How Collaboration Helped Direct Relief Improve Wearable Barcode Scanning Workflows

Gent Ivziku • October 27, 2026

Direct Relief (https://www.directrelief.org/) is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 90 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.


When its team began evaluating HYCO wearable ring scanners, the goal was to improve barcode scanning efficiency while ensuring the solution could adapt to its existing systems and cold-storage workflows. 

At Lotwork, we know that no two operations are the same. Every customer has unique workflows, systems, and requirements, which is why we focus on adapting our solutions to fit the way our customers work, rather than asking them to change their processes.  Our collaboration with Direct Relief demonstrates that approach in practice. 


Understanding the Challenge 

Direct Relief was evaluating our wearable ring scanners to improve efficiency within their operations. Throughout the trial, their team provided valuable feedback that allowed us to better understand their workflow and identify opportunities for improvement. Rather than simply supplying hardware, we worked alongside their team to ensure the solution fit seamlessly into their day-to-day operations. 


Customizing the Scanning Configuration 

Direct Relief required barcode data to be delivered in a format compatible with its existing workflow. Our engineering team customized the scanner configuration accordingly, allowing scanned data to be processed by the customer’s system in the required format.


As testing progressed, the team also shared additional feedback regarding barcode performance in specific scenarios. That feedback was passed directly to our engineering team and continues to help improve future product development. 


Adapting the Hardware 

Another challenge arose in the cold storage areas, where employees wear insulated gloves. 

The standard silicone ring bands worked well for users without gloves, but employees working in cold environments needed a solution that could comfortably fit over thicker gloves. 


After discussing the issue with the customer, our engineering team designed and produced a custom Velcro ring band to provide a more flexible fit. 

Following testing, Direct Relief reported that the new bands fit comfortably over both thin and thick gloves and supported scanning in cold-storage environments. For employees who did not wear gloves, the original silicone bands remained their preferred option. 


Real Customer Feedback 

Throughout the evaluation, Direct Relief worked closely with our team, sharing detailed feedback that helped refine the solution. 

As Sergio Becerra from Direct Relief shared: 


"You guys work with our process and make things work for our system." 


That partnership reflects exactly how we approach every customer engagement. 


The Result 

Following the successful trial, Direct Relief chose to move forward with deploying the solution.  The team reported that employees found scanning faster while appreciating the comfort and flexibility provided by the customized ring bands. More importantly, the project demonstrated how small hardware and software adaptations can make a significant difference in user adoption and operational efficiency. 


Solutions Built Around Your Workflow 

Technology should fit your operation, not the other way around. Whether it's integrating with your existing systems, adapting hardware for unique environments, or continuously improving based on customer feedback, Lotwork works alongside every customer to develop solutions that support real-world operations. 



Every workflow is different, and we're committed to making sure our technology works the way your team needs it to. 



About the Author

author’s image

Gent Ivziku

Client Success Manager, Lotwork

Gent helps people get work done smarter and faster with wearable tech and hands-free scanning. He’s passionate about simplifying warehouse and logistics workflows and enjoys working closely with customers to find the right fit for their needs. Outside of work, he’s a big fan of soccer and loves diving into great movies and TV shows whenever he gets the chance.

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