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PRESS RELEASE
Princes Choose
iQlink and Sky InnerwareTM For Simple, Fast,
Flexible, Cost-Effective SAP RF Mobile Warehouse
Solution
Princes has linked bar code readers to their SAP
application in what they consider to be the most
cost-effective and practical way possible. iQlink’s Sky
Technologies Innerware™ solution met their objectives so
successfully that Princes are rolling it out across
their other plants and warehouses in the UK.
4th
May 2007
iQlink assisted Princes Ltd to implement a full barcode
warehouse solution at their distribution warehouse in
Trafford Park, Manchester. iQlink delivered
an efficient and up to date RF enabled warehouse with
stock and distribution information linked to their SAP
system through the use of bar code readers as part of
Princes’ SAP Warehouse Management implementation.
In
September 2006, Princes required a certified SAP
solution to link SAP to bar code readers, equipping 18
people on 3 shifts with 6 devices at one of their small
manufacturing plants in East London. Following this
successful initial project, Princes are now rolling out
this solution to their distribution warehouses across
the UK. One of their main distribution warehouses, run
by third part logistics company DHL, is now live with
the solution.
Princes wanted to keep the project as simple and
practical as possible, with rapid deployment and minimal
disruption to the business and to meet tight
implementation timescales with minimum risk. iQlink’s
Sky Technologies Innerware™ solution was able to meet
all of these criteria, quickly and easily integrating
SAP to RF bar code readers and requiring little resource
during implementation. iQlink specialises in connecting
remote and mobile workers via all types of mobile device
to SAP using Sky Technologies’ Certified mobile solution
that sits inside SAP, and eliminates the need for
middleware.
Following a smooth implementation with elements of the
delivered template solution customised to cater for
Princes’ specific needs, the application enables
warehouse staff to scan barcodes on pallet labels and
confirm inventory movement transactions in the SAP
Inventory Management and Warehouse Management modules.
Embedded process simplification has enabled the
automation of 5 necessary SAP transactions to a single
step on the barcode reader, thus saving staff time,
reducing inventory booking errors and providing
essential information to the rest of the business.
Princes recognise the following benefits from the iQlink
solution:
-
The iQlink solution reduced Princes’ overall costs,
met their go-live timescales and minimised project
risk. There was no need for additional hired
programming resource which the alternative solutions
required.
-
The application is rapidly deployed and simple to
customise with minimal programming.
-
Princes required user-friendly screens – the
solution is developed to run on a Windows Mobile
platform, with use of graphics and touch-sensitive
pushbuttons to make use and navigation very easy for
the user.
-
Processes are simplified and automated and the
number of SAP screens are reduced, saving the users’
time.
-
The solution is not too big for a small IT
department to manage, and is easy to support via the
inbuilt monitoring tools.
-
There is a huge long term potential for Princes to
greatly improve warehouse efficiency and accuracy as
a result of further planned roll outs.
-
As business needs change, the solution is flexible
enough to adapt to new business processes.
As
a result of the successful implementation, Princes
intend to roll out the Sky Technologies Innerware™
solution across more warehouses in the UK.
Julian Bolton, Business Systems Manager of Princes told
us “I am so pleased with the implementation, which was
delivered on-time and on-budget, that it is my intention
to roll out more Innerware solutions across our UK
businesses within the next year. The Innerware
framework will form the basis of other integration
projects that we are considering including voice enabled
picking, and integration with other systems to SAP. It
is evident that the users are also happy”.
Rod Curtis, Stock First Line Manager at the warehouse
said, “It has simplified the process, improved stock
accuracy, and empowered the users so that they no longer
have to return to the office to report errors. Most
importantly it is easy to use”, he added.
Technical information:
-
Innovative technology which is SAP Certified
-
No middleware is required; the solution runs
inside SAP
-
5 SAP processes / functional screens were automated
leaving the user to simply scan and confirm
-
Flexible; the template was customised to cater for
individual client requirements
-
Little resource required during implementation
For additional information on the news that is the
subject of this release, contact Paul Viney or visit
www.iqlink.co.uk. Photos are available on request from
hilary.dingle@iqlink.co.uk.
--
Ends --
Princes
Limited
Operating across 40 countries, Princes are the UK’s
leading importer of canned food and one of the country’s
largest soft drinks manufacturers. Princes brand names
include the well-known Princes label, Napolina Italian
foods and Shippams spreads, Aqua-Pura natural mineral
water and Crisp 'n Dry cooking oil. Princes
manufactures across nine production sites in the UK,
supplying own brand juices, drinks and oils to many of
the country’s leading supermarkets.
About
iQlink Ltd
iQlink was formed in 2004 to bring innovative
SAP-centric solutions to market in the UK, offering
software sales and consulting. iQlink works closely
with SAP UK, its customers, channel resellers (VARs) and
alliance partners to deliver the Sky Technologies
Innerware™ solution suite which extends SAP out to the
workforce and point of business. iQlink is the Premier
Partner for Sky Technologies products in the UK.
Its founder, Paul Viney, has over 12 years experience
working with SAP software, 8 of which were spent at SAP
UK in various senior management roles and 4 years
setting up and developing a successful implementation
and services company specialising in SAP implementation
in mid-size companies.
Sky
Technologies Pty Ltd
Sky
Technologies was founded in 1998 and its head office and
R&D laboratory are in Melbourne, Australia. The company
has operated internationally since 2002 covering the
Asia-Pacific region, North America (since 2004) and
Europe where it opened operations in 2005. The European
distributors are in the UK, Hungary and Spain.
Contact:
Paul Viney, Managing Director
iQlink Ltd
Tel. 01344 667 363
www.iqlink.co.uk |
