Why warehouse wearables integration matters today
Warehouse teams increasingly want to work hands-free, faster, and with fewer interruptions. Traditional RF scanners still dominate, but they limit the move toward next‑generation devices like smart glasses, gloves, tablets, and other app‑based wearables.
To explore what’s possible, Quinaptis connected SAP S/4HANA to a smartwatch, sending simple commands through the cloud. The goal: show how any wearable could securely exchange data with SAP — and what that could unlock for warehouse operations.
This proof of concept demonstrates the potential of warehouse wearables integration in real‑world logistics environments.
The shift from RF scanners to flexible app based devices
RF scanners have served the industry well, but they bring clear drawbacks:
- They require a browser-based interface.
- They limit the types of hardware that can be used.
- They are less compatible with modern, app-driven workflows.
Meanwhile, the market is moving fast. According to MHI, 70% of logistics and supply chain companies plan to implement wearables within five years. Smart glasses, smart gloves, wearable scanners, and even VR devices are on the rise — especially in fast‑paced picking environments.
Every second counts. For example: each time an operator sets down a handheld scanner to pick an item, precious time is lost. Wearables remove that friction.
Quinaptis’ proof of concept: SAP S/4HANA talking to a smartwatch
If SAP S/4HANA can communicate directly with wearable or app‑based devices, the warehouse gains a whole new level of flexibility. To test this, Quinaptis developed a proof of concept linking:
- SAP S/4HANA
- SAP Cloud Platform (acting as secure middleware)
- A smartwatch app built on Android
Why start with a smartwatch? Because it’s one of the most constrained devices: a tiny screen, battery limitations, and constant connectivity demands. If the integration works here, it can work almost anywhere — from tablets to smart glasses to future wearables not yet on the market.
The result: the smartwatch could receive, accept, and confirm simple commands from SAP S/4HANA.
How we built the data flow
1. Identify required warehouse data
We first mapped the backend data needed for basic warehouse tasks: location info, quantities, and action triggers.
2. Expose SAP S/4HANA data via OData
An OData service was created to securely publish this data to the cloud.
3. Create a secure link through SAP Cloud Platform
Using SAP Cloud SDK, Quinaptis developed a middleware application that:
- Processes OData requests
- Manages secure communication
- Connects SAP S/4HANA with external devices
4. Build the smartwatch app
A lightweight Android application allowed the operator to:
- Receive task notifications
- Send confirmations
- Communicate directly with the cloud middleware
The middleware then synced with SAP S/4HANA, creating a smooth, reliable data flow in both directions.
A glimpse into the warehouse of the future
The pilot proves that SAP S/4HANA can securely exchange data with any app‑based wearable device, whether Android or iOS. Despite the smartwatch’s limitations, the system worked — opening the door to broader use cases:
- Smart glasses for hands-free picking
- Smart gloves for instant scanning
- App-enabled forklifts
- Future wearable technologies yet to emerge
Thanks to S/4HANA’s extensibility — both in-app and side‑by‑side — organizations can add new device integrations without disrupting core processes.
Quinaptis is ready to help logistics teams explore these possibilities and build smarter, more efficient warehouses.
Curious how warehouse wearables integration could streamline your operations?
Get in touch with Quinaptis to explore a pilot or discuss the possibilities for your warehouse environment.