Ergonomic wearables are real efficiency boosters in the warehouse

Efficiency is the key in logistics. Every second, every movement counts - especially in the warehouse. Wearables, such as scanners worn on the back of the hand, support employees in their daily work. However, their effectiveness depends largely on how they can be worn and used.

The problem with double gloves

A common practical attempt to attach wearables in the warehouse is to combine them with an additional glove over the actual work glove. However, this seemingly simple solution has a number of disadvantages:

• Restricted movement: two layers of gloves restrict fine motor skills - especially when gripping or scanning items.

• Less comfortable to wear: Wearing gloves for long periods of time is a nuisance - especially during long shifts in the warehouse.

• Increased physical strain: Additional friction or heat build-up can reduce motivation to use new tools regularly.

These seemingly minor restrictions can quickly have a negative impact on productivity and acceptance of tools.

Wearables only work if they adapt to people

Ergonomics plays a central role in the introduction of innovative tools in logistics. A study by the Fraunhofer IAO clearly shows that technologies such as scanner wearables are accepted if they are easy to use and do not interfere with natural movement.

The report "Acceptance of wearables in industry" (Econstor, 2022) also states:

"If wearables are perceived as uncomfortable or disruptive, their willingness to use them decreases - regardless of their technical potential."

Particularly in order picking or with repetitive processes in the warehouse, it is crucial that new technologies such as wearable scanners can be used as intuitively and physically relieving as possible.

Solutions that support rather than disrupt

The successful use of wearables in logistics requires more than just good software - it needs well thought-out mounting solutions that really make everyday work easier.

An ergonomic solution for use in the warehouse should:

• Beeasy to attach (e.g. self-adhesive on the work glove)

• Maintainfreedom of movement and not restrict it

• Beindividually adaptable - for different glove sizes, right- and left-handed people and activities

• Do not requirean additional layer (e.g. second glove)

Wearable scanners can act as a real tool in everyday warehouse work: supportive rather than burdensome.

Conclusion: wearing comfort is not an extra - but a basic requirement

The best tools in logistics are of little use if people don't like using them. Especially in the warehouse, where precision and speed are crucial, wearables should not only be functional, but also ergonomically well thought out. Only then will they develop their full potential - and actively contribute to process improvement.