The Barcode Warehouse, TagworX and Zebra Avant case study

The Barcode Warehouse Limited

17 Aug 202303:19

Summary

TLDRThe script discusses the successful implementation of new technology in a warehouse to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks. After initial challenges with incorrect parts selection, the introduction of the TC21 device and TagWorks software streamlined the picking process, enhancing staff confidence and reducing errors. This technology not only satisfied immediate needs but also facilitated easier onboarding for new team members and provided evidence for customer claims. The company is now considering expanding the use of these tools across more business areas.

Takeaways

😀 The implementation of new technology in the warehouse significantly improved efficiency and sped up processes.
🔍 The company faced bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their warehouse operations, which led to the search for technological solutions.
📈 The system was quickly implemented, taking only a few weeks to be fully operational in the warehouses.
🤝 Barcode Warehouse was contacted for tools that could suit the company's business needs and improve their operations.
🔧 Staff were previously picking up the wrong parts due to similar appearances, causing customer dissatisfaction and financial losses.
📱 The TC21 device was chosen for its reliability and ease of use, which helped to address the issue of incorrect part selection.
📝 TagWorks was introduced as a platform that evolved based on customer feedback and specific requirements for the picking process.
🛠️ The company described their processes to TagWorks to ensure a tailored solution that would fit their needs.
🛡️ The new technology provided confidence to team members, reducing the time to train new staff and preventing potential mistakes.
📈 The implementation of the tool resulted in a faster turnaround on orders and less anxiety for staff about packing the correct products.
📊 The tool also provided evidence for any client claims, ensuring that the right products were sent to the right customers.
🌐 The success of the tool has led to plans for expanding its use in other areas of the business and looking for specific devices for further integration.

Q & A

What was the primary motivation behind implementing new technology in the warehouse?
-The primary motivation was to improve the efficiency of the team and to address the bottleneck issues in the business caused by the warehouse.
How long did it take for the new system to be fully operational in the warehouses?
-It took only a few weeks for the system to be up and running.
What was the initial problem that Tim faced when he first reached out to Barcode Warehouse?
-The initial problem was that the products looked very similar, causing staff to pick up the wrong parts, especially in large orders with thousands of items.
What was the solution provided by Barcode Warehouse to address the issue of picking the wrong parts?
-Barcode Warehouse sent over different devices for testing, and the TC21 device was chosen for its reliability and ease of use.
What platform did Barcode Warehouse introduce to improve the picking process?
-Barcode Warehouse introduced the 'Tag Works' platform to improve the picking process.
How did the customers' feedback influence the evolution of the Tag Works platform?
-The customers' feedback was listened to and specific ideas around the picking process were implemented, ensuring the platform met their requirements.
What was essential for the company when implementing the new tool?
-It was essential to ensure that the tool was implemented without any issues and that enhanced features were added to satisfy the needs of the business.
How did the technology impact the team members' confidence in their work?
-The technology allowed team members to have more confidence in their work, which significantly improved the turnaround time on orders.
What benefits did the new tool provide for new team members in terms of training?
-The tool helped new team members to start effectively from their first day without needing extensive training, as it prevented potential mistakes.
How did the implementation of the tool affect the staff's anxiety levels and their roles?
-The tool helped staff feel more relaxed in their roles, reducing anxiety about packing the correct products and providing evidence for any client claims.
What are the future plans for the company in terms of expanding the use of Tag Works and Barcode Warehouse solutions?
-The company is looking at expanding the areas of the business that use Tag Works and Barcode Warehouse solutions, including implementing the tool within the production line.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Warehouse Efficiency Through Technology

The script discusses the implementation of new technology to enhance the efficiency of a warehouse team. Initially, the warehouse was identified as a business bottleneck, prompting the search for technological solutions. The company contacted Barcode Warehouse for suitable tools and tested several devices before selecting the TC21 for its reliability and ease of use. The introduction of Tag Works, a platform that evolved based on customer feedback, allowed for a more efficient picking process. The technology was quickly implemented, reducing errors, increasing team confidence, and facilitating quicker onboarding for new staff. It also provided evidence for customer claims, ensuring the right products were sent to the right customers, thereby reducing costs and improving overall productivity.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Technology

Technology refers to the tools, systems, and methods used to solve problems and accomplish tasks more efficiently. In the video's context, technology is implemented to improve warehouse operations, specifically addressing bottlenecks and enhancing the efficiency of the team. An example from the script is the introduction of new technologies that 'really sped up our process more than we thought it would.'

💡Efficiency

Efficiency is the measure of how well a system performs in terms of output relative to its input. In the script, efficiency is a central theme as the company seeks to improve their warehouse processes. The script mentions that the new technology 'helped ensure new team members were able to hit the ground running from the first day without needing extensive training,' highlighting the increased efficiency in onboarding and operations.

💡Warehouse Bottlenecks

A warehouse bottleneck refers to a point in the logistics process where the flow of goods is slowed or stopped, causing delays. The script identifies the warehouse as 'the bottleneck of our business,' indicating that the company was facing issues with the flow of goods through their warehouse, which they aimed to resolve through the implementation of new technology.

💡Barcode Warehouse

Barcode Warehouse is likely the name of the company or service provider that offers solutions for warehouse management, including devices and tools to improve operations. In the script, the company reached out to Barcode Warehouse for tools that could 'suit our business,' and they provided devices for testing to address the issue of picking up the wrong parts.

💡TC21 Device

The TC21 device is a specific piece of technology mentioned in the script as being reliable and easy to use. It was chosen by the company to help with their warehouse operations. The script states that 'we put forward the tc21 device,' suggesting that it played a crucial role in improving the picking process and reducing errors.

💡Tag Works

Tag Works appears to be a platform or system introduced to the company by Barcode Warehouse to help with their warehouse management. It is part of the 'evolution of the tag Works platform,' where the company listened to their customers' needs and implemented features that addressed specific requirements. The script mentions that 'they helped us find the right technology and they introduced us to tag works,' indicating its importance in the solution.

💡Picking Process

The picking process is the method by which items are selected from a warehouse to fulfill orders. In the script, the picking process is highlighted as an area for improvement, with the company working with Tag Works to 'figure out exactly how we were going to implement it.' The goal was to reduce errors and increase the speed and accuracy of order fulfillment.

💡Enhanced Features

Enhanced features refer to additional capabilities or improvements made to a product or system to better meet the needs of the users. In the context of the script, the company was able to 'add in some enhanced features' to the tool they implemented, which helped to satisfy their specific needs and improve the efficiency of their operations.

💡New Team Members

New team members are individuals who have recently joined the company and are in the process of learning their roles. The script mentions that the technology helped 'new team members...hit the ground running from the first day,' indicating that the system was user-friendly and allowed for quick adaptation, reducing the need for extensive training.

💡Productivity

Productivity is the effectiveness of production as measured by the ratio of outputs to inputs. In the script, the implementation of the new technology is said to have helped staff feel more relaxed in their roles, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence, which in turn 'made a huge difference to the turnaround that we had on orders.' This suggests that productivity was significantly improved.

💡Cost Savings

Cost savings refer to the reduction in expenses that result from implementing more efficient processes or systems. The script mentions that the technology 'helped Staff feel more relaxed...knowing they're sending out the right products to the right customer,' which implies a reduction in errors and associated costs, leading to cost savings for the business.

💡Expansion

Expansion in this context refers to the growth or broadening of the company's operations. The script concludes with the company looking at 'expanding the areas of our business that we use it for,' indicating that the successful implementation of the technology has led to plans for further development and the incorporation of the system into more aspects of their business.

Highlights

Technology implementation aimed to improve warehouse efficiency and team performance.

Warehouse bottlenecks were identified as a significant issue for the business.

New technology significantly sped up the warehouse process within a few weeks.

Barcode Warehouse was contacted for tools to suit the business needs.

Initial frustration due to similar-looking products causing picking errors.

Barcode Warehouse provided various devices for testing to address picking issues.

The tc21 device was chosen for its reliability and ease of use.

Introduction of Tag Works as part of the technology evolution to meet specific customer requirements.

Customer feedback was integral in the development of the Tag Works platform.

Implementation of the tool allowed for immediate improvements in order turnaround.

Enhanced features were added to satisfy specific business needs.

Technology boosted team members' confidence and reduced the need for extensive training.

New team members could start effectively from day one with minimal training.

The tool reduced anxiety among staff regarding the accuracy of packed products.

Claims for unreceived items were addressed with further evidence provided by the tool.

Cost savings and productivity improvements were realized through the use of Tag Works.

The business is looking to expand the use of Tag Works and barcode technology in other areas.

Future technology expansion is being considered to further improve efficiency.

Implementing the tool in the production line is the next step for the business.