Johannesburg, 29 Mar 2005
IT infrastructure and solutions provider, Datacentrix, has supplied Barloworld Logistics with 30 Symbol handheld terminals and wireless access points to aid stock estimate accuracy and to enable further distribution logistics efficiencies at the supply chain management group`s Illovo warehouses.
Michelle Cozzi, account manager at Datacentrix, says: "Barloworld Logistics won a 10-year contract to completely manage the warehousing and distribution of Illovo Sugar throughout SA and required a robust scanning solution. Datacentrix, together with its business partner, Symbol, presented Barloworld Logistics with the latest handheld supply chain logistics scanning devices available on the market."
"Barloworld Logistics was looking for a scanning infrastructure that would allow the efficient management of its outbound distribution operations and looked at various solutions on the market. The company settled on Symbol`s MC9060-G range, as the technology of choice," says Cozzi.
Cheryl Folly, Symbol account manager: Barloworld Logistics, says the durability of the scanner makes it ideally suited for supply chain management environments.
"The scanners have improved battery life, reducing the need to replace or recharge batteries during a work shift. This, coupled with a rugged design and a comfortable pistol-grip handle, make them ideal for intensive scanning. The scanners employ wireless technology, which relays information in real-time, and prompts users on tasks that need to be performed."
According to Alfred van Zyl, IT manager at Barloworld Logistics, the technology has delivered huge benefits in other similar environments, and the same is expected here. The company now has access to real-time information without paper work, which ensures sugar shipments can be tracked accurately from the sugar mills, through to storage and dispatch, to Illovo`s customers countrywide. This increases worker productivity.
"The scanners have proven to be robust and reliable. We selected the MC9060-G due to its multiple configurations and support for our in-house logistics software which makes deploying it enterprise-wide much easier than other products. We also liked the MC9060-G`s modular engineering design that will help us implement upgrades more efficiently, setting us up for our future and present needs."
"This technology allows us to improve stock estimate accuracy, resulting in increased efficiency, cost savings and enhanced customer service," says Van Zyl. "Datacentrix has proven to be an invaluable technology partner - the company`s solid partnerships with technology vendors and competitive pricing are critical elements in a successful relationship."
Says Cozzi: "Our strategic partnership with Symbol in the local market is key to offering the right response to our major corporate customers who are increasingly demanding innovative mobile business solutions."
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