The warehouse team trialled several makes and models before recommending TC8000 touch computers

Success Story

This distributor, the largest of its type in the UK, supplies around 3,000 retail outlets and hundreds of dealers abroad. The company is known for its retail initiatives and innovative approach to operations and customer support.

The challenge

A B2B e-commerce facility accounted for 70% of the company's supply chain business. They wanted to improve and perfect the service their two distribution warehouses provided.

Codeway had supplied their fleet of RF hand scanners ten years ago. These were at the end of their life and needed replacement.

Originally there were two different types of scanner for different tasks. This became a problem when people had to select a scanner for each job. The lack of flexibility and consistency was bad for productivity.

The company approached Codeway once more to identify a future proof mobile scanning device. There were looking for new features to refresh the applications and processes in the warehouses.

The selection process

Everyone was used to working with keypads and doubtful about the latest touch-screen computers. However, in close collaboration with Codeway, they tested several potential replacements.

The warehouse came back with the Zebra TC8000 Touch Mobile Computer as their clear favourite. The company agreed it was the most suitable device for their needs.

Installation

Codeway worked together with the company to port the green screen terminal emulation on the old units to the TC8000s. Users were able to choose between a modern touch screen and the familiar green screen for each operation.

With significant support from Codeway during set up, the company deployed TC8000s across both sites. Codeway also supplied custom-built racks to house the TC8000s and charge the batteriesInitial applications were goods receiving, picking and ongoing auditing in some areas of the warehouses.

The new solution was universally successful.

One experienced user said, “The scanner is much easier to use. It has great functionality. The touch screen allows us to quickly switch between characters and numbers. The handle can be adjusted to suit left or right handed users and the holster is a great addition, helping to prevent accidental damage. Overall, these scanners are quite simply awesome!”

Results

The TC8000s are critical to the company's highly regarded supply chain. Supervisors say their effective scan beam, excellent battery life and reliability have added to efficiency.

Working with a sole device for all operations across the two sites has significantly increased flexibility and productivity.

Following this success the company is looking to automate processes in other operations.

''A future proof solution"

The project manager commented, “The Zebra TC8000s have fully met our expectations and will be a vital tool in our warehouse operations for many years to come. The scanners are new to market and ensure we are investing in a long-term, future-proof solution.

"Moreover, the reliability of the TC8000s is exceptional. End users have immediately adopted the devices and love the touch screens.

"Codeway is a responsive, proactive and trustworthy partner and has provided excellent after-sales support; we are also delighted with the secure, custom-built racks it has designed for us to house our scanners. The project has been a great success.”