The right internet service can significantly enhance operational efficiency for warehouse tenants. However, finding the best provider can often be an overwhelming task. We’ve broken down the key considerations when securing robust warehouse connectivity and Wi-Fi to underpin your sites.
1. Assessing Your Wi-Fi Needs
A comprehensive Wi-Fi assessment should consider the following, to take into account the size of your site, how busy it will be and the activities going on within it;
· Square footage and layout
· Capacity planning for simultaneous devices and users
· Potential interference sources (metal racks, machinery, fridges and constantly moving inventory)
· Future scalability
This assessment forms the foundation of your Wi-Fi infrastructure. Proper network design and strategic access point placement are essential for optimal performance – desktop surveys cannot account for the day-to-day workings of your site post Go-Live, and how these activities may affect the network you’ve deployed. Consider working with professionals who understand these unique challenges and have done it all before.
2. Advanced Wi-Fi Technologies for Warehouses
Wi-Fi 7
The latest advancement in wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, offers significant benefits for warehouse operations. With speeds up to five times faster than Wi-Fi 6 and dramatically reduced latency, Wi-Fi 7 capable access points can revolutionise your warehouse connectivity.
Seamless Roaming
This capability is critical, as it allows handheld devices to move between access points without the connection dropping, ensuring uninterrupted productivity as workers navigate the facility.
3. Bandwidth and Reliability
Making sure you do not under-estimate how much data you will need within your warehouse space is important. Modern warehouses rely on various data-intensive technologies listed below, all of which require substantial bandwidth:
· Inventory management systems
· IoT devices (smart shelves and automated guided vehicles)
· Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, handheld scanners)
· Electronic shelf labels
Taking these into account when deciding how much capacity to put into your facility is crucial. Moreover, reliability is paramount. Downtime is costly, so consider redundancy options (e.g. resilient lines with auto failover if the primary line fails) as well as robust support with clear SLAs to maintain uptime during your business operating houses.
4. Selecting the Right Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Business vs. Consumer ISPs
Choosing the right ISP is vital for ensuring reliable service. While consumer ISPs offering broadband services may offer attractive pricing, they lack the necessary infrastructure for industrial environments. Business ISPs typically provide symmetrical packages, meaning equal upload and download speeds—this is particularly important for operations requiring two-way communication, such as data transfer from handheld scanners.
Support is also a key consideration. Phoning up consumer ISPs, as you do with your home broadband, if there is a problem is time consuming and often frustrating. These companies are not monitoring your connection to ensure its live, nor are they proactively responding to any potential threats or issues. And with so many operational processes and technologies being underpinned by your Warehouse Wi-Fi, downtime is just not an option. A provider that offers enterprise fibre, as well as support and back up services is essential. You could even choose from non-fixed lines like Starlink to ensure you stay live even in the unlikely event in-ground internet services are disrupted.
5. Integration and Security
Seamless Warehouse Technology Integration
Your Wi-Fi network should seamlessly support all of your warehouse technologies. Your chosen ISP should be able to provide the raw data from Wi-Fi systems to integrate into wayfinding apps or locations services, enhancing operational efficiencies.
Robust Security
With the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, securing your Wi-Fi network is crucial. Find an ISP who can ensure the following:
· Network segmentation to isolate sensitive areas
· User authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
· Your devices are connecting to the network using the most up-to-date security standards like WPA3
Future-Proofing Your Network
Procuring a scalable solution is important as your Wi-Fi needs to serve your business as well as it did on day one as day 101. As your business grows, so will your Wi-Fi needs. Opt for a scalable solution that can accommodate increased demand, emerging technologies and the expansion of your facility.
This foresight can save you from costly upgrades down the line.
Real-World Success
Procuring the right Wi-Fi service for your warehouse is a critical decision that impacts nearly every aspect of your operations. By carefully considering these factors and leveraging the latest technologies like Wi-Fi 7, you can ensure a solution that not only meets your current needs but also positions you for future growth and technological advancements in the future.
Need help assessing your warehouse Wi-Fi needs or implementing a solution? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts for a consultation. We're here to ensure your warehouse stays connected and competitive in the digital age.
Schedule a demo of our capabilities and find out exactly how we're helping businesses just like yours to achieve their mission.
