ID Logistics Polska Boosts Operations With Latest Warehousing Technology
The logistics company provides full support in effective supply chain management for food and speciality retailers, FMCG, e-commmerce, cosmetics, fashion and luxury goods industries.
Zebra Success Story: ID Logistics Polska
Overview: Logistics Challenge
Move from Windows® CE mobile devices to Android™ all touch devices while also improving printing capabilities.
Benefits / Outcomes
- Improved efficiencies
- Enhanced productivity
- New process capabilities – piece picking for e-commerce fulfilment, plus verification and validation for quality control and packing operations
- Warehouse staff find the new Android solutions very easy to use
Customers
ID Logistics Polska
Katowice, Poland
Industry
Logistics
Solutions
About ID Logistics Polska
When ID Logistics Polska, a leading logistics company in Poland, was looking to increase its warehouse capacity and improve employee productivity across its warehousing operations, it turned to Zebra Technologies for advice on the most appropriate solutions.
ID Logistics Polska S.A., managed by Yann Belgy, is part of the international ID Logistics Group and a leading operator in dedicated contract logistics for the retail (food and speciality retailers), FMCG, e-commerce, cosmetics, fashion and luxury goods industries. It provides full support in effective supply chain management. In Poland, ID Logistics serves customers in 16 logistics centres with a total warehouse area of over 670,000 sqm, and has 3 transport divisions. It currently employs about 5,500 people. Its headquarter is located in Katowice.
The Challenge
One of ID Logistics Polska’s key clients is Swiss confectionery company Lindt & Sprüngli. To accommodate further growth in Lindt’s business, ID Logistics needed to move to bigger premises and add e-commerce fulfilment capabilities within the new warehouse. Enabling efficient piece picking within the warehousing operations would help Lindt be more adaptive to market demand.
Previously the warehouse team’s mobile devices had run on the Windows® CE operating system (OS). With this OS coming to its end of life for support, ID Logistics looked to provide its warehouse operatives with new ergonomic, lightweight, robust and powerful devices. ID Logistics asked Zebra, its technology adviser of 20 years, to help make this transition.
Zebra has provided excellent equipment and solutions for us over the last 20 years, so they were the natural choice for this project. The new solutions prepare a strong platform to add new technologies and applications in the future to further enhance the productivity gains we have seen, from rolling out the more intuitive, all touch devices that our teams really enjoy using.
The Solution
Testing a More Technologically Advanced Solution
Zebra worked closely with ID Logistics to identify its specific needs and review the tasks managed by teams across the warehouse. Zebra recommended a mix of Android™ devices, including the Zebra TC52 touch computer and Zebra MC33xx Series mobile computer. The devices are paired with a range of Zebra thermal printers as well as the Zebra LS2208 handheld barcode scanner and Zebra LI3678 2D ultra rugged cordless scanner.
All Zebra devices were tested by key users during a pilot project, alongside other brands. After this trial, ID Logistics opted for the Zebra Android solution. It placed an order for 2600 units of various Zebra devices, for use in 15 of its warehouses across Poland, including over 1800 terminals and 800 printers.
Familiar Functionality and Enhanced Capabilities
The decision to go with Zebra devices was based on several factors. ID Logistics had a positive experience with its previous Zebra devices, while Zebra’s leadership in Android and experience helping other customers transition away from Windows® were seen as valuable. In addition, teams testing the devices gave positive feedback, especially around build quality and durability. Moreover, the devices scored high in usability, with teams commenting that the Android OS is familiar because it’s just like using a smartphone.
Previously, the old equipment had been used for standard warehousing operations such as reception, storage, preparation and shipment of goods. Now, the enhanced capabilities of the new mobility technologies enable additional processes like single item picking for e-commerce fulfilment, plus verification and validation for quality control and packing operations.
These advanced solutions have opened up new possibilities for ID Logistics’ operations.
The integrated Velocity software, powered by Ivanti Wavelink, converts legacy applications into elegant all touch, graphical interfaces for use on the devices. This streamlines workflows and improves operator guidance without requiring changes to the Generix WMS e-Logistics warehouse management system (WMS) which includes pick-to-light capabilities.
The Zebra Difference: Outcome and Benefits
Warehouse staff are delighted with the new equipment, and ID Logistics has seen improved productivity since the Android solutions were implemented. It’s also easier to train new employees, due to their existing familiarity with the Android OS.
Marcin Czerwiński, IT Director, ID Logistics Polska, says: “The new solutions deliver clear advantages. The ease of use of the Zebra devices, together with improvements to workflows and the way tasks are relayed to our team, means we’re seeing some significant productivity gains, while also reducing training times.”
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