In cold chain applications—such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods handling—devices face risks from condensation, slowed mechanical components in hard drives, battery degradation, and touchscreen malfunctions.
Glacier addresses these challenges with purpose-built rugged tablets, handheld computers, and vehicle-mount terminals featuring use-specific options, like defrost/defog functions on resistive touchscreens (e.g., KODIAK series), wide operating temperature ranges, heated components, and hot-swappable batteries for continuous operation.
Glacier experts can help you navigate,
Temperature Monitoring & Excursion Management
Track & Trace / Serialization / Chain of Custody
Inventory Management for Temperature-Controlled Goods
Glacier Computer has over 25 years of experience in rugged industrial computing solutions tailored for demanding environments, including cold chain logistics, where extremely low temperatures pose significant challenges to standard electronics.
Glacier also partners with leading manufacturers to deliver durable, high-performance solutions that help cold chain operators maintain compliance, reduce operational risks, and ensure data integrity in mission-critical supply chains.
As the year draws to a close, everyone at Glacier Computer extends our warmest holiday wishes! Thank you for your continued trust and partnership throughout 2025. Whether we’ve kept your teams connected in the coldest warehouses or the toughest field environments, it’s been our privilege to support your success.
May this holiday season bring you joy, rest, and time with those who matter most. Here’s to a bright, prosperous, and ruggedly reliable 2026—together.
If it’s got wheels or moves and you want or need a computer on it or in it, Glacier Computer can get you there from here. We offer one of the most comprehensive lineups of vehicle-mounted computers anywhere. Devices specifically designed to stay connected, even in the most challenging environments.
From a boat on a lake to a ship at sea, inside an ambulance parked in the Arizona desert, or a police car in the frigid cold of an Alaskan lumber trail. Choose from a short list of top-quality Vehicle-Mounted terminals to an array of devices that you can leave onboard or remove and take with you, which now includes some tablets, handhelds, or laptops.
Regardless of what you call ‘The Office,’ your data collection and communications tools need to deliver, and so does Glacier Computer. Our expertise in rugged, fixed, mobile, and vehicle-mounted tech spans a quarter of a century and encompasses nearly every business or industry sector.
Our experts are ready to help you choose the data collection, communication, or connectivity solution that suits your needs and budget. From the one-vehicle mom-and-pop to international conglomerates, Glacier Computer does it all. Contact our solutions experts today.
You want customer-driven solutions that enhance data collection, productivity, and profitability. Did you know that Glacier Computer has dedicated the past quarter-century to helping businesses of every type and size find that competitive edge? We never stop looking, and we’ve got something that truly delivers.
The new xDIM Mobile Dimensioning System transforms warehouse and supply chain operations by enabling fast, accurate, and mobile dimensioning. Unlike traditional stationary dimensioners, xDIM leverages a rugged tablet equipped with an Intel® RealSense™ 3D camera, along with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to capture the dimensions of boxes, irregular items, pallets, and small objects anywhere in a facility. [Related: Improving Warehouse Management Systems: A Path to Operational Efficiency.]
This technology enables an entirely new workflow that captures all necessary data, including dimensions, weights, and pictures at the product location, even at the upper levels of the shelving, thereby saving time and reducing labor costs. The xDIM Monile Dimensioning System is NTEP Certified as Legal for Trade, ensuring measurements are precise within half an inch for standard boxes (3 to 48 inches) and up to 8 feet for large items, such as TVs or furniture, using a two-step method. [Related: Improving Warehouse Management Systems: A Path to Operational Efficiency.]
xDIM Mobile Dimensioning addresses critical challenges in modern warehousing, including shrinking storage space, SKU proliferation, and the increasing demands of e-commerce for rapid and accurate fulfillment. With a single device, workers can measure items in seconds, capturing dimensions, weights, barcodes, and images. And its mobility and intuitive interface make it ideal for new workers, reducing training time.
Data integrates seamlessly into warehouse management systems (WMS) or product information management systems (PIMS) through the cloud-based xDIM Insight dashboard, enhancing slotting, re-racking, and Ti-Hi pallet configurations. This optimizes space utilization and minimizes shipping surcharges caused by inaccurate dimensions, which can exceed $1,000 per instance.
The MobileDemand xDIM Mobile Dimensioning System delivers up to three times faster at one-third the cost of traditional stationary systems, offering a compelling return on investment (ROI). By modernizing workflows and enhancing operational efficiency, xDIM enables businesses to meet consumer expectations while navigating complex supply chain challenges.
An effective Warehouse Management System (WMS) is essential for operational success in the fast-paced logistics and supply chain industry. Warehouses face various challenges—such as inventory inaccuracies, space constraints, picking errors, and shipping delays—that can negatively impact profitability and customer satisfaction. Optimizing a WMS is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about improving processes, empowering employees, and aligning tools with business objectives.
How to Improve Your Warehouse Management System for Maximum Efficiency
Here’s how to transform your warehouse into a streamlined, efficient hub capable of meeting the demands of today’s logistics landscape:
1. Embrace Advanced WMS Technology
The backbone of any modern WMS lies in its technology. Outdated systems, which rely on manual data entry or spreadsheets, are prone to errors and often struggle to meet real-time demands. Upgrading to a cloud-based WMS and the latest data collection technology Improves scalability, remote access, and seamless integration with RFID, barcode scanners, and IoT sensors. These technologies enable real-time inventory tracking, minimize discrepancies, and improve data-driven decision-making.
For instance, RFID technology can reduce inventory counting time by up to 90%, while automation technologies, such as robotic picking arms, can significantly boost order fulfillment speed in high-volume warehouses. Choosing a WMS system tailored to your warehouse’s size and throughput ensures it is both robust and cost-effective.
2. Optimize Inventory Management to Reduce Errors
Inventory mismanagement—whether through overstocking, understocking, or lost items—is a significant issue for many warehouses. A modern WMS can help address these problems through features like demand forecasting, cycle counting, and ABC analysis, which prioritizes high-turnover goods.
Implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory practices minimizes excess stock, freeing up capital and optimizing warehouse space. Pairing this with real-time tracking ensures inventory levels are aligned with actual demand, reducing the risk of stockouts during peak seasons. Regular audits and physical counts ensure accuracy and prevent costly surprises.
3. Streamline Warehouse Layout and Space Utilization
A disorganized or poorly designed warehouse can slow down operations. Improving your WMS includes optimizing the physical layout by utilizing strategies such as wider aisles for forklifts, vertical storage solutions, and logical zoning based on picking frequency.
A good WMS will simulate different layouts and suggest slotting strategies, placing fast-moving items near packing stations. For example, dynamic slotting adjusts storage according to seasonal trends, ensuring efficient space utilization year-round. The goal is to reduce travel time for workers, which studies show can account for up to 50% of picking labor.
4. Improve Communication and Integration with the Supply Chain
An efficient WMS should seamlessly connect the warehouse to the broader supply chain. Integrating your WMS with transportation management software, supplier systems, and e-commerce platforms enables smooth data flow.
Automated alerts about incoming shipments prevent dock congestion, while real-time order updates keep customers informed. Clear internal communication via WMS dashboards or mobile apps ensures teams are aligned, improving operational efficiency and reducing delays.
5. Measure and Adapt with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Continuous improvement requires tracking and measuring performance. A WMS should track key performance indicators (KPIs) like order accuracy, picking speed, and inventory turnover. Regular reviews of these KPIs help identify bottlenecks, such as a spike in damaged goods, and allow for necessary adjustments.
Flexibility is essential; as business needs evolve, your WMS should evolve too. Regularly optimizing your system ensures you can stay ahead of industry trends and adapt to future challenges.
Conclusion: Why Improving Your WMS is Essential for Growth
Investing in the improvement of your Warehouse Management System can significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. By leveraging advanced technology, refining processes, and empowering your team, warehouses can overcome common challenges and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The result? Faster order fulfillment, happier customers, and a healthier bottom line.
Glacier Computer can assist with WMS improvements, technology integrations, and process optimizations. Talk to an Expertto learn how we can help streamline your warehouse operations today!
How Cold Weather Affects Mobile Devices – And How to Prevent Costly Failures
Cold environments pose a significant challenge to mobile devices, yet many businesses operating in these conditions don’t realize the full extent of the risks until their technology fails. Whether you manage a cold storage warehouse, oversee last-mile delivery in freezing temperatures, or operate in outdoor field environments, the impact of extreme cold on your devices can lead to costly downtime, data loss, and operational inefficiencies.
Battery Performance in Cold Environments
At the core of every mobile device is a lithium-ion battery, a power source highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations. As temperatures drop, the electrochemical reactions inside the battery slow down, reducing efficiency and causing several critical failures. The most common are decreased battery capacity, slower or no charging, and permanent degradation of your power source.
Lithium-ion cells deliver power by moving lithium ions between the anode and cathode. This movement slows significantly in cold weather, leading to a faster battery drain. Most devices are not designed to charge in cold environments, and repeated exposure to extreme cold can cause lasting damage, reducing the overall lifespan of the battery and leading to premature failure.
Cold Temperatures Can Cause Screen Failures
A device’s display is one of its most vulnerable components in cold weather. Most modern devices use liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens; both can perform poorly in freezing temperatures.
Cold temperatures increase the viscosity of the liquid crystals, causing lag in response times or making screens appear sluggish. In extreme cold, LCDs may appear faded or go completely black. OLED displays are similarly affected, with reduced brightness and contrast.
And moving a device from extreme cold to a warm environment (e.g., from a frozen warehouse to a heated truck cab) can lead to internal condensation, damaging delicate components.
Beyond Cold Chain
Glacier Computer specializes in rugged computing solutions designed for cold environments. Unlike consumer-grade technology, our solutions are built with:
Cold-Resistant Batteries – Maintain charge and reliability in sub-zero conditions.
Temperature-Optimized Screens – No lag, blackouts, or unresponsiveness in freezing temperatures.
Condensation-Proof Components – Prevent internal moisture damage when transitioning between temperature zones.
Ruggedized, Industrial-Grade Construction – Designed to withstand freezing temperatures, shocks, and mechanical wear.
Industries We Support:
Cold Chain Logistics – Ensure barcode scanners, tablets, and rugged mobile devices function reliably in frozen warehouses.
Transportation & Last-Mile Delivery – Keep drivers and fleet operators connected with devices that perform in winter conditions.
Outdoor Field Services – Deploy technology that works in unpredictable winter climates.
Protect Your Devices – and Your Bottom Line
The cold isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a direct threat to productivity and operational efficiency. Technology failures in extreme conditions lead to costly downtime, lost revenue, and potential safety risks for your team.
Get Expert Guidance on Cold-Weather Computing. Talk to a Specialist Today – Schedule a Consultation
There is no doubt that mobile technology is our future — one in which devices designed for the workforce become more interactive, more capable, and more durable. The question is how can your business tap into these benefits of productivity and profit?
Typical challenges……
Traditional SAP mobile inventory solutions were originally crafted as desktop-centric applications. Attempts to retrofit them for mobile platforms are inadequate. Our solution is user-friendly, efficient, and compatible with current applications.
Antiquated ITS Mobile and SAP console mobile apps harbor significant security vulnerabilities. In addition, areas with poor connectivity pose risks of data loss, resulting in lost time and diminished productivity. Our solution is adaptable to current security protocols and current communication technologies.
Patchwork applications fail to meet the demands of contemporary warehouse and supply chain workflows, proving cumbersome to learn and falling short in addressing genuine operational needs. Issues persist in form and workflow creation, ease of use, and accessibility when tethered to desktop-centric solutions. Mobile solutions resolve these problems.
Through Glacier, businesses can explore cutting-edge solutions to propel your operations into the future with user-friendly, mobile-first SAP applications. These solutions will address security loopholes, safeguard mobile systems against data loss, and reduce the learning curve for users while designing elegant and intuitive interfaces that ensure robust security measures, quicken app response times, and create dependable connections.
Glacier Computer can help you get there. In conjunction with its partner network, Glacier has found solutions to elevate and optimize SAP solutions for mobile users. With over 25 years of specialized expertise in mobile computing solutions tailored for the warehouse industry, Glacier has established itself as a knowledgeable partner in this market. Our leadership in furnishing purpose-built data collection devices for inventory management, production processes, shipping and receiving, and other critical applications has afforded us a panoramic understanding of the challenges confronting warehouse operations today. Drawing upon this wealth of experience serves as the cornerstone of our evolution, culminating in a more comprehensive solution to these challenges.
Mobility is our future and there’s no going back.
For more information or to speak to a technical expert, click here.
If you are considering a technology refresh for outdated or inefficient devices, please consider Glacier Computer for your data collection and identification technology solutions.
For over 23 years, many have benefited from our consultive input on the very best rugged computing hardware solutions. Our traditional product offerings will continue to include forklift-mounted terminals, rugged tablets, wearable and barcode scanners, printers, and handheld computers.
Wait, There’s More.
To this, we have added select partners that enable us to offer specific market solutions for asset management, RFID, cold chain, Hazardous environments, mobile applications for SAP, video capture, Mobile Data Terminals, and purpose-built custom product development. These solutions will provide a measurable improvement in productivity and labor efficiency.
Why Glacier:
Over 23 years of experience and expertise in the automated data collection and mobility space
Manufacturer of our own 6th generation forklift terminals and reseller of major OEM rugged tablets
One stop for all your rugged computing hardware needs
Flexibility in display size, OS, WiFi, cellular, bar code scanning, RFID and other input
Guidance on various mounting options for vehicles in the logistics and transportation sectors, including – warehouse forklifts, pallet jacks, yard trucks, and other vehicle types
Work closely and are part of the total solutions provided by ISVs and systems integrators
Ability to provide evaluation units from our demo pool to test your applications and use cases
If you are looking to upgrade current technology or explore what new solutions are available for your business, then contact Glacier Computer at 866-724-6257 x6 or visit our website glaciercomputer.com.
An in-depth look at the top challenges facing today’s warehouse operations and the benefits companies gain from digitalizing their forklifts and material handling equipment.
Digitalization is critically needed to accommodate increasing e-commerce sales, support labor shortages in today’s market, and match the ever-present need to increase productivity with fewer resources. The digitalization movement requires industry-specific innovative thinking. Warehousing logistics and material handling are two areas where digitalization plays a crucial role in a company’s ability to meet changing needs while increasing profits.
Defined as the enabling or improving of processes with digital technologies and digitized data, digitalization enhances productivity and efficiency
while also reducing costs. By changing a fully human driven process into one that’s either partially or completely software-driven, digitalization perfects this process without having to alter it completely.
As modern warehouses scale up to meet new market demands, they have become hotbeds for digitalization. In fact, in terms of material handling, logistics and supply chain association MHI reports2 that 83% of companies believe digital will become the predominant model within the next five years and 22% believe it already exists.
This white paper explores the main challenges facing today’s warehouse operations and explains the top benefits that companies get when they digitalize their forklifts and material handling equipment. Read Full Article
Glacier Computer co-Founder and Strategic Accounts Manager, John Geary made an appearance onThe New Warehouse Podcast. The program looks at warehouse logistics and every aspect of the inventory and distribution business.
In this episode, we learn about the different options for rugged computing in the warehouse and also what features should be considered when looking to purchase rugged computing products for your operation. With many options in the marketplace, it is important to make the right decision instead of one that will end up costing you more down the road.
Glacier’s nearly 20-year commitment to rugged data collection gives John the perspective needed to craft effective solutions at the intersection of two fast-moving and expanding environments; computing technology and logistics.
John discusses his history in the computing space and how we have gotten to the rugged portability that we see in our industry today. We also discuss the move in the industry from (the) Windows operating system to Android.
