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Delmaine Fine Foods Finds Inventory Accuracy Boost with RF-SMART
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Networks & Connectivity - RFID
Applicable Industries
- Food & Beverage
Applicable Functions
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Warehouse Automation
- Supply Chain Visibility
Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
Delmaine Fine Foods faced significant challenges in managing their complex warehousing requirements. Their entire product range is batch controlled, with products varying in shelf life from five days to two years. Some products require chilled storage and shipping, while others are ambient. Additionally, their customers dictate the required shelf life of products based on when they will be available to the end consumer. This complexity made it impractical to work in a conventional pick face environment, as it would require multiple batches in the pick face and order quantities ranging from a few cartons to multiple pallets. Delmaine needed their ERP software to provide precise instructions on what product to pick, which batch, and from where. Accurate inventory was crucial for this system to function effectively.
About The Customer
Delmaine Fine Foods, founded in 1980, is a leading manufacturer, importer, and supplier of high-quality food products. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the company serves supermarkets and the food industry both domestically and internationally. With a business worth $73 million and a workforce of 200 employees, Delmaine Fine Foods has consolidated its manufacturing and warehousing operations in Auckland. The company sought to enhance productivity and inventory accuracy through the implementation of advanced technologies. Delmaine Fine Foods is known for its diverse product range, which includes items with varying shelf lives and storage requirements, making inventory management a complex task.
The Solution
Delmaine Fine Foods implemented RF-SMART to enhance efficiency and inventory accuracy. The adoption of RF-SMART led to a significant cultural shift within the warehouse. Previously, inventory accuracy was a shared responsibility, with different staff members handling physical picking and data updates at different times. This approach meant that no individual was solely responsible for accuracy at any given time. With RF-SMART, the picker now updates the stock in real-time, making them entirely responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of the transaction. This change has led to greater ownership of the process among pickers, who have willingly embraced the new technology. The implementation of RF-SMART has resulted in a more streamlined and accurate inventory management process, with pickers taking full responsibility for their tasks.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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