Automated mobile voice technology ‘transforms’ warehouse distribution

GLANBIA Consumer Products, the large branded food supplier into the Irish grocery sector, and part of Glanbia plc, said it has transformed its warehouse distribution following the implementation of a Heavey RF Group automated mobile voice technology €1 million contract.

Glanbia Consumer Products produces household brands such as Avonmore, Premier , Yoplait, Kilmeaden, Snowcream, Petits Filous, and CMP, and currently employs just under 650 people at eight locations in Ireland and processes almost 300 million litres of milk annually. The business unit supplies over 4,000 customers with almost two million consumer packs each day.

Glanbia has implemented the Heavey RF VocalPoint automated voice solution across five of its consumer products sites, including two milk manufacturing facilities and three food and milk/cream warehouses.

Heavey RF also worked closely with Glanbia’s IT team to implement an interface to Glanbia’s enterprise resource planning software.

The installation has boosted productivity in one warehouse by up to 95%. Stock-picking accuracy improved in that same warehouse by 600%, resulting in a reduction of credit claims by 45%. Pick speed improved from 160 to 260 cases per hour.

“The Heavey RF VocalPoint voice implementation has had a direct impact on our bottom line,” commented John Mee, supply chain manager, Glanbia Consumer Products.

“In addition, we always had good customer service levels, but with the improved traceability voice provides, our customer approval ratings have soared.”

Chief executive of Heavey RF, Ronan Clinton, said improving the accuracy of warehouse stock selection and delivery is vital for all distributors and manufacturers but especially in the case of perishable goods as in the case of Glanbia,”

Irish-owned Heavey RF Group is an international total solutions provider delivering mobile data technology and integration software for industrial clients in a wide range of markets. Heavey RF has been working with mobile solutions for over 12 years and employs 25 people.