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Connected Worker: Vocollect Voice Increases Productivity, Visibility and Takes Control of Inventory
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
- Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Networks & Connectivity - Wireless Local Area Network
Applicable Industries
- E-Commerce
- Retail
Applicable Functions
- Logistics & Transportation
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Supply Chain Visibility
- Warehouse Automation
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
GraysOnline faced the challenge of consolidating its four existing warehouses into one centralized distribution center (DC) at Homebush, Western Sydney. The company needed to upgrade its entire warehouse management system (WMS) to streamline operations, drive greater efficiencies, and introduce clearly defined processes. With over 30,000 products and servicing 10,000 customers, they needed to ensure the integration of inventory into the Homebush warehouse was seamless and caused limited downtime. Additionally, GraysOnline had to integrate the inventory of oo.com.au, a newly acquired online department store, into its existing warehouse operations with minimal disruption to customers. The outdated RF-enabled operations and processes no longer offered the flexibility, speed, and accuracy required for business growth, necessitating a more advanced solution.
About The Customer
GraysOnline is an Australian online retail and auction company that offers a wide range of consumer, industrial, and commercial goods directly from manufacturers and distributors. The company employs more than 550 people, covers 80 product categories, and sells around 230,000 items each month to both consumers and businesses. GraysOnline has experienced consistent growth, with its annual turnover increasing from $50 million to more than $400 million. Six years ago, the company decided to re-evaluate its warehouse operations by consolidating its four existing warehouses into one centralized distribution center (DC) at Homebush, Western Sydney. This move was aimed at streamlining operations, driving greater efficiencies, and introducing clearly defined processes to support its expanding business.
The Solution
GraysOnline turned to Honeywell Vocollect for its seamless integration with Manhattan SCALE, a warehouse management system (WMS). The solution included Honeywell Vocollect Voice, Vocollect Talkman T5 Mobile Computing Devices, Vocollect SRX Wireless Headsets, and Vocollect VoiceDirect Enterprise Connector. Honeywell provided a real-time interface to Manhattan SCALE, resulting in clear instructions to workers, correct verifications, and registration of respective responses. The Vocollect Voice solution replaced outdated RF-enabled operations with a 'Hands-Free, Eyes-Free' workflow, allowing workers to concentrate on fulfilling their tasks without having to flip-and-read slips of order sheets or type on handheld devices. The system facilitated a real-time, two-way data flow between workers on the distribution floor and the WMS, making it easier for managers to generate monitoring reports and gain comprehensive insights into operations. The implementation of Manhattan SCALE into the warehouse provided greater control and visibility across the entire supply chain, achieving a 15-20 percent productivity improvement in warehousing operations. The solution's flexible nature and integration strength ensured minimal downtime during the complex task of consolidating inventory.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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