The rapid advancement of warehouse technology has made pick-to-light systems a top choice for businesses seeking to simplify operations and boost efficiency. Wireless pick-to-light systems, in particular, stand out due to their flexibility and ease of implementation. However, selecting the right system requires careful consideration. Here are ten things to keep in mind when choosing a wireless pick-to-light system:

As hospitals strive to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency, integrating Hello Kit into Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA) workflows offers unparalleled advantages. Combining the Hyco Ring Scanner and Hyco Wearable Computer, this solution redefines how healthcare professionals manage medication administration. Solution Overview Hello Kit is a holistic BCMA solution tailored to meet the rigorous demands of healthcare settings. It optimizes medication administration by offering: Efficient Workflow Integration: A seamless connection to existing BCMA systems ensures minimal disruption during implementation. Hygienic and Durable Hardware: Designed for ease of cleaning and longevity. Real-Time Data Synchronization: Ensures up-to-date information for medication and patient records.

The Hyco Wireless Ring Scanner has revolutionized industrial scanning with its ergonomic design, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability features. Here are ten surprising facts about this innovative device that highlights why it stands out in the market.

The Hyco Wireless Light Tag features interactive buttons, a lighting area larger than 5.5cm2, and a buzzer, ensuring clear guidance in noisy environments with multiple light sources. ESL systems are designed to replace paper labels in retail settings with less frequent interactions.

Everything You Need to Know About Wireless Light Tags and Pick-to-Light Solutions In today’s fast-paced pharmaceutical, e-commerce, and supply chain industry, efficiency and accuracy are critical to success. Among the innovative tools designed to optimize operations is the Wireless Light Tag —a game-changing technology revolutionizing inventory management and order fulfillment. Often referred to as a Wireless Pick-to-Light Solution , this system helps businesses achieve unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. But what exactly is a Wireless Light Tag, and how does it work? Let’s dive in. What is a Wireless Light Tag? A Wireless Light Tag is a compact, battery-powered system that integrates advanced wireless communication and LED light guidance technology. Designed to enhance inventory and warehouse operations, these tags attach to storage bins, racks, or individual items to provide real-time visual cues. This technology enables workers to quickly and accurately locate, pick, and manage inventory, streamlining workflows and reducing errors.

In today's fast-paced pharmaceutical industry, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in drug-picking processes is critical. The Smart Drug Picking Solution offers a cutting-edge approach, integrating Wireless Light Tags (e.g., L218)and real-time data synchronization to streamline operations while reducing errors and costs. Key Features of the L218 Wireless Light tag Smart Drug Picking Solution Precise Inventory Management Equipped with E-ink displays and multi-colour LED indicators, the Smart Drug Picking Solution ensures that each drug's location and information are accurately displayed. The real-time updates minimize human error, ensuring that healthcare providers and pharmacies always retrieve the correct medication. Enhanced Picking Efficiency Using visual and light-based guidance, people can quickly identify items that are nearing expiration or require priority picking. This reduces search time, boosts operational efficiency, and guarantees compliance with first-expired-first-out (FEFO) policies. Wireless Integration The system leverages low-power wireless communication to connect seamlessly with inventory management systems. A single control unit can handle thousands of tags, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and setup complexity. Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective With rechargeable batteries lasting up to a year and recyclable components, this solution supports sustainability goals while lowering maintenance costs. Its long lifespan makes it ideal for large-scale pharmaceutical operations.

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

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.

Enhancing Pharmaceutical Delivery Accuracy with Wireless Light Tags In the pharmaceutical industry, accuracy and precision are of paramount importance, especially when it comes to the delivery of medication. Even the smallest error in packaging or shipping can lead to significant consequences, including delays in patient care, financial losses, and damage to a company’s reputation. To address these challenges, the integration of Wireless Light Tags during the packaging process has emerged as an innovative solution that significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of pharmaceutical deliveries.

Wireless Light Tags represent a significant technological advancement over traditional light bars in the realm of asset tracking and inventory management. By providing a flexible, precise, and energy-efficient way to locate items quickly, Wireless Light Tags help businesses across various industries improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall operational effectiveness. As IoT technology continues to evolve, the role of Wireless Light Tags in optimizing logistics and asset management will likely become even more indispensable.

Does Your Wearable Device Maker Meet These Universal Standards? When it comes to developing wearable devices for people, companies fail at that mission if they don’t adhere to the principle of “human-centered” product design. That fundamental principle should inform all wearable design work rather than basing product development around the attainment of proprietary technology or economizing on resources and materials. In developing any wearable device, what should be first and foremost in the minds of the product makers is user safety, followed by user experience and reliability. Those three criteria need to be applied across all product forms and taken into account for all use-case scenarios.

Ultra-low-power technology that allows workers to work safely, easily, and efficiently may take decades to develop, but it is one of the most cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and lightweight options on the market. The goal of low-energy devices is to significantly decrease the demand for electrical energy, as higher electrical usage increases financial and environmental costs. Using ultra-low-energy ring scanners promotes energy conservation and environmental protection.

A ring scanner is a convenient wearable device that effortlessly scans barcodes and is worn on the finger like a ring. Designed to offer a hands-free solution, ring scanners enable workers to move freely and complete tasks without the constant inconvenience of picking up and putting down a handheld scanner. This results in efficient and accurate barcode scanning capability, streamlining the scanning process and enhancing overall productivity.

Efficiency and productivity are vital components of a successful work environment. Being on the job site often entails participating in fast-paced and physically demanding tasks, which leads to an increased risk of work-related injuries. According to recent statistics from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the toll of occupational injuries and diseases is alarming, with over 2.3 million fatalities occurring annually worldwide. These numbers underscore the urgent need to invest in solutions that enhance workplace safety and efficiency. Investing in the right scanning solutions can significantly impact your bottom line by reducing theses workplace injuries, while minimizing downtime and optimizing overall efficiency.

At Lotwork, we are committed to promoting workplace well-being and productivity by addressing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). These disorders not only affect the health and comfort of employees, but also have significant cost implications for employers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), in 2010, WMSDs have become one of the most prevalent occupational health hazards in the United States. Approximately 2 million American workers suffer from work-related musculoskeletal injuries each year, resulting in around 600,000 lost workdays. Shockingly, 1 out of every 3 dollars spent on workers' compensation in the U.S. is attributed to inadequate ergonomic protections. The direct costs of WMSDs in the United States range from $15 to $20 billion annually, with the total costs reaching $45 to $54 billion.

Last-mile delivery is demanding, especially for a 59-year-old driver working for a DSP under Amazon. For 5 years, he struggled to meet his daily target of 300 packages, averaging just 250 deliveries despite his hard work. Supervisors often had to assign Rescuers to help him finish, labeling his performance as "below average." When I asked if he could deliver 500-600 packages daily , he responded: “Absolutely not! Impossible!”

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. 

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to consumer electronics products, we expect them nowadays to be lightweight and easy to use thanks to the engineering design. So why don’t we have that same expectation for industrial electronic products?  Unfortunately, many people still believe that heavier and bulkier products are better suited to the workplace because they’re considered to be durable and reliable. They hold onto that opinion despite the fact that company policies are increasingly focused on making the work environment better for employee safety and comfort.

Because radio frequency identification (RFID) tags allow for the wireless transmission of information, it would seem that this technology could speed up the process of package delivery. Although the logistics and express industry have been enthusiastic about RFID for a long time, this technology still has not seen any widespread adoption.  Why is that? As a semiconductor professional with more than 30 years of experience, plus 15 years of research and development (R&D) in the logistics and express fields, I believe there are a number of reasons why RFID technology has not been able to supplant bar code labels as the most suitable mechanism for package identification.

We at Lotworks and Hyco Technology firmly believe that technological innovation should not be used to automate and replace labor jobs. Instead, it should focus on a human-centric approach that empowers people to work more safely and easily while significantly improving efficiency. This human-centric approach means that employees can work more safely and comfortably while at the same time achieving significantly higher labor productivity. The end result would increase employee labor output, raising the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. For logistics companies, there’s a big opportunity to apply this human-centric approach in last-mile delivery by using the right technology. To better understand how this can be achieved, we have to break down the actions involved with last-mile delivery to the ones that are essential. Upon examination the process of bringing a package to a customer entails four essential actions:

Don’t Overlook The Importance of Hardware-Software Integration

Why EMC Design And Testing Matters When Buying IoT Devices As more companies look to deploy Internet of Thing (IoT) devices to collect and transmit data, they need to make sure that this wireless hardware can operate in a work environment without being affected by other types of electronics. The proper functioning of any wireless IoT device, whether it’s fixed, mobile, or wearable, requires it to have the highest possible level of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) —- the ability of an electronic device to operate without interference from electromagnetic noise.

Industry’s High Energy Consumption To Get Even Higher It should come as no surprise that industry consumes huge amounts of electricity. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), electric motors consume more than 50 percent of all electrical energy in the United States and more than 85 percent of industrial production electrical energy. Since most electricity production comes from carbon-based fuels such as coal and diesel, increased electricity consumption also means increased carbon emissions. And that problem is about to get worse as industrial electricity consumption goes up with more companies adopting AI (artificial intelligence) models. That’s because AI relies heavily on computing power, which, in turn, significantly escalates energy consumption, as the growth of computing power is directly correlated with increased electricity usage. This growth in energy demand from increased computer usage has resulted in severe power shortages especially in AI powerhouse countries like the United States. Consequently, many large companies’ original goals for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality have become increasingly unattainable. In light of that fact, the urgent development of ultra-low power consumption technologies across various industries has become a more pressing task. ULPCP Is Here To Help More than a decade ago, I recognized the relationship between the growing demand for electricity consumption and the exigency for controlling carbon emissions. For more than ten years, my team and I at Hyco Technology have been fully committed to developing ultra-low power consumption technology platforms to meet the low-carbon and environmentally friendly needs of the rapidly growing IoT (Internet of Things) market, as well as the motor drive and control market. The components of the HYCO ULPCP (Ultra-Low Power Consumption Platform) are shown in the upper left part of the diagram below. They primarily include ultra-low power motors and their drivers, the HYOS operating system designed for ultra-low power and low-cost hardware needs, advanced RF (radio frequency) technology, industry-specific ultra-low power SOC (system on chip) integrated circuits, and algorithm optimization.

How Labeling Efficiency Was Improved For A Major Chinese Logistics Company

How Sorting Line Efficiency Was Improved for A Major Chinese Logistics Company

The rapid growth of e-commerce parcel volumes in North America is outpacing delivery capacity. One factor contributing to that problem is a shortage of delivery drivers. But the capacity crunch is also being exacerbated by the lack of efficiency in the delivery process itself. The inefficiency isn't due to laziness or slow driving among American drivers — they work diligently. The primary challenge lies in the outdated and inefficient delivery methods entrenched in the industry. Based on my studies of drivers during delivery operations as well as my own personal experience working as a driver, I have identified the reasons behind the low daily package delivery rate per last mile driver. The solution in my view is to adopt new delivery methods and technology that would double driver efficiency in addition to easing their workload. 

The fourth generation of barcode technology will usher in the next wave of productivity in logistics. It will feature wearable scanning devices integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) that should bring about greater logistics efficiency. It goes without saying that the invention of the barcode is one of the most crucial developments in the history of logistics and supply chain technology. The creation of barcodes solved the challenge of capturing data quickly and accurately at the same time, resulting in greater accountability in process management. Since the invention of the barcode in 1948, various formats of both linear and two-dimensional (often referred to as Quick Response or QR) symbols have emerged. Today many industries such as logistics, retail, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on barcodes for their management systems to handle the vast flow of goods, information, and finance. That’s because the invention of the barcode makes that possible. 

In my last post, I gave an example of how my company was able to solve a technological problem that the big companies couldn’t. Now since you might be thinking that we just got lucky when we solved the problem of RF communication in remote areas, let me share another example of startup innovation —— how we solved the problem of tracking multiple chess pieces at one time. In 2022, a client tasked my company with developing a Embodied Intelligent Robot for Chess and Go. The challenge was the need for rapid and accurate recognition of both the type of chess pieces and their positions on the board. 

In an earlier post, I talked about about why startups like Lotwork and Hyco are more able to beat big companies at technological innovation. Now let me give you an example of how this is done based on my own experience. In 2009, when I launched HYCO technology as a company, the “informatization” of domestic express logistics was just getting underway. At that time, the coverage for mobile communication operators was poor, with data capabilities limited to 2.5G General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) or at most a 2.75G Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE). In Europe and America, personal digital assistants (PDAs) primarily use Wi-Fi. When PDAs are used as mobile data devices in logistics applications, the devices often have poor signals, especially when held in hand —— commonly referred to as the "death grip."

As chief advisor and CTO of Lotwork and HYCO, startup companies in logistics and supply chain solutions and technology, I’m often asked by investors and clients this question: How can a startup with limited funds and personnel manage to develop an ultra-low power ring scanner while the big companies with more money and employees could not? My answer: Smaller companies are more agile when it comes to breaking conventional thinking pattens to achieve revolutionary innovation. Having worked in senior technical team management in two Fortune 500 companies, I’ve come to the realization that large organization lack the singular drive and focus needed to handle interdisciplinary challenges. Although large companies have many top talents, the division of labor is extremely delineated. But when it comes to finding a solution to a problem, the answer requires cross-collaboration. Unless the CEO is capable of driving the cross-disciplinary process, a company cannot effectively utilize its top talent to solve complex problems. On the other hand, in startups, the smaller team size and minimal communication friction makes it possible to coordinate all talents on board to tackle tough challenges. Large companies also don’t have the urgent need to tackle difficult problems because they have other product lines and services that can financially sustain their operations. With all the risks involved in addressing complex challenges, top executives are often reluctant to take them on. This lack of pressure and unwillingness to take risks are the main reasons why large companies struggle with revolutionary innovation. For those interested in learning more about this issue and gaining a deeper understanding, I would recommend reading Clayton Christensen’s book "The Innovator's Dilemma.” So even though large companies have ample financial resources, top talent, and market capabilities, their inertia often leads them to let startups innovate. If these startups succeed, big companies can simply buy them out. This practice of acquiring startups with innovative technologies is common in Europe and America. No surprise, it’s a mainstream exit strategy for venture investments there. In contrast, startups in Mainland China are less fortunate. That’s because large Chinese companies tend to directly poach technical talent from startups, sometimes even taking over the entire company. This is why Silicon Valley capital is willing to invest long-term in startups capable of revolutionary innovation, while investment in China often focuses on startups that adopt existing ideas from abroad.  Thanks to 15 years of continuous innovation and tackling technical challenges, we at Lotwork are now building new industrial solutions based on an ultra-low power technology platform (ULPCP). Our technology lays a solid foundation for global leadership in ultra-low power ring scanners, ultra-low power Wireless Light Tags, wearable computing, and cloud personal digital assistants. Taken together, this technology should significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of North American logistics and delivery.

The holiday season is here, and Lotwork is excited to share a special surprise. We are proud to release a festive video featuring the Hyco Ring Scanner's official theme song, “It’s Not a Toy”, with a unique Christmas twist. This song highlights the Hyco Ring Scanner’s lightweight and user-friendly design—so simple and enjoyable to use that it feels like fun, but it’s definitely designed to deliver serious innovation and efficiency for your work. As the year comes to a close, The Hub will be taking a short break for the holidays. We will be back in the first week of the new year with exciting updates and fresh content. From all of us at Lotwork, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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:

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.

Lotwork & Hyco Technology is proud to announce that our innovative W26 Ring Scanner has been nominated for The Sustainable Supply Chain Award, part of the prestigious Supply Chain Excellence Awards. This recognition underscores our commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable industry environment. As global logistics and supply chain costs continue to rise, exemplified by Air Canada Cargo's recent increase in ground handling charges at select Canadian and U.S. stations, the economic and environmental impacts of these challenges are becoming increasingly significant. At Lotwork & Hyco Technology, we recognize the urgency of addressing these issues through innovation. The W26 Ring Scanner represents a major leap forward in sustainable technology. Consuming just 5% of the power required by traditional scanners, the W26 not only reduces electricity costs but also cuts power consumption and related carbon emissions by 95%. This remarkable efficiency is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and our drive to revolutionize supply chain management. Being shortlisted for The Sustainable Supply Chain Award is a significant achievement that highlights the hard work and innovative spirit of our team. We are honored to be among the finalists and eagerly await the final results. At Lotwork & Hyco Technology, we remain committed to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make a lasting impact on the supply chain landscape.

Lotwork Inc. is sponsoring a university research project to explore the impact of our innovative lightweight ring scanners on workplace efficiency, power consumption, and productivity. Your company can gain a competitive edge by participating in this unique opportunity, contributing to industrial research and development while benefiting from the use of our cutting-edge ring scanner technology. Perks: When the project is complete, if your company decides to continue with Lotwork ring scanners, you will be given a 300$CAD discount coupon per device. If you do not continue with our devices, you will still be rewarded with 100$CAD for each device used during the project. Devices: The participants are required to use the ergonomic ring scanners that are listed below:

Lotwork Inc. exhibited at the Modex Show 2024 last week, marking the first time the Hyco x Lotwork team showcased in the United States. We shared our vision of empowering workers with innovative technology solutions for new ways of working and showcased a series of ergonomic, sustainable IoT hardware innovations. Our booth featured the W26 ring scanner, the world's smallest and fastest wearable scanner, along with the innovative Wireless Pick to Light Solution. Additionally, our pioneering N71 Cloud PDA was also in the running for the Best Innovation award. At the exhibition, we had a great time reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. Furthermore, we were proud to support Student Day and engage with the future leaders of our industry. Thanks to everyone, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

Lotwork is thrilled to announce our participation in Modex 2024, the foremost industry event set to take place in the vibrant city of Atlanta from March 11th to March 14th. This exciting opportunity allows us to showcase our unwavering dedication to pioneering ergonomic solutions, and we can't wait to present our innovative IIoT ergonomic devices at our booth A10620. Our presence at Modex 2024 underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in the industry. We eagerly anticipate the chance to engage with industry professionals, share our expertise, and network with like-minded individuals at this highly anticipated event.

Dive into the illuminating dialogue that unfolded at Collision 2023 between LOTWORK's Manager, Kanon Yang, and Focus21 Inc. CEO Ilya Peskov. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking moments and insights that emerged from this impactful exchange at the forefront of innovation.