Synsam sees the advantages of using mobile computers

In order to simplify ordering routines at Synsams purchasing exhibitions, attendees are now using the Datalogic Memor mobile computer.

Synsam is a leading optical retail chain in the Nordic countries with over 300 franchised stores, 150 of which are in Sweden. Their product range includes a large number of well-known brands. Synsam arranges purchasing exhibitions in Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki several times a year. The representatives from the franchises attend to order the product range that they want to stock in their stores.

Every shop is required to stock a certain range of products in order to do business under the Synsam name. However, beyond the predefined range, each shop can choose products of their own liking.

There are approximately 6,500 items at the exhibition. The attendees use the mobile computer, Datalogic Memor to place orders directly at the exhibition.

Prior to the exhibition, the mobile computers are loaded with the product ranges (name, part number and price) and store information through a WLAN connection. During the exhibition, the buyers use a mobile computer that is supplied in a box prepared for each of them. The buyers go through the exhibition area, scan the barcodes on the products they wish to order for their store, and enter the number of pieces they want to purchase. By reading the barcode, information regarding the article, including its price, is shown on the screen. The mobile computer indicates if the same barcode has been read more than once. For some brands there is a minimum quantity that must be ordered. This running information is calculated as well so the buyer can see where he/she stands. At the end of the exhibition, the mobile computer is placed in a docking station and the order is transferred to a database in the business system. Order confirmation is printed and given to the buyer, and the order is transferred to the business system Visma, where a purchase order is generated. The products from the different suppliers are shipped directly to each store or through Synsam.

Advantages provided with the mobile computer Datalogic Memor

Before the installation and use of the mobile computers, a binder that contained all the part numbers was used and the buyers filled in their orders in it. These binders were very time consuming to prepare and to read. On top of that, they were heavy to carry around during the exhibition. By getting rid of the binder, the time saved was about one month; including work done both before and after the exhibition.

Furthermore, the soft values are important in these circumstances. It is more fun to work with a mobile computer than a big file and it feels more professional, says Lars-ke Tnne, IT Manager at Synsam.

Synsam had used a different type of mobile computer before replacing it with Datalogic Memor. Although they were pleased with the previous one, (these are now obsolete) they can see a number of advantages with this new model. Loading the article list is faster using WLAN; previously they were loaded one mobile computer at a time. The buyer can see exactly which articles they need to have in their range; something they were not able to do before. In the past, they would have to keep a separate list. Another advantage is that the administrators can make changes in the application more easily, since it is developed in Windows CE. This is an important factor when needs for new functions can arise. Furthermore, Datalogic Memor has better memory capacity than the previous model, and it reads the small barcodes very well.

We chose Datalogic Memor because it is so small and flexible. It is easy to hold regardless of how big your hands are, says Lars-ke Tnne. One deciding factor when choosing this mobile computer was the WLAN communication and Windows CE operating system.

Datalogics Accredited Reseller, CUB Systems, delivered the Datalogic Memor mobile computers together with the communication software CUBComm.