SUPPLY CHAIN Can you share examples of where strong supplier relationships made an impact?
Stephan Pottel: Zebra and partner AIMTEC recently completed a project with global manufacturer Denso. It needed to address workflow inefficiencies on the shop floor, from laggy interfaces to disruptive task switching, to help operators stay connected and productive.
Following a successful pilot and device loan, facilitated by implementation partner AIMTEC, Denso invested in Zebra KC50 kiosk computers to support more than 1,500 employees through rotating shifts. Throughout the shift, operators use the KS50 touch interface to follow instructions, scan parts and confirm each completed step via the Androidbased manufacturing execution system app running on the kiosk computers.
Each action feeds into Denso’ s Factory IoT platform, creating a live record of production where every input, machine and human task is part of a single, connected system.
Another example is the success achieved by global pet food manufacturer Royal Canin. At one of its warehouses, the company ships 1,800 food pallets daily, running 24 / 7 to serve global markets. In only three days, WIIO, a Zebra Premier Solution and Industrial Automation Partner, installed Zebra’ s FS40 fixed industrial scanners and ET60 tablets throughout the plant, in collaboration with Zebra. The solution has contributed to a sharp reduction in accident risk with an automated, hands-off scanning system, full compliance with the MARS Group’ s safety directive and a 50 % increase in forklift loading rates.
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