Zetes introduces multi-level hands free working to enhance manufacturing productivity and performance at Morrisons

Zetes, European provider of solutions and services for the automatic identification of goods and people, is currently implementing a wireless IT infrastructure solution across 5 of Morrisons manufacturing facilities.

Morrisons is the UK's fourth largest supermarket chain and this refresh of the company's manufacturing and warehouse estate includes the integration of truck mounted terminals with Voice directed picking, which enables Morrisons' to benefit from hands free working at multiple levels and significantly improves efficiency and accuracy.  In addition to improving health and safety levels, this investment will also help to improve forklift truck operator efficiency by up to 30%.

As part of the project, Morrisons undertook an extensive 5 way evaluation of leading truck mounted terminals before selecting the IND FTF 2475, which is manufactured in Germany by IND, part of the Zetes Group.  

During testing, IND scored most highly by users for the following features: flexible mounting options, function key design and on-screen keyboard, scan sensitivity, screen size combined with overall compactness and small footprint plus all-round build quality. In addition, IND's ability to be customised according to individual user requirements and locally supported were also key factors in the decision making process.  

The implementation phase for this project, which began earlier in the summer, involves integrating more than 130 IND FTF 2475 forklift truck mounted terminals with Zetes voice directed work solution, 3iV.

Gary Barr, IT Director at Morrisons says, "Our operators preferred the IND terminals because they are robust, user-friendly and fully customisable.  Integrated with the voice technology we have already implemented, Zetes has created a highly automated and efficient manufacturing operation that supports safer, hands free working.  Once again they have proved their value as our supply chain technology partner by providing a solution to further optimise performance."

James Hannay, Senior VP Northern Region for Zetes says, "After having successfully installed the voice solution in Morrison's distribution centres, we are very pleased to be supporting their manufacturing optimisation.  Zetes' wide range of solutions which cover the entire supply chain, mean customers like Morrisons can have access to the widest range of data capture technologies from a single point of contact."

Key Features of the IND FTF 2475
Wireless LAN-Client with 10.4" touch screen display. The FTF 2475 wireless data PC is a fully-fledged Windows or Linux client for broadband wireless data networks. The touch screen technology, available on all operating systems, allows users to operate the unit by pressing large function keys. The crystal-clear and bright SVGA-display avoids eyestrain and allows for efficient and effortless work.

The IND terminal FTF 2475 is primarily mounted on forklifts and vehicles. The large screen offers a broad display that is easy and comfortable to read.
Brightly lit and crystal-clear TFT colour display 10.4", SVGA
 2 freely programmable soft keys and 2 scroll keys
Maximum software compatibility
 Extensive selection of client software
 Linux, Windows XP Embedded
Comprehensive management software for terminal administration
 Interface connectors covered for moisture protection
Integrated strain relief for safe connections.

In addition to Morrisons, existing users of IND terminals across Europe include the following organisations:
Retail: Globus (TBC), Halfords, Lekkerland, Jeronimo Martins, Netto, Kempf Getrnke

Transport and Logistics: Carlsberg, DHL, Partner Logistics, Port of Hamburg (HHLA), EDEKA, PLUS International, Frigo, Boni, Zon

Manufacturing: Premier Foods, Daimler, Opel, Amgen, BASF Coatings, Rockwool, Roche, Wavin, Rademaker, Royal Talens, MCFE and Friesland Campina.