Inscription: We missed you

Talk to any business at present and they will likely cite supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures as major concerns. A recent study showed that almost 90% of warehouse operators believe they must implement new technology to be competitive. A further 80% state that the pandemic has forced them to evolve and modernise more quickly. To see one way in which these problems are being tackled, your author travelled 30 miles west of London earlier this week to visit the experience centre of Zebra Technologies.

Located in leafy Buckinghamshire, Zebra’s centre is one of four in the world (the others are in Chicago, New York and Singapore) where the business showcases solutions for customers. The company is a leading player within the enterprise asset intelligence space, providing hardware and software offerings to help businesses better understand the flow of their goods and people. Zebra describes itself as technology-agnostic, with its aim being to drive the most appropriate solution for each user. Relative to when your author last made a visit to Bourne End (in December 2018 – and so prior to the launch of the Future Trends blog), the size of the experience centre and the range of technologies on display had expanded notably.

Our small group got to see examples of Zebra’s solutions at work in warehouse, retail and healthcare environments. Begin with warehouses. Scanning items with a handheld device is time-consuming. Why not implement a fixed scanner instead under which goods can pass? Perhaps add in a machine vision solution that could check goods for faults and inconsistencies. Need to move something from one part of your warehouse (or factory, retail stockroom etc.) to another? Then use a robot. Smaller robots that can operate in tandem with humans mean that each can focus on what they are best at. Robots may be good at fetching and carrying things, but humans are still better – for now – at picking items from shelves/ bins. It was impressive to see the nimbleness of the robots on display at Zebra, navigating comfortably around unfamiliar objects such as our group. No surprise then that 90% of warehouses expect to deploy some form of autonomous mobile robot within the next five years, per the above study.

It may, of course, be easier to have robots operating behind the scenes in a factory or warehouse than in a hospital setting with anxious patients. However, hospitals can still improve and reduce errors by deploying technology. Basic products can help pinpoint the exact location of a patient or a trolley, whereas more complex examples might help ensure that temperature-critical products (some vaccines, for example) are appropriately monitored as they are moved from place to place. We saw solutions to address all these issues. Regardless of the environment, it seems clear that we are still in an early innings of automation.

15 June 2022​​​​​​

The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. Heptagon Capital is an investor in Zebra Technologies. The author of this piece has no personal direct investment in the business. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.

Alex Gunz, Fund Manager

Disclaimers

The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document. 

The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent. 

Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
email [email protected] 

Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 

Heptagon Capital Limited is licenced to conduct investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.

Related Insights

Season 6, Post 39: Hanging out with the cyber experts
  • Featured Insights

Season 6, Post 39: Hanging out with the cyber experts

Alex Gunz Discusses Cybersecurity on the IBKR Podcast
  • Featured Insights

Alex Gunz Discusses Cybersecurity on the IBKR Podcast

Season 6, Post 38: Sightseeing with salmon
  • Featured Insights

Season 6, Post 38: Sightseeing with salmon

GET THE UPDATES

Sign up to our monthly email newsletter for the latest fund updates, webcasts and insights.