Coatings supplier has IT covered

SigmaKalon has used Psion Teklogix hand-held and forklift truck-mounted data capture devices at its Birstall, West Yorkshire manufacturing plant and warehouse facility, for two years. Now, with the aim of increasing the accuracy of data collection, the speed of data processing and reducing the costs incurred by its current paper-based manual system, the company has taken the decision to roll out the use of barcode and digital data capture techniques further into its supply chain. The project will focus on replacing the paper forms used for proof of delivery at retail outlets served by its in-house vehicle fleet and Psion Teklogix will supply Electronic Proof of Delivery (EPOD) application software and services based on its TekMobile system together with 60 Psion Teklogix Next Generation Workabout Pro hand-held computers. The new system will give the company the functionality – in electronic form – of its existing paper documents. Information such as proof of delivery (including signature capture), vehicle checks and the driver’s weekly log and expenses claim will all be transmitted from the field back to its head office using GPRS. As well as functioning as a data capture device, the Workabout Pro operates as a cellular phone, which means SigmaKalon’s mobile workers can call customers, and send data back to headquarters – all with one mobile device. “We have used Psion Teklogix equipment within our manufacturing and warehouse facilities for some years, so when the time came for us to spread the use of data capture further into the field, we had no hesitation in calling on them for advice. However, we undertook a very comprehensive and thorough tendering process before deciding that the Psion Teklogix offer best matched our requirements in terms of cost and solution design,” said Steve Jackson, SigmaKalon’s logistics controller.