A far-sighted hands-free scanning solution from Symbol Technologies has enabled Pick 'n Pay's Fresh Food Distribution Centre in Meadowbrook, Johannesburg to significantly increase its daily throughput of fresh foods.
The devise, which is part of Symbol Technologies' WS 1000 Wearable System Series with RS1 Ring Scanner, revolutionises the anatomy of hands-free scanning. Located between the user's index finger and forearm, a scanner and an integrated computer and radio combine to form a complete productivity system with advanced ergonomics and performance-enhancing features.
"The challenge was to significantly increase throughput with a solution that could operate in a harsh environment where relative humidity often reaches 90 percent combined with temperatures as low as three or four degrees. Previously, our pickers had to lift each unit as they came off the automated conveyor belts, scan the cases and place them on trolleys for distribution throughout Gauteng and as far as East London, Natal and the Free State.
Our throughput has risen to an average of 40 000 units per day and has often reached 55 000 units per day during peak periods," said Gareth O'Connell, assistant warehouse manager at Pick 'n Pay's Fresh Food Distribution Centre Meadowbrook, Johannesburg
Max Stone, manager system sales at Symbol Technologies, said the hands-free system was piloted for six weeks and met with Pick 'n Pay's criteria. A South African Bureau of Standards test was also carried out to ensure that the Symbol equipment could cope with the adverse conditions in the warehouse.
The Wearable System is combined with Symbol's Spectrum 24 wireless LAN and consists of software and hardware components that integrate seamlessly with wired environments. "Pick 'n Pay's warehouse in Meadowbrook has three access points - two in the distribution centre and one in the freezer zone - which have wireless communication facilities linked to Ethernet technology.
"Symbol's commitment to open standards at every software and hardware interface makes Spectrum 24 ideal for applications where mobile communications and real-time access are essential. This includes data-intensive terminal and laptop transactions, client/server computing, graphics-orientated and other data demanding applications," said Stone.
O'Connell added: "The hands-free devices are used continuously throughout three daily shifts and we have not experienced any problems. We are also in the process of setting up a similar distribution centre in Kwa-Natal where we will install the same hand-free system."
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