ERP and WMS upgrade solutions provided with ongoing support.
CUSTOMER SINCE: 2019
DESCRIPTION: Major Food Product Manufacturer
INITIAL INQUIRY: New Hardware
SERVICES:
PRODUCTS:
The Problem
Our customer is a food product manufacturer specializing in producing various goods and ingredients from excess and unattractive fruit rather than allowing it to go to waste. The company serves consumers, food service organizations and B2B manufacturers across the country with seven warehouses throughout the Pacific Northwest.
TRG first connected with the company in 2019 as they began an ambitious project to upgrade their enterprise resource planning (ERP) and warehouse management system (WMS). Historically, the company hadn’t used much enterprise hardware in its warehouse facilities, but they knew this needed to change to support the system upgrades.
The Solution
We began by helping the company with the evaluation of their hardware alternatives. Initially, they had considered using cellular devices; however, after conducting wireless site surveys of their warehouses, we discovered that they did not have appropriate wireless coverage, which would make using any device extremely difficult, let alone a cellular device. While we recommended that the company install additional wireless infrastructure throughout their facilities to improve connectivity, we assisted them in identifying a mobile computer (not cellular device) that dramatically decreased the cost of the program - both in terms of the hardware itself, as well as the infrastructure needed to support it. We then provided the company with demo equipment so they could complete a final evaluation and ensure the equipment fit their needs.
In total, the company purchased over 160 mobile computers and 70 vehicle-mounted devices, which our team loaded with the necessary applications and kitted with the appropriate accessories, including cradles, holsters and cables. To ensure they would operate properly in the warehouses, we also completed wireless infrastructure upgrades at each location.
Our team then traveled to the Pacific Northwest for an onsite deployment. A TRG engineer was sent to each facility to guide employees through the use of the devices and also install the equipment onto the company’s forklifts. Because the company’s internal IT team is smaller in size with limited resources, our team continues to provide deployment services. Whenever new equipment is needed, our team purchases the devices, takes care of all staging and kitting, and then sends it to the appropriate facility.
We also began assisting the company with their mobile device management (MDM) platform to ensure devices are properly managed, secured, troubleshooted and so on. We supported them in the development of a golden image, which helps to more easily and accurately batch configure devices.
In addition, we provide a help desk with a dedicated phone line for troubleshooting. If the problem can be resolved over-the-air, our team walks through the solution with the employee. If this is not possible, the device is sent in for repair services. For units that are out-of-warranty or covered under our in-warranty repair authorizations, we perform the repair ourselves. If the item is in-warranty or we are not authorized, we manage the logistics to and from the OEM.
The Result
Thanks to our ability to assist the team throughout the entire course of their project, as well as our ability to hit their tight deadlines, TRG continues to support this company with its hardware needs. We have a weekly call with the company to evaluate performance and discuss any needs or issues that may arise. We are grateful to this food product manufacturer for their partnership and trust.
If your organization is considering a strategic move for your distribution centers or warehouses, it’s worth discussing your hardware needs with a reliable partner to ensure the program is designed properly from the start and managed effectively post-deployment. Contact TRG today to learn how we can help.
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About TRG
TRG is a global managed solutions provider focused on mobility, point of sale and payments. With facilities across the United States, Canada and Europe, we provide the most comprehensive suite of lifecycle management services – from warehouse to boardroom and deployment to retirement. Our mission is to Make Technology Simple, helping customers accelerate projects, drive application success, improve employee/customer experience and maximize ROI. We’re relentless in our drive to find innovative, effective ways to enhance customer operations and challenge conventional thinking along the way. Learn more about why The Difference Is Us at www.trgsolutions.com.