Savage & Whitten boosts productivity and customer service with Sanderson Voice Order Picking

Posted by Kate Simpson on Fri, Jan 28, 2011
Savage & Whitten boosts productivity and customer service with Sanderson Voice Order Picking

Sanderson, the publicly owned UK provider of software solutions to the Delivered Wholesale and Cash & Carry industries, has implemented a Voice Order Picking solution at Irish wholesaler Savage & Whitten. The technology will boost the speed, productivity and accuracy of order pickers, which will save Savage & Whitten money and improve their customer service.

Based in Newry, Northern Ireland, Savage & Whitten was established in 2000 to provide a delivered Cash & Carry service throughout Ireland, supplying grocery, confectionery, soft drinks and catering products.

Savage & Whitten have been working with Sanderson for over ten years following the implementation of Swords to manage their operation. Savage & Whitten opened their new warehouse in Newry in April 2010 as part of their expansion plans, increasing their range of services to grow the business. Whilst, at the same time of reviewing their IT infrastructure, they decided to optimise their warehouse operations and delivery scheduling with a more effective IT solution.

Savage & Whitten had previously used Sanderson hand held units to record stock at goods-in by manually scanning barcodes. They have now introduced Voice Order Picking software which allows warehouse operators to pick orders more efficiently and with fewer picking errors than a traditional paper-based system. Voice Order Picking involves the use of a small wearable computer with a headset and microphone so that the order pickers are instructed verbally on what and where to pick in the warehouse. The pickers then communicate back to the warehouse management system via their microphones.

Integrated with the Swords software solution, Voice Order Picking technology boosts speed, accuracy and productivity of order pickers. Voice Order Picking leaves both hands available to pick orders, resulting in a faster picking time. The technology further improves the speed orders are picked, as pickers do not need to constantly return to the assignment desk to re-key orders and revisit picking documentation. This is particularly useful for Savage & Whitten in achieving 100% accuracy and on-time delivery of orders.

Mark Windebank, Managing Director of Savage & Whitten Wholesale Ltd, comments:

“We are happy that we continue to work with Sanderson to provide solutions to support our business growth. The Voice Order Picking technology saves valuable working time for staff and increases overall warehouse productivity. We have now integrated all areas of our supply chain and have real-time visibility of stock. Our customer service will be improved by more accurately picked orders and a faster service.”

Martin Beatty, Development Director for Wholesale Distribution solutions at Sanderson said:

“I am delighted that Savage & Whitten has chosen Voice Order Picking technology to enhance their wholesale operations. The technology delivers multiple cost benefits by reducing picking errors and streamlining their warehouse processes. Sanderson has a strong relationship with Savage & Whitten and we look forward to supporting their continued growth.”

For more information please contact:
Rita Patel
Tel: 0333 123 1400
Email: rita.patel@sanderson.com
www.sanderson.com


About Savage & Whitten Wholesale Ltd

Savage & Whitten Wholesale was established in 2000 which today comprises of two companies, Savage & Whitten and Independent Catering Services (ICS). They are based in Newry, County Down, and provide a delivered Cash and Carry service to Northern Ireland and many parts of Southern Ireland. They are a member of the largest buying consortium, Nisa Today’s Group. As a member of the Nisa Today’s Group, Savage & Whitten offers the value and range of a national distributor, whilst delivering a specialised service to local customers, such as independent shop owners and garage forecourts.

About Swords

Swords, from Sanderson, is a comprehensive software solution for delivered wholesale and cash & carry businesses. Swords integrates all areas of the supply chain, balancing the demands of sales, purchasing, stock and cash flow. Sophisticated business intelligence facilities provide powerful management information to aid business decisions, improve efficiency, reduce costs and raise customer service levels.

 

News At A Glance

About: Savage & Whitten Wholesale Ltd

Business: Delivered Cash & Carry service throughout Ireland

Challenge: Allow warehouse operators to pick orders more efficiently and with fewer picking errors than a traditional paper-based system.

Solution: Swords Voice Order Picking

Benefits: The Voice Order Picking technology saves valuable working time for staff and increases overall warehouse productivity.