Transforming warehouse operations with barcode technology increases efficiency, throughput, and cost-effectiveness. However, businesses that have always relied on manual processes may need to learn the steps to ensure their tech investments lead to value and ROI. Barcodes, Inc. provides the guidance and expertise necessary for successful warehouse transformation.

The project at Monat Global Corp. is an excellent example of how proper barcode technology implementation can improve operations and position a business for greater success. This direct sales haircare, skincare, and wellness product company was 100% manual, even relying on employees to build boxes. However, putaway and picking were also manual. Employees memorized product locations in the warehouse and jotted down the quantities they needed to fill orders, an inefficient and sometimes error-prone process.

Steps to Warehouse Transformation

Barcodes, Inc. and its partner Alpine Supply Chain Solutions worked with Monat to implement barcode technology with dramatic results.

Step one was creating a naming structure that worked with Monat’s SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) system.

Then Barcodes, Inc. generated labels in batches for warehouse racking so Monat could save time and apply the labels systematically.

With labels in place, Monat relied on Barcodes, Inc.’s expertise to test mobile devices and barcode scanners to select the best options for the warehouse. Monat chose Honeywell CK65 mobile devices and Granit XP 1990iXR corded scanners. The solution also included Honeywell vehicle-mounted computers and industrial printers.

The technology allowed Monat’s team to no longer memorize product locations or depend on handwritten notes. They now use modern processes, such as directed putaway, triggered replenishment, and triggered case picking.

See Monat’s Digital Transformation in Action

The Advantages of a Modern Warehouse with Barcode Technology

Monat monitored key performance indicators before and after the transition and found that using barcode technology significantly impacted its overall operation. Monat’s warehouse increased from 80 to 260 lines per hour and from 20 to 60 orders per hour, tripling throughput.

The company also saw a vast improvement in order accuracy and decreased the time necessary to train new employees to work independently from days to just an hour.

Download our case study  to learn more about the Honeywell technology that made this successful transition to a modern warehouse possible.

American Nutrition Implements Barcode Scanning & Mobile Computing Solution that Markedly Increases Productivity and Efficiency

Application: Barcode Scanning & Mobile Computing Solution

Executive Summary

American Nutrition, a leading manufacturer of pet food and treats for branded companies and retailers. In search to simplify their workflow, they want to find a warehouse management solution (WMS) to track their products across their three facilities . Barcodes identified an optimal barcode scanning and mobile computing solution, the Janam XG3-ER rugged mobile computer, that provided a solution to connect their existing lot tracking, process control, and shipping software under one management platform.  By utilizing the Janam XG-ER our customers increased visibility into inventory and process control, enhanced employee productivity, and run their proprietary WMS on an Android operating system.

The Business Challenge

Warehouse employees need access to secure information right away. The current method of relying on their memory to keep track of the products’ physical location in the warehouse was not working. It was taking workers too long to access the data they needed to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently. There were also issues with the human memory error that slowed down processes. To address these concerns, American Nutrition would need to invest in a barcode scanning and mobile computing solution capable of providing workers with inventory and product information in real time. They needed solution that can scan pallets stored on top level racks, accept both touch screen data and keyed data, as well as have an open operating system to future proof their business.  Investing in this solution would allow the manufacturer employees to work more efficiently and eliminate the human error associated with memorizing product and inventory information.

Solution

Barcodes recommended the Janam XG3 Rugged Mobile Computer. The Janam XG3 provides a warehouse ready rugged mobile scanner, with a scan range of 15 inches to 50 feet, touch screen and 57-key keypad for data entry. In addition, the XG3 has the ability to run their proprietary WMS on an Android operating system. This allowed American Nutrition to manage and track all items in an effective and efficient manner and add a new layer of accountability to their process.

Benefits

Barcodes deployed forty-five Janam XG3s in three US facilities in a short amount of time. American Nutrition’s business expectations continue to be met and exceeded. Not only do employees know where all their inventory is from receiving raw goods to shipping finished product, but they have seen measurable increases in productivity and efficiency. In addition, they have eliminated the human error associated with memorizing inventory information.

Contact Barcodes, if you have any questions or need a warehouse solution. We can find a solution that fits your business needs and budget.

CJ Pony Parts is one of the oldest Mustang parts retailers in the world. Founded in 1985 to friends with a passion for classic Ford mustangs, the company began by stocking and selling parts for every Mustang model since Pony Car was introduced in 1964. With more than 63,000 square feet of warehouse space across three facilities, CJ Pony Parts houses more than 50,000 parts and accessories.

With so many parts over the four warehouses, the challenge was to find a newer and more intuitive rugged barcode scanner for their daily operation to improve productivity and increase efficiency. With 60 XT2 mobile computers deployed throughout their four facilities, the devices were quickly adapted by their workforce to increase productivity and improved customer service. Click to read the following case study to see how Barcodes recommended the Janam’s XT2 Rugged touch mobile computer to CJ’s Pony Parts and successfully implemented the devices to provide visibility across all its warehouse operations.