Telkom has signed a R3.6 million deal with mobile business solutions specialist RangeGate to supply a radio frequency (RF) barcode scanning solution to keep control of inventory at its 53 cable yards and warehouses around SA. RangeGate teamed up with mobile device manufacturer Symbol Technologies to provide the solution.
The deal includes the purchase of 154 Symbol PDT6846 portable RF handheld devices, 10 Symbol VRC 6946 vehicle mounted units, 139 low-volume Datamax E-class barcode printers and three high-volume Zebra Z4M barcode printers. Symbol Technologies` scanning equipment and printers will interface with Telkom`s SAP Consol version 4.6b system via a Georgia SoftWorks telnet interface.
The solution will provide Telkom with real-time, online information regarding its inventory, and is expected to result in reduced costs and better logistical management of inventory since managers will be able to check, source and replenish stock levels around the country at any time. The automation of the stock control processes will also reduce paperwork, enable tighter control over stock holding and reduce inaccuracies due to human error.
The solution is currently being piloted and tested and is due to go live in April 2002.
"A key driver of the contract is Telkom`s requirement that the technology should extend and enhance its SAP R/3 solution, thereby accelerating the return on its SAP R/3 investment," says Gavin White, a business development manager at RangeGate.
"Telkom`s business is by nature logistically complicated. It recently began implementing the SAP R/3 ERP system to gain greater control over its operations. Our RF barcoding solution adds power to this solution by enabling more efficient and effective real-time mobile management of inventory. The Symbol open standards RF technology we are using is among the most advanced in the world and also easier and more cost-effective to upgrade as technology and the business advances."
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