Multimoto is a leading importer and distributor of motorcycle brands such as Kawasaki and Benelli. As it has grown from a family-owned business to an industry leader, it needed to update its stock management system to more accurately handle the flow of goods.
Multimoto had been using paper-based processes in its warehouses. However, as the company expanded and teams were dealing with a significant increase in inbound and outbound stock, it needed to automate processes, for improved accuracy and traceability.
Multimoto
Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal
Warehouse & Distribution
Multimoto has grown from a modest family-owned business to a leading importer and distributor of motorcycle brands such as Kawasaki and Benelli, principally across the Iberian Peninsula, with over 70 employees and a turnover close to €30m. As company sales increased, Multimoto saw the need to update its paper-based processes with a reliable, effective automated stock management system.
The main challenges were Multimoto’s extensive, complex product range, from small accessories varying in size and colour to complete motorcycles, managing stock locations across several warehouses in different locations in Oliveira de Azeméis and having to manage complicated serial numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and batches with expiry dates (for example, motorcycle helmets and airbags). Multimoto wanted to speed up its inbound and outbound processes, eliminate errors and implement a system that enabled complete traceability, real-time stock information and full integration with its existing PHC ERP system. Aware that long-term Zebra ISV Moving2U had seamlessly implemented such a warehouse picking solution for other Portuguese companies using PHC, Multimoto decided to approach Moving2U.
We sell a significant number of motorcycles and complex parts and accessories. The M2U|Logistics mobile picking solution running on the Zebra mobile computers is a massive step forward for us, in terms of our stock management accuracy and traceability. The Zebra devices – both handhelds and printers – are robust and reliable, perfectly suited to the warehouse environment and Moving2U is a helpful and proactive partner. We appreciate the ongoing support of this combined solution.
Following various meetings and site visits, which also included end users testing various mobile devices, Multimoto has deployed a customised M2U|Logistics Application on Zebra MC33 Mobile Computers. It is using the solution to efficiently manage inbound and outbound goods and stock movements, record serial numbers and VINs, and scan barcodes, with all data being sent to the PHC system. The application has been developed using Xamarin, with the integration of Zebra Software Development Kits (SDKs), and validated by the Zebra ISV program and it has a very intuitive, easy-to-use GUI fully adapted to Multimoto’s requirements. And as the MC33s run an Android OS, employees can also run other integrated applications on the devices, such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Teams, to enhance their productivity and internal communications. The solution is complemented by a range of Zebra label printers, to print out labels with information such as serial numbers in a readable format, when needed. And all the Zebra hardware is protected by a Zebra OneCare™ Essential contract, to ensure optimal uptime.
Bruno Martins summarises: “We are already seeing significant operational benefits through improved traceability, real-time accurate data availability and the quasi elimination of stock errors – for example, the shipping of incorrect parts or quantities. And this will help us move forward as a business.”