What Are Ring Scanners, Scanner Rings, or Scan Rings?

On October 9, 2024, Amazon finally released its Vision Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) solution that had been in development for the past few years. VAPR is intended to address a problem that has bedeviled the last-mile delivery industry: drivers searching and hunting for the correct package in the cargo van for a customer delivery. VAPR replaces the need for manual scanning of bar codes to identify the right customer package in the van. When the cargo van arrives at a delivery location, VAPR will automatically project a green “O” on all packages that will be delivered at that stop and a red “X” on all other packages. Through audio and visual cues, VAPR guides the driver to select the right package before he or she needs to enter the cargo area. VAPR uses Amazon’s special computer vision system for automatic bar code reading in conjunction with a camera and light projectors to illuminate the van interior. The VAPR is also integrated into the van’s navigation system. 

Lotwork had a fantastic experience at the IntraLogisteX exhibition, where we shared our vision for a sustainable and people-centered supply chain future. Here’s a look at our key moments:

It’s smart business for companies making or selling perishable goods to employ a First Expired, First Out (FEFO) strategy for inventory management. It ensures that products nearing expiration are prioritized for shipping from the manufacturer's warehouse or distribution center. This approach to inventory management prevents the risk and economic losses associated with selling expired products. In industries such such as food and pharmaceuticals, FEFO inventory management is critical since expired products pose significant health and even life-threatening risks. But putting in an effective FEFO strategy requires a complete set of the right technology that often bedevils small companies who can’t afford the expense.

When it comes to the logistics of last-mile delivery, our research has found that workers spend nearly 80 percent of their time “searching” in the delivery station or sort center. Not only is the amount of time spent on searching a tremendous waste of human resources, it’s also a major cause of lost, damaged, or expired goods in package delivery.

It’s very common for startups and innovation-driven companies to launch a prototype for a market need but then find it hard to refine it into a high quality product that truly satisfies that need. It’s a stumbling block I wanted to avoid in bringing our Hyco ring scanner to market for logistics, manufacturing, and commerce.

The last-mile delivery process needs to be made more efficient for both the company and the driver. If you apply a “First Principles Thinking” to the process, you’ll quickly recognize that a lot of the delivery person’s time is wasted on the non-essential activity of searching for packages. If you’re not familiar with the First Principles concept, it’s a method of analysis in which you break down a complicated problem or process to its basic elements to find a solution. Based on a First Principles analysis, the essential tasks of a last-mile delivery driver is to load the right packages into the vehicle, drive to the customer’s location, and then deliver the items to the customer. All other activity such as searching for packages is non-essential to the core mission.

We are pleased to announce that Lotwork Inc. will be exhibiting at IntraLogisteX USA 2024, taking place in Miami, Florida from October 22nd to 23rd. Attendees can explore our advanced IIoT ergonomic devices designed to enhance workplace comfort and efficiency. Find us at Booth 733! Be sure to visit Booth 733, where we’ll be showcasing our latest innovations and demonstrating how our solutions are shaping the future of workplace ergonomics. We look forward to connecting with industry experts, exchanging ideas, and building valuable relationships at this important event. It’s a great opportunity to share our knowledge, learn from others, and discuss the future of ergonomic solutions.

At Hyco we are committed as a company to developing products that support sustainability. We believe that sustainability is crucial for maintaining a balance between economic development and preservation of the environment. In our view sustainability is essential because it aims to ensure that human activities do not deplete resources or cause irreversible damage to the planet that imperil current and future generations.  By adopting sustainable practices, companies can help address critical global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, creating a more balanced and fairer world for all people.