RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers recently installed one of the most advanced wireless data collection mobile systems in South Africa.
RAM specialises in the collection, transportation and delivery of valuable, vulnerable and general cargo for customers across a broad range of industries, including major producers of precious metals and gemstones, cellular service providers, banks and retailers.
The company is one of the highest security-oriented couriers in South Africa, with cameras throughout its premises and a satellite radio communications system linking all its branches. The company`s national service, which is time and security specific, is never sub-contracted to third-party sub-contractors or agents outside of RAM. RAM operates a "dedicated national secure network".
According to Graeme Lazarus, RAM`s Joint Managing Director, efficiency, reliability, real-time information and security are extremely important elements of the company`s services.
"For this reason, we decided to invest in mobile technology that would not only give us the edge in the industry today, but would also take care of our needs into the future. We required greater mobility in the field which led us to investing in the latest technology."
ProScan Systems, one of the premier distributors of bar coding, RFID, data collection, wireless networking and mobile technologies, provided RAM with a total wireless mobile solution, comprising over 50 Intermec 751 series mobile computers with 802.11b/g WLAN radio communication and Cisco wireless access points for the company`s sortation hub in Isando.
Lazarus comments: "We decided to invest in a single platform for our mobile strategy that we could install in all our hubs and then roll out into the field. The Intermec 700 Series, which is a rugged mobile computer running Microsoft Pocket PC Operating System with multiple radio options and a bar code scanner, is the perfect device, as it automates our total logistics process and controls the parcels in and out of the sortation centre.
"On the successful completion of the first phase in the sortation centre, we will roll out the technology into the field for proof of delivery signature capture in our courier vehicles using GPRS communications."
The Intermec 751 Series Colour mobile computer integrates three wireless communication options in a single device to bring true enterprise mobility to the workplace. These include a wireless local area network (802.11b/g) radio for in-premise applications; a GSM/GPRS wide area network radio for remote applications; and a fully integrated power-managed Bluetooth radio for short range communication to peripheral devices.
RAM will use all of the features of this advanced data collection and communications device, starting with the scanning of parcels at the warehouse, matching the parcels and waybills, tracking and tracing en route, to proof of delivery capture at destination.
The device, which features a large colour display, captures signatures for proof of delivery and withstands repeated drops from over 1.5 metres, ensuring it handles the challenges of real-time daily work.
During the roll out of the second phase of the implementation, the Intermec 700 will allow staff real-time connection to the company`s network as the vehicles and couriers move around the country.
Lazarus comments: "Our new mobile system has resulted in reducing overtime and providing us with the tools to handle problems in real-time and not historically. The system also provides us with the tools to assist in the evaluating of staff performance and create effective incentives to motivate and improve performance. With an average of approximately 13 500 parcels passing through our hub per day, 420 vehicles and over 820 staff members to co-ordinate and manage, the mobile system will assist with streamlining our operation, and reducing costs and increasing overall processes and efficiency."
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