Savoury pastry and sandwich manufacturer Ginsters has upgraded its data-capture technology to a Honeywell scanning solution, which, it says, will make a significant difference to the efficiency and effectiveness of its supply-chain operations.
A key aspect of such an upgrade is often the warehousing operations, and the food producer recently undertook a review of its warehouse devices with the help of consultancy firm Spirit Data Capture.
Ginsters’ supply-chain department is responsible for a range of planning, forecasting and capacity management tasks, as well as finished-goods despatch for three bakeries.
Ginsters said that it needed devices that would be easy to use and would interface with its existing system. The company wanted units that would provide accurate bar-code scanning capability over a wider range of distances.
Spirit recommended the Honeywell CK3X, which offers omnidirectional scanning of 1D and 2D bar codes. The EX25 near/far imager can scan bar codes whether they are close or several metres away – ideal for warehouse use. Rugged and reliable, the device has an industry-leading battery-life performance.
Spirit provided Ginsters with evaluation units, remote technical assistance and configuration support, as well as industrial printers and third-party software. It also provisioned the devices and ensured that they worked properly.
Speaking on the implementation, Gavin Mitchell, head of supply chain for Ginsters, said, "Data-capture devices are an essential tool for processing our stock through intake, put-away, replenishment, pick, and then, finally, despatch.”
The Honeywell CK3X offered an attractive solution to optimise warehouse operations.
“The CK3X’s functionality was already familiar to our staff, so little or no training was required. The devices represent good value for money and have been performing very well – the improved scanning distance is ideal.”
Ginsters, known for its savoury pastry brand and sandwich brand, employs over 800 people across its departments.
Ginsters’ products include the Original Cornish Pasty, sausage rolls and slices. The company produces over three million units per week, and over the past 20 years has sold some 450 million pasties.
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