La Poste’s on-demand logistics subsidiary Stuart has increased warehouse productivity by 70% thanks to a new digital automation solution, helping it to meet its growth and transformation plans to match rapidly rising customer demand.
The new solution was developed by American mobile computing company Zebra Technologies and its mobility ID and solutions partner Stocovia-ID. According to Zebra, the new solution, which comprises hardware, software, and services, resulted in Stuart achieving 70% print productivity gains and 10-15% increased warehouse operator productivity.
Founded in 2015, Stuart meets increasing e-commerce demands with its express delivery services. Currently operating in more than 150 cities in Europe with more than 8,000 business clients and 800+ employees, Stuart’s French operation supports well known retailers such as Carrefour, Decathlon, Monoprix, and Nespresso.
“A bespoke solution”
According to Zebra, Stuart needed to upgrade its mobile devices to expand its capabilities to meet increasing customer demand and throughput from opening a new Paris warehouse. Zebra and Stocovia-ID created a bespoke solution that met Stuart’s growth aspirations.
“Working efficiently and accurately at our sorting centres is vital to our success,” said Léonel de La Bretesche, Stuart Retail Managing Director in France. “With this new solution, we are seeing a staggering increase in productivity – up to 70% in certain areas. This keeps us working efficiently despite the incredible upturn in our throughput.
“Our workflows are completely reliable, and we’ve nearly eliminated dispatch errors. With more applications in development and the possibility to scale this solution across our business, we look forward to the ongoing collaboration,” La Bretesche added.
The technology
Stuart’s warehouse teams now use arm-worn TC52x Series mobile computers with the company’s Android software applications transmitting data to the back-office systems. Paired with wearable RS5100 ring scanners, each warehouse operator can work efficiently hands-free to receive, store, sort, check and deposit parcels before delivery to their final destinations. This solution has already resulted in 10-15% higher output, Zebra noted.
Stuart’s front-line workers also use DS2208 handheld imagers which are stored in a Zebra intelligent cabinet along with the mobile computers. Using Zebra’s Access Management System gives Stuart’s team visibility to locate, reset and see the number of devices being charged, in use or missing.
In addition, Zebra’s ZT411 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) industrial printers enable Stuart’s warehouse operators to quickly print and apply shipping labels to items. Stuart has increased its productivity by 70% thanks to the printer capacity, reliability, performance, and straight forward configuration.
Stuart also uses Zebra software tools including StageNow and Enterprise Home Screen to activate devices and align applications to user profiles and permissions.
The full solution is installed in Stuart’s Paris centres, and it will be deployed in its other locations including Barcelona, Madrid, Lyon, and London.
Machine vision
In addition to the Stuart news, Zebra has also announced that is has launched a new Advanced Tier of its Machine Vision Specialization program for industrial automation and machine vision specialization partners globally.
The new Advanced Tier gives partners access to Zebra’s more advanced machine vision portfolio including new highly specialized products and solutions through the acquisition of Matrox Imaging. Machine vision specialization partners will also have access to some additional features of Zebra’s Aurora software.
The new tier reflects the needs of Zebra’s warehousing customers seeking advanced solutions in automation and quality control. With access to the advanced machine vision portfolio, partners can now work with Zebra to help their manufacturing and warehousing customers drive greater efficiency and productivity with leading-edge machine vision solutions.
