immensely useful for staff and customers.

Overview of our theme park solutions

To start, one of our clients that runs an incredibly popular theme park location in the US decided to work with us to solve inefficiencies with their current model. We were able to find a setup that was user friendly and cost effective, allowing the company to improve their operations.

By working with the client, we determined that iPads would be the best devices to suit there needs. We were able to configure these devices to work with their ticketing system that utilizes the park’s wristband system which holds the customer’s funds for park attractions. This vastly improve the times that it takes to move visitors through various queues across the theme park campus, in additional to accelerating vending processes.

This benefit this provides to attractions, food vending, and other kiosks, is alleviating the bottlenecks that are common with less-modern designs. With a secure mobile solution, customers don’t have to spend a substantial amount of time waiting for items. It also helps conversion rates in these areas, as those who expect wait times longer than their own patience will permit, are extremely likely to avoid the process altogether. As indicated in the linked blog, customer expenditure almost triples per person with effective mobile solutions.

Typically, theme park customers are in the mindset that they will be spending money quite liberally during their visit. The idea is to make this process as simple as possible – by furnishing the ability to spend funds via a wristband or with other means utilized by different models, customer satisfaction increases.

Like many other industries, making a purchase processes as smooth as possible proves to be one of the most successful methods for increasing revenue. The more automated these processes become, the easier it becomes for customers for make purchases. By catering to these needs, theme parks as well as other hospitality businesses will yield a greater increase in revenue per individual.

Implement a mobile solution at your theme park or hospitality business

As a theme park, customers are looking to experience a specific kind of freedom – automating sales processes for attractions and other vending operations proves to directly and indirectly increase revenue. In other hospitality scenarios, customer interaction is important, but automated processes are helpful in areas that don’t require much communication.

Whether or not you’re in the theme park business, ConnectUs listens to your needs and analyzes troublesome areas from a multitude of positions. If you’re looking to increase your revenue with mobile solutions to automate processes, improve operations, and increase customer satisfaction, visit our contact page to send us email or give us a call.

telehealth solution

In the medical field, patient care comes before all else in what many consider the highest echelon of services found across all industries. At ConnectUs Corp, we realize that providing the utmost level of care for patients is the number one priority – we were able to assist our client with a mobile solution that allows medical professionals to securely monitor their remote patients’ vitals and health diagnostic data in real time.

Prior to modern medicine, doctors made house calls to check on the ill or perform in-home medical procedures, but today is much different. Advances over the last century have brought significant advances to modern medicine which has solved many problems, but also created new challenges.

Between the needs of much larger population and the capability to treat a myriad of conditions, patients can either receive care during an office appointment or from a home care agency. Thanks to technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), healthcare providers can interface with patients from wherever they may be to monitor the health status of at-risk patients.

An overview of the healthcare provider’s problems

Once a patient leaves a treatment facility, their absence makes it difficult (or impossible) to continually monitor vital signs and other health diagnostic data. While some patients receive the all the necessary care via office visits, many require continuous monitoring for a successful treatment regimen.

The problem most healthcare providers face when caring for patients that require constant monitoring is multifaceted. Emergency situations can often be detected by sudden changes in vitals, but without the necessary equipment and the ability to interpret data, the patient can be at risk. Too, some issues only present themselves under certain conditions – for example, white coat hypertension – which creates inconsistencies in the long term evaluation of an individual’s health.

Professionals that provide home care needs resolve some of these issues, but the process can be cumbersome without the proper equipment. Without the proper technology, too much time is spent on administrative functions and manual data input, which is time consuming and error prone. By looking at the many variables and particularities of the provider’s needs, we were able to address these challenges with a safe solution that is also highly cost effective.

Our solution for the client

The goal of the solution was to provide medical professionals with tools to interface with their patients using equipment that can securely capture, store, and transmit patient data in an efficient manner.

To begin, we located tablets that could be used to properly interface with a wide variety of medical peripherals which were also simple enough that medical staff could train patients to perform necessary functions. Some of the items we procured for the provider included medical scales and blood pressure units from A&D, Nonin Medical pulse oximeters, as well as other assorted devices. Too, we acted as the supplier, so this meant including supplemental items such as chargers, batteries, and cables, to name a few.

Like smart devices for other industries where accidental damage is a concern, protecting these items from damage with a resilient case was a high priority. Even though patient homes typically aren’t hazardous environments, medically frail individuals are at greater risk for causing accidental damage. Too, it’s not unheard of for a home care professional to drop a device while in transit or at a patient’s home. As such, we selected OtterBox™ cases to protect the devices from spill and fall damage, fortifying the company’s investment.

The core of the solution involved securely connecting the tablets running the company’s medical application to the various peripherals we supplied. This allows patients or home care providers to ensure that data collected is input quickly and error free. These devices were further connected to staff consoles in manner that meets HIPAA compliance, allowing quick and secure transmission of data.

Outfit your healthcare business with mobile devices

We recognize that effective technology in the medical field can be, quite literally, a life or death situation. At ConnectUs Corp, we design solutions that tailor to you and your patients needs which meet all the necessary regulatory compliances.

Even if you’re not in the healthcare industry, we can build custom, mobile solutions that increase productivity and improve the bottom line. Please check out our contact page to send us email or give us a call to discuss your mobile needs.

When it comes to the trucking industry, several challenges have made operations seemingly more complex than they were just a decade ago. Among these challenges are newer regulations that require driving logs to be accurately maintained with digital solutions, effectively scrapping the pen-and-paper method used in the past. By assessing one company’s needs, ConnectUS Corp was able to successfully to equip their fleet with a solution that allows drivers to remain productive while effectively collecting mandatory data.

Drivers and vehicles are subjected to rigid expectations between keeping accurate records of trip times and mileage, maintaining equipment, and of course, the environmental difficulties that come with long-haul deliveries. Handwritten logs are subject to several potential problems that include being lost or destroyed, they’re prone to error, and the process is simply inefficient. By implementing an effective technological solution, truckers and administrators can save time, which keeps drivers safer and expedites operations.

An overview of the problem for the trucking industry

In order to address several travel-related problems on the roadways that connect cities across the country, the US government introduced an expansive law called the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21 for short, which is designed to improve several aspects of highway safety. As part of this solution, drivers and fleet management teams are required to utilize electronic logging devices (ELDs) by law.

One of the biggest problems identified in the trucking industry involved drivers spending too much time on the road which too often resulted in exhaustion and deadly crashes. While some truckers have spoken out against these newer rules, it is a necessity to limit drive time for the safety of both the drivers and other people on the highways. By the end of 2019, the ELD mandate will be in its final phase of implementation, meaning all drivers will be required to have self-certified devices registered with the FMCSA.

As such, fleet management companies are required to equip their drivers with ELD devices to meet compliance, which is a major change that comes with several variables. Fortunately, we were able to help one of clients with a complete solution to address implementation, usage, and several other concerns that come with the territory.

Our solution for the client

Rather than setup them up with hardware and software they required and wish them the “best of luck,” ConnectUs stepped in as a full-source provider.

We settled on two different tablets – the ZTE Trek 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab E – for the many drivers employed by the company. Both devices feature a smaller profile at 8” so they’re portable yet large enough to be functional when imputing data into the required applications. To ensure devices can connect while on the road, they required a data plan to eliminate the need to connect to Wi-Fi. By working with our partners, we were also able to take on the role of acting as their mobile Internet provider.

To effectively manage the devices, the company required an MDM solution to securely connect and administer endpoints, wherever the drivers might be. We implemented SureMDM from 42Gears as a way to interface with mobile endpoints used by the drivers to ensure that data transmits between the applications installed on user devices and the core ELD system. It also provides us with several other capabilities as well as removes the need for the company to micromange or troubleshoot when something goes wrong.

ConnectUs Corp handles everything from supplying the tablets, setting up the devices so they’re ready to go out of the box, providing mobile data with the help our provider, and managing the devices while in use. In doing so, we helped solved a necessary compliance requirement as well as enabled the business to operate more efficiently by vastly improving the time it takes to collect and process logs. We hope that we’re not only saving the company money but also reducing the number of accidents on highways as a byproduct of driver fatigue.

Implementing a solution for your fleet

At ConnectUs Corp, we recognize that all businesses are different, even those in the same vertical. By assessing everything – even the most miniscule components of an operation – we design the best possible solution. When it comes to fleet management, this means we find the least intrusive technology as the whole point is to make things easier for people delivering goods across the country, not more complex.

Whether you’re running or trucking business, or operating in some other industry with mobile requirements, we can develop custom solutions to meet your needs. You can reach us by visiting our contact page and give us call, send us an email, , or stop by our Holland, Pennsylvania office to discuss your business needs.

TELEHEALTH SOLUTION

What We Provide: Tablets kitted with Bluetooth diagnostic tools

What They Saved: $750,000

Our client is a telehealth leader allowing doctors to monitor their patients remotely.

When looking for a solutions provider this client needed someone they could partner with beyond just buying devices. They needed someone to act as a full 3PL, warehousing and shipping their solution.

Not only are we providing them thousands of tablets, we are configuring each one with their app and security requirements, while also pairing each tablet with four Bluetooth enabled diagnostic tools. We sourced a custom box to hold each component in place and keep the final solution in stock ready to ship on demand. The kit is ready to use out of the box upon receipt by the patient.

By choosing us, this leader in telehealth not only saved more than $750,000, but eliminated their own need to warehouse and distribute their product.

AGRICULTURE SOLUTION

What We Provided: 1,000+ smartphones/agriculture-based application

What They Saved: More than $400,000

Our client is a leader in the diversified metal manufacturing industry, and has been in business since 1955.

When looking for a mobile solution to provide for their agricultural clients, the client first approached Verizon Wireless for a quote. Believing they could find the same quality hardware and software solutions, for a fraction of the price, they turned to ConnectUs Corp.

We provided them with more than 1,000 smartphones for their proprietary agricultural application that helped to regulate and monitor irrigation for farms worldwide. By choosing us, this leader in the agriculture and metal manufacturing industry saved more than $400,000 (or 70%) for the exact same devices.

What We Provide: Ongoing iPads on a weekly basis

What They Save: $15,000 to $45,000 weekly

One of the largest-funded startups, with a streamlined food-delivery application designed for restaurants, turned to ConnectUs Corp for a solution to their mobile needs. As part of the company’s offering, they provide their customers with state-of-the-art technology to access and use their application.

Wanting to reduce their own operating costs, our client relied on us to match them with cutting-edge mobile solutions at a fraction of the cost. We now provide our client with iPads on a weekly basis (dependent on their customer orders). We adhere to strict deadlines, and the versatility of our ordering process enables our client to rest assured that week after week, their iPads will be delivered on time.

Because of our unique relationships with suppliers, we are able to save our client anywhere between $15,000 – $45,000.

What We Provided: More than 800 Android M2M devices

What They Saved: More than $300,000

Our client provides registration, data management, lead retrieval and event marketing to companies involved in the tradeshow industry. They turned to ConnectUs Corp for an order of 800+ mobile devices, which they were going to supply to their customers, so that they could record their attendee data at conventions around the globe.

By working with ConnectUs Corp, our client saved more than $300,000 (or 60%) on the cost of hardware, compared to what they’d have spent working with another vendor.

Focused on providing our client with a complete solution, we also referred them to our cost-savings partner, who provided them an exclusive discount on cellular service, where our client enjoyed an additional 50% savings on their more than 1,200 machine-to-machine (M2M) lines.

ConnectUs Corp has become the leading provider of mobile devices and solutions to companies within the insurance industry. We have supplied tens of thousands of phones to widely recognized companies, including some of the largest cellular insurance companies in the country.

These companies are often times in need of difficult-to-find hardware. Yet because of our longstanding relationships with a number of suppliers, we’re able to meet this demand. These devices are then given to end users, who pay top-dollar for monthly insurance plans.

Our relationship with these cellular insurance companies means they’re able to meet the needs of their customers, while maximizing their return on investment.