Integrated laser and wireless technology is being applied to successfully conduct real-time online stocktaking and control at Mica Home and Hardware Store Parklands in the Cape and at other retail stores in SA, saving time, improving controls and maximising trading time.
The stocktaking solutions are based on Nordic ID handheld scanner and radio base station systems -- distributed in SA by The Square One Solutions Group, and the application was developed and implemented by the Cape branch of value-added reseller and solutions provider, ComputAssist.
The Mica store approached its retail technology solutions supplier, ComputAssist, with concerns that stock control and tracking was reducing its business profitability.
Typically, the stores stock several thousand line items, ranging from steel nails to expensive, high-end power tools and other machinery. Stocktaking required an entire day, and because the businesses operate seven days a week, it meant the stores had to close for one day every month, resulting in the loss of significant income and inconveniencing customers.
There were also problems with the overall management and purchasing of stock with overstocking sometimes tying up cash. Merchandising changes led to problems locating various line items and difficulties with updating information. Price changes were also difficult to implement on such an extensive stock and this also impacted on income.
To provide a solution, ComputAssist integrated their customised retail software with the Nordic ID Piccolink wireless handheld scanning hardware. The scanners operate within a range of 700 metres using radio handsets to communicate, via one or more base stations, with a PC or more complex computers as the host system.
Ian Bulpitt, Director of ComputAssist Cape Town, says the sales teams at the stores use the units for online, real-time live stocktaking while the stores remain open. "The beauty of the system is that it allows staff to sweep from one side of the store to the other, scanning product information with the handheld unit, which then immediately updates the information on the PC or file server.
"When customers purchase the scanned items, the transaction information at the till is entered into the file server and stock quantities and other information is automatically adjusted. The stores' re-ordering process is streamlined and controlled and there is no need for the stores to close for stocktaking.
"The result is dramatic improvements in stock levels, turnaround and cash flow management, all of which boost profitability to the point that the cost of implementing the system is quickly recouped."
Bulpitt adds that stocktaking at the stores is now staggered over one week during the month with one section done each day. Price information can be updated immediately, and the bin locations where the stock stands in-store are recorded to streamline merchandising.
Square One Solutions Group Channels manager for wireless solutions in the Cape, Stanley Cohen, says the major advantages of the system are the real-time operation and the fact that the scanning solution is thin client with all of the intelligence in the host computer systems, which means the overall system is high reliability.
"As many as 15 handsets can be simultaneously supported by a base station or stations connected to the host system using an RS232 serial interface or via a LAN using an Ethernet-serial converter," says Cohen. "The application software is run by the host system. It sees the PiccoLink RF600 as a wireless keyboard, display and scanner so there is no need to program the handheld units. Software development and updating is extremely simple and flexible to cater for a wide range of applications."
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