Volvo Group Logistics Services employs 5,000 people worldwide, in over 60 different locations and 81 distribution centres. The department designs, develops, manages and optimises the supply chain for all brands under the Volvo Group. It ensures that parts are available all across the world, are sent to production facilities, in the right packaging, and that the vehicles arrive at the dealers. There are around 800 staff working in Ghent, in Volvo’s biggest logistics centre in the world.
Acceptable technical solution
Over 300 forklift trucks drive around the 120,000 square metre warehouse, and approximately 100 of these are fitted with a cradle to carry a mobile printer. This is part of the voice picking system used by the department. The printer is removed from the cradle at the start of every shift, or when print rolls need to be changed or when staff have to go on foot to parts of the warehouse where forklift trucks are not allowed. It was soon clear that the connection between the printer and cradle was very fragile, breaking off or damaging easily, meaning that lots of repairs and new parts were required.
PHI DATA, who already worked with Volvo Group Logistics Services in the area of printing and labelling, came up with a solution: LabelEasy. This solution combines purchasing, maintenance, repairs, software integration, labels and total peace-of-mind in a single formula, whereby the client pays a fixed fee per label. “We seized this opportunity with both hands”, said Kris Van Cauwenberge, Engineering & Support Manager at Volvo Group Logistics Services in Ghent. “The solution we had was the best on the market, but we struggled with shortcomings which were hard to resolve. Luckily PHI DATA took it upon themselves to solve the problem. The team contacted the manufacturer and created an acceptable technological solution.” In the first instance, PHI DATA bought back all eighty mobile printers from Volvo Group Logistics Services. Then, together with the manufacturer of the printers and cradles, PHI DATA got down to designing a sturdier connector.
Less administration
“It is tricky to put a figure on how much we are saving by choosing LabelEasy”, says Kris Van Cauwenberge. “Our printer park didn’t come into play on one particular day, but grew gradually. We started with 15 printers, and extra appliances have been added over the years. Currently we are using around 80 devices, which makes it hard to keep track of the life cycle of each appliance. Changing everything at once is not only expensive, but also generates a whole heap of administration. With LabelEasy we’ve also got rid of that problem. PHI DATA does everything and monitors each device closely. I can now concentrate on my core tasks knowing that PHI DATA is there, keeping an eye on things. Besides that, it’s also very interesting from a financial point of view.” “We are delighted with the service provided by PHI DATA. Staff focus on the needs of their customers, roll up their sleeves and help look for solutions, even when it’s tough. This story goes to show how PHI DATA found the right solution for the printer park at Volvo Group Logistics Services.”
Lyreco, a leader in the office supplies market, has collaborated with PHI DATA to develop the fully automated Lyreco Cupboard Management System (LCMS) for its clients. This new system originated in Benelux and has now expanded to clients in Scandinavia and Australia.
Lyreco clients using the LCMS service no longer need to worry about their office supplies. Lyreco will take care of managing the replenishment of the client’s cupboards containing the different products. PHI DATA has now automated this process, which was previously carried out by hand and on paper. The company, which specialises in Auto ID solutions, has created a complete system that includes a web interface, a mobile application and the sending of information entered into the Lyreco server.
An integrated and automated process
The website makes it possible to specify the composition of clients’ cupboards, the desired minimum quantities of each product and the frequency and quantity of replenishments. The cupboards and products can be identified by a barcode. The driver responsible for replenishments can access the mobile app through a portable terminal connected to Lyreco’s central server via Wi-Fi/3G/4G. This application is particularly easy to use and makes it possible to check clients’ stocks just by scanning the cupboard’s barcode. The missing products can be identified immediately, as the scan results in the creation of a new order in the Lyreco ERP. Once the order has been placed, the driver delivers the products during the next client visit.
Productivity gains
LCMS is an effective substitute for the manual system, which involved both the driver writing the order on paper and the client service then processing the data. Automating the process saves time and results in greater productivity for Lyreco employees, whilst also reducing the risk of errors and omissions in the manual system. The application also includes an up-to-date version of the supplies database. Finally, the system provides the driver with the list of clients to visit each day, in accordance with the frequency and day of replenishment. There is a considerable impact on the workload of Lyreco’s customer service, as with real-time data transmission, orders arrive on an ongoing basis and it is no longer necessary to process a large number of orders at one time.
Associated benefits
The labelling process is built into the system, as new labels are suggested automatically when a product is added to the Lyreco database. The language on the barcode product description can be changed (Dutch, French, English, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish) and other languages can be imported.
This process makes the service more reliable for Lyreco’s clients. In terms of reputation, this new system gives the business a more modern image.
“Automating the process has allowed us to improve the service we offer our clients; it has two major advantages, firstly it increases our productivity, and secondly it reduces the risk of errors, leading to greater quality of service and enhanced customer satisfaction”, explains Christophe Vautherod, Lyreco Group Logistics Expert.
Over the past years, the Langerbrugge site of Stora Enso in Ghent has always been leading the way when it comes to working on process improvements and cost savings. This has also included closely examining its management and payment model for supplier stock. One of the ways it sought improvement was by introducing the consignment model for the labels and ribbons that it purchases from PHI DATA. This model is commonplace in the retail sector but has so far been rarely used for management of stock in production environments.
Consignment in action
The consignment model entails that the supplier makes stock available to the customer, and this stock remains the supplier’s property until the time that a product is used by the customer. The supplier also replenishes the stock according to the restocking points that were jointly agreed and following an automated order (SAP) from the customer. This guarantees stock for Stora Enso Langerbrugge without the need for capital increase in its warehouse, given that unused stock is the property of the supplier. On the penultimate working day of each month, self-billing takes place on the basis of consumption and the agreed price. This is also initiated by the customer via SAP.
This way of working requires close collaboration, open lines of communication, and a strong bond of trust between the customer and the supplier, not only when it comes to logistics processes and financial settlement, but also the automation of stock management within this model. However, under EU provisions, the customer requires PHI DATA to carry out a physical stock check at least once a year. For the rest, the consignment model runs completely automatically as explained above.
Conclusion
The consignment model operated by Stora Enso Langerbrugge offers many advantages for the supplier and the customer: a reduction in working capital for the customer and full automation of the purchase-supply process via settings in SAP, which have been agreed by mutual consultation. This avoids administrative time losses for both parties, while enabling PHI DATA to manufacture and deliver in order to support the production process at Stora Enso Langerbrugge.
A brand of the independent Belgian volume retailing group, Louis Delhaize / Cora, MATCH has about 50 supermarkets in Belgium and 13 in Luxembourg. The group also owns the SMATCH brand. In total, it represents 150 stores in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Over 10 years of collaboration
The collaboration between the two companies goes back more than 10 years: PHI DATA was responsible for the initial installation of Wi-Fi access points and advised Match in its choice of laptop computers. These facilitate supermarkets’ stocktaking and stock management. Via a system based on a Web app, employees request replenishments by simply scanning the desired product’s barcode.
However, these terminals need to be renewed regularly in order to keep up-to-date and remain compatible with new technologies in access points.
Therefore, in the frame of this collaboration, PHI DATA ensured the configuration of access points, the wireless controller and project management for each store. In particular, the system set up by PHI DATA offers the advantage of remotely detecting any problems encountered at an access point. In total, 400 access points have been replaced by PHI DATA, bearing in mind that every store is equipped with at least two access points. 62 still remain to be implemented for Match stores in Belgium.
Advantages
In addition to the technical benefits, the partnership with PHI DATA also offers financial advantages: owing to the high number of terminals concerned, PHI DATA is able to negotiate with suppliers and offer Match attractive prices. Furthermore, the maintenance teams’ travel expenses are calculated on a fixed-rate basis, which is advantageous for the numerous Match sites across Belgium and Luxembourg.
Efficient service
PHI DATA’s familiarity with Match’s environment, the efficiency of the teams and all of the services provided (replacement, configuration, delivery, maintenance), were key elements in the success of this renewal project. Indeed, an important aspect of Match’s specifications was the need to keep disruptions to a minimum by adapting the schedule of the maintenance works.
“We were looking for a stable and standardised solution for all our brand’s stores. The excellent service provided by PHI DATA when we were installing Wi-Fi equipment in our stores led us to renew our confidence in them for the replacement of the equipment used and in order to improve its security and reliability via the latest technologies. PHI DATA understands our needs and offers effective technical solutions. Finally, its staff is very responsive, which is extremely important for the continuity of our operations”, says Marc Dantinne, Technical Domain Manager Belgium – Luxembourg for Match Supermarkets.
Traceability is becoming more and more crucial in a hospital environment. But finding the right tools to guarantee this for surgical kits in an operating room turned out to be no easy task for AZ Sint-Jan. They nevertheless got the job done, thanks to the right technology from – and the close collaboration with – PHI DATA.
AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV is an autonomous care facility that aims to provide high-quality, humane and affordable care. The hospital has 1,221 beds spread across three campuses: Sint-Jan campus and Sint-Franciscus Xaverius campus in Bruges, and Henri Serruys campus in Ostend. More than 300 doctors and 3,000 other staff work hard every day to provide meticulous and highly specialised care. A wide range of medical, nursing and paramedical disciplines are available to more than 300,000 patients for basic care all the way to highly specialised care.
One of the consequences of merging the three campuses is a major need for standardisation in order to be able to work efficiently across different departments. A reference project in that respect is the modernisation of the electronic patient record (EPR), which is intended to lead to better information sharing for relevant patient data across all campuses.
In search of a suitable solution for a highly specific environment
But in other respects also, AZ Sint-Jan aims for a uniform and forward-looking digital environment, whereby the right technology is what makes the difference for the care providers. This was why they were also looking for a solution to improve the traceability of surgical kits (a surgical kit contains all the necessary instruments for an operation), so it would always be possible to check which patient was treated with what equipment in the event of questions or problems. “We did have an early in-house solution, but this wasn’t suitable for use in operating rooms. Highly irritating for an application that was supposed to reduce administration in exactly that place,” explains Jan Suykerbuyk, IT business application manager at AZ Sint-Jan, “so that’s why we went in search of a solution that could support the care providers in the way it should.”
In the first instance, the hospital went in search of a scanner suitable for recording the necessary information about the surgical kits used in this highly specific environment. “Because PHI DATA was an old acquaintance of the hospital, we decided to consult them as well,” says Jan Suykerbuyk, “and they responded with a pleasant surprise: not only could they supply us with the right hardware, but the intelligence necessary in that hardware to simplify the recording process as well, including sending this information over FTP to a specific file, which can be fed into the existing electronic patient record and processed after validation.”
Fast and flawless? It’s doable, with the right experience and mindset
Once the choice had been made to use PHI DATA, the implementation needed to move quite quickly. “We wanted to get the solution up and running before the next accreditation, so we could prove all the more how much we’re future-proofing our hospital,” explains Jan Suykerbuyk. “And PHI DATA did everything necessary to help make this rapid pace possible: development within a month, devices delivered after four weeks, our feedback on the first working version processed within two working days … To summarise: nothing could go wrong with this tight timescale, and PHI DATA, with its broad knowledge of the healthcare sector, helped to ensure an immaculate trajectory.”
The constructive collaboration as genuine partners searching for a pragmatic solution to a specific problem together definitely contributed to the success too, according to Jan Suykerbuyk.
Robust, damp-proof, user-friendly and precise
The end result meets the expectations perfectly. The hardware is a robust, damp-proof, ergonomic hand-held scanner that functions perfectly in an operating room. “You’d think that should be obvious, but actually that damp-proof aspect really fell short with some of the other solutions proposed, for example,” explains Jan Suykerbuyk further.
The scanner built into the hand-held device does exactly what it needs to, Suykerbuyk continues: “The device is similar to a smartphone, which you use to scan in what needs to be recorded: first to identify the patient and next the surgical kit.” The built-in intelligence ensures that the care providers cannot make mistakes with this: if they scan product information instead of patient information, it automatically plays an error sound so they can immediately correct this. This saves on extra administration in sorting out mistakes later on. “Scan, scan and send: there’s nothing more to it,” Jan Suykerbuyk says in summary, “but this makes a world of difference to simplifying our administration.”
Hardware that supports, not obstructs
“Not only is the solution suitable for the environment and intuitive for the user, but there’s consideration for the future too,” adds Jan Suykerbuyk. “With the open standards and interfaces of the solution that PHI DATA built for us, integration with any other software is also possible.”
The solution’s ease of use also got the hospital thinking about other future applications. Jan Suykerbuyk: “If it’s actually this easy for us to bridge the gap between a demanding physical environment like the operating room and the digital infrastructure, then there should be ways of adding value in other parts of the hospital too. I’m thinking about linking patient information to the medication or implants used for this patient. PHI DATA brought the first mobile device that can be used for a variety of applications to our hospitals, and we quite possibly don’t realise even half of what could be possible with this.” After all, the hand-held terminal now in use has everything needed: computer, software, apps, database, WiFi, touch, calling, etc. These multi-functional devices are truly revolutionising the way in which AZ Sint-Jan experiences such technology, says Jan Suykerbuyk in closing: “The hardware used to determine what processes were possible, but now we see hardware as the support for any process we choose.”
Wim Verduyn, Business Development Manager for Health & Care at PHI DATA, also looks back with satisfaction on the successful collaboration and the at least as successful result: “By going in search of a solution with the client, we’ve arrived at an efficient and user-friendly end product, which makes the nurses’ lives easier and has led to the achievement of the JCI certificate.”
Smart Edge put into practice
The implementation at AZ Sint-Jan perfectly illustrates the power of PHI DATA as a supplier of Smart Edge solutions. These connect the physical and digital chains at Sint-Jan and simplify the required processes. They form the “smart border” where the physical and digital worlds intersect. PHI DATA’s expertise in this world of innovative solutions for the hospital sector guarantees a service offering tailored to the hospital’s ambitions. It also ensures that these ambitions will only grow with time.
PHI DATA solutions in detail
Hardware: Datalogic Memor 10 Healthcare Software: IDsecurescan from PHI DATA
Mazda Motor Logistics Europe is the European distribution centre for Mazda spare parts. Spare parts arrive from Japan and are distributed from the warehouse in Willebroek to the Mazda dealers throughout Europe. The company implemented a RFID solution from PHI DATA for recording and tracking cages and containers, so-called “Returnable Transport Items” (RTIs) in which spare parts are transported.
Employees of Mazda Motor Logistics Europe empty the metal cages that arrive in the warehouse on a daily basis and store all the spare parts in the warehouse. The emptied cages are sent off again to the Far East. The spare parts are subsequently distributed from the warehouse to the various European dealers – also in cages or smaller containers. These cages and containers must be returned to Mazda Motor Logistics Europe. However, sometimes containers disappear and sometimes they get damaged. Until recently Mazda Motor Logistics Europe used barcodes and scanners to identify incoming and outgoing cages and containers. For this purpose, employees of Mazda Motor Logistics Europe were required to scan and record every incoming and outgoing cage or container manually. This time-consuming activity was prone to error due to the human factor.
Mazda Motor Logistics Europe was therefore looking for a solution that would reduce the number of manual operations and recording errors and accelerate the recording and tracking of the cages and containers. The company opted for a solution from PHI DATA: a system of RFID tags and labels, smartly placed ports and antennas, and custom-made software to connect to the existing WMS system. PHI DATA fitted all incoming and outgoing cages and smaller containers with a RFID tag or label. A printed “shipping label” was also affixed to the departing cages. These labels contain all the information about the products in the cages.
Strategically placed readers with antennas automatically register the products at the dock doors by means of their RFID tags and labels. The employees then set the cages to ‘IN’ on the WMS system. The unique numbers of the assets enable the employees to know exactly which cages they are dealing with. This also enables warehouse operators of Mazda Motor Logistics Europe to have a good overview of the cages that are located in the warehouse. The same approach was used for the outgoing cages with spare parts: they move through the gates where antennas register the labels and tags, the cages are set to ‘OUT’ and the Mazda Motor Logistics Europe employees know immediately which cages were sent to which dealers. This enables employees to clearly see which dealers must return which containers and how long the cages are in transit.
“Since the process involves both incoming and outgoing products within the same warehouse, this was a rather complex exercise”, explains Charlotte Peeters, Engineer at Mazda Motor Logistics Europe. “Together with PHI DATA, we started looking for the right tags and labels, as well as the right place to affix them on the cages and containers. The precise placement of the antennas and finding the right power settings, right transmission power and right signal strength, was not an easy task. After the tests we achieved a 100% ‘read rate’ and there were no so-called blind spots”.
By means of a custom-made software package by PHI DATA the RFID solution also communicates with the Mazda Motor Logistics WMS system so that all incoming and outgoing movements are automatically registered. In addition, an App was developed for the forklift driver. This App provides an overview of the number and type of cages or containers loaded or unloaded. The forklift driver also receives a warning when a cage or container is loaded on the wrong truck. The system has been fully operational for a couple of weeks.
“This new way of working is a giant leap forward. Loaders and unloaders save time because no scanning is required at all and human error is minimized as much as possible. Since we implemented the RFID solution, the monitoring of cages and containers has been significantly simplified. Another advantage is the fact that you can now see in real-time when a product has indeed physically left the warehouse to the dealers and is not simply recorded as having left on paper”.
“We are extremely pleased with our cooperation with PHI DATA”, states Charlotte Peeters. “They have the technical knowledge and experience of such RFID projects. In addition, they were able to offer us a fully integrated solution – a complete package of hardware and software. PHI DATA thinks with us in terms of expanding the process. We are looking forward to other RFID applications to reduce manual scanning in the entire warehouse. This solution not only ensures that the cages and containers can be traced and recorded but also the parts themselves”.
Founded in 1998, Multitra specialises in the organisation of international transportation and corporate logistics services. The company, whose customers include both SMEs and multinational companies, offers a range of services encompassing storage, handling, transit, inventory management, order picking, packaging, bonded warehousing and related transportation. Multitra is based in Verviers where it has 4,000 m2 of warehouses.
User-friendly and efficient
After a demonstration during a visit to a PHI DATA client, Multitra decided to switch to IDwms in 2009. The tool used by the company before IDwms was implemented was outdated and deemed to be overly restrictive for the user. In addition, error-prone, manual monitoring did not provide an updated inventory at any time of the day. IDwms was recognised as the solution that would provide real-time stock monitoring and therefore allow the company to work more quickly and more efficiently.
“The work of the stock-controllers has been greatly facilitated by the implementation of the IDwms solution, which has led to productivity gains in our company”, says Luc Thyrion, Operations Manager at Multitra.
Indeed, using the IDwms (Warehouse Management System) solution, which is perfectly suited to the company’s needs, any item can be accurately located in the warehouse since every pallet receives a unique identification number. IDwms then generates identification labels with barcodes. The stock-controllers scan these barcodes using hand-held terminals equipped with barcode readers and a wi-fi connection to access the database for real-time information about the stock. Every movement of goods is therefore automatically updated through barcode scanning, without the need to enter data at each stage. The system enables users to reduce the time required for administrative work and ensures true traceability of the goods.
Happy with the results
“Today our six stock-controllers use IDwms on a daily basis and we are extremely pleased with the results. Using PHI DATA’s modern technology, we have genuinely improved our working practices by handling goods more quickly and reducing the risk of errors.”
“From the start, we have worked with the same contact person at PHI DATA. IDwms has proved to be particularly valuable in improving the management of our warehouses. In order to deal with our growing needs, we have also launched a project to build a new, 2000 m2, fully secure warehouse for sensitive products, where we will also implement IDwms.”
Asster is a psychiatric hospital in Sint-Truiden. It has 581 beds and was formed by a merger of the Psychiatric Hospital Sancta Maria and the Psychiatric Centre Ziekeren. Each year around 2,000 patients are admitted. There is a staff of 850 and 20 doctors working in Asster. Based on a market study, the hospital’s ward for children and adolescents (6-17 years old) went looking for a solution that can show a staff member’s exact location when the alarm is triggered. PHI DATA’s solution proved to be a great success, and soon the decision was made to work together on temperature monitoring on the two campuses as well.
Asster was looking for a solution to increase security on the psychiatric ward for children and adolescents between 6 and 17 years old. The system enables staff to quickly and easily alert their colleagues in case of an emergency. The appliance had to be comfortable and reliable and ensure highly accurate localisation.
“In our search for the ideal solution we explored the market, for example by speaking with other hospitals and learning from their approach. A market study showed that PHI DATA would be the ideal partner: their solution is highly accurate and adjustable”, project manager Peter Vandenreyt says.
PHI DATA implemented a RTLS solution, fitting the ward’s staff with Stanley Healthcare tags. The T3 tags are compact and supplied with an active RFID chip. PHI DATA integrated the RTLS technology in Asster’s WiFi systems. When staff members trigger the alarm button on their tag, its location is determined within 5 metre accuracy limits by triangulation. Due to the difficult measurement conditions in the padded isolation cells, the choice was made to use exciters which show exactly whether the staff member has triggered the alarm from within or outside of the cell.
“The solution is working very well. Because we were so satisfied and the hardware was already installed, it was clear that we would also approach PHI DATA for the market study on temperature monitoring on both our campuses, taking price, usability and technical requirements into consideration”, Peter Vandenreyt says. “That is why we are currently also working together on the temperature monitoring of medication and nutrition.”
The temperature is monitored using PHI DATA’s wireless Condition Monitoring solution. RFID tags from Stanley Healthcare were used again, which send their signals via WiFi. When predetermined temperature limits are exceeded, the alarm is triggered. The solution creates an archive with monthly reports. Furthermore, it is possible to trace temperatures that are out of tolerance and any corrective measures taken.
“As the hardware was already partly installed for the crisis situations solution, the costs for the temperature monitoring extension were limited. The connection to the telephone network had also been realised, so there was no need to create that link anymore”, Peter Vandenreyt says. “We are really happy with our partnership with PHI DATA. Now the solution has been up and running for a while, we can still rely on their help. In case of any problems, they always respond very quickly. PHI DATA has a special virtual server for this, so their employees can come online and make remote adjustments.”
All-in LabelEasy solution ensures carefree use and transparent price model
The Bandag factory in Lanklaar produces treads for the retreading of bus and truck tyres. To prevent human errors during weighing and the attachment of the label containing the information about the tread, the company decided to automate the entire process. To do so, Bandag called in PHI DATA, which installed 3 units of Automatic Label Applicators.
How does it work?
The automated system works as follows: the tread, which is on a conveyor belt, is rolled up. Operators can indicate on a screen which product and production it is. The tyre is packaged and put on a tilter with a robot arm, after which it is weighed. This information is recorded and the system then attaches the right label to the packaged tread with a robot arm.
The solution ensures that the correct weight and logistics data are indicated on each product, thus avoiding complaints from customers about errors in deliveries, weight, et cetera.
LabelEasy
Bandag opted for the ‘LabelEasy’ formula, in which all costs – including hardware, installation, software control, maintenance and repairs related to the project – are paid per label.
This offers numerous advantages for Bandag, as is confirmed by Heidi Kerkhofs, IT Developer at Bandag in Lanklaar. ‘We chose PHI DATA because they were the only ones able to offer a leasing solution. We now know the exact cost per label, and hence per tyre. In addition, we do not need to invest in the applicator systems ourselves. As maintenance and possible repairs are also included in the leasing contract, we do not need to have all this know-how in-house.’
When the AZ Sint-Elisabeth Hospital in Zottegem (SEZZ) decided to implement an ERP system for more integrated and centralised management, it did not want to confine itself to central administrative departments. The intention was that the warehouse and specific departments could also enjoy the benefits of further process automation. But this required appropriate, user-friendly hardware and software that integrates perfectly with the central ERP system. This is where PHI DATA was able to help.
AZ Sint-Elisabeth Hospital Zottegem (SEZZ) is a regional hospital with 333 registered beds and a day hospital (surgery, oncology and internal medicine, geriatrics) with 74 places. A team of over 100 doctors and more than 900 employees takes care of around 35,000 admissions per year.
Project description
The AZ Sint-Elisabeth Hospital Zottegem (SEZZ) has been working on the digitisation of its business processes for some time. The next step was the further automation of the logistics processes and stock management of the warehouse, the clinical lab and the Anatomo-Pathology department.
We used to have to go through our stock every week to know what to reorder. Today, with the combination of PHI DATA and our ERP system, the entire stock is labelled upon receipt and scanned upon use. When scanning, we know immediately. whether we still have enough stock, so that unpleasant surprises are avoided. Moreover, the solution is very user-friendly and intuitive, which also helps with the acceptance by the users. – Annelies, Laboratory technician Anatomo-pathology
To improve communication between the logistics centre, the various departments and the central management system and to avoid errors in stock management, AZ Sint-Elisabeth Zottegem found a Smart Edge solution at PHI DATA, which uses a combination of IDhospitalsupply software and hardware (Datalogic Memor 10 Healthcare mobile devices, Datalogic Gryphon 4500 Healthcare barcode scanners and robust Zebra GK420 TT printers).
The solution excels in simplicity. The interface is clear enough so that little misunderstandings are possible. And everything is correctly communicated to the ERP system, without extra effort and without errors. – Kathleen, Lead Laboratory
The mobile devices and barcode scanners now register the needs of the warehouse and the specific departments, and communicate everything with the central management system. In this way, users can efficiently keep track of stocks without making mistakes and the central logistics centre maintains a better overview.
Thanks to the open and constructive approach of all parties – PHI DATA, Xperthis and our IT team – the delivery and integration was tailor-made and within the deadline. – Johan, Head of Logistics and Warehouse
The Smart Edge solution from PHI DATA, which connects the physical and digital environment and processes, improves communication between the logistics centre and the central management system, and between the logistics service and the departments that use the system. All this results in less time loss and fewer errors, so that employees can devote more attention to actual healthcare. The user-friendliness of the applications ensures great acceptance by the end users.
In the meantime, the support provided by the PHI DATA team remains as reliable as ever, adds Johan: “Our contact Wim Verduyn is always 100% ready to help us. If we need a new device by tomorrow, he’ll take care of it, no matter what. And that contributes to our satisfaction too.”
Smart Edge solution
User-friendly combination of software and hardware that integrates perfectly with the existing central ERP system
Advantages
Improved communication between the logistics centre and the central management system
Operation of logistics to and from the warehouse simplified
Less loss of time, fewer mistakes, more attention to healthcare
User-friendliness promotes acceptance by the end user
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