HarperCollins UK
Supply Chain Division of Publishing Group Improves Customer Service with Psion Teklogix’ Handheld Computers
HarperCollins UK (HCUK) is one of the top book publishing groups in the United Kingdom and part of HarperCollins Worldwide. HCUK’s Supply Chain division encompasses within it Customer Services, Publishing Services and Distribution Services to support the HarperCollins’ publishing operation, fulfilling customer orders from a large multi-warehouse site in Glasgow. With over 23,000 titles in stock at any point in time, the warehouses operate 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, shipping to a diverse range of customers within the UK and around the world.
“HCUK deal directly with Psion Teklogix and we are very happy with the product and solution they have provided us with. We have been using their equipment for over two years now and have been impressed with both the company and the equipment. I would not hesitate in recommending them.” – Allan Doyle, Head of Supply Chain Development, HCUK.
The Challenge:
- HCUK’s paper-based picking system had become outdated at its multi-warehouse site in Glasgow
- It required a solution to improve efficiency and response times
The Solution:
- HCUK implemented Psion Teklogix 7535 handheld computers for picking and sorting of goods at its warehouses
- Goods are scanned by 7535s to determine product characteristics, sales profile etc., and order pickers use the information to direct product to appropriate warehouse location
- 7535s link to Warehouse Management System (WMS) so the central system knows exact location of all products
- As orders are filled the products are scanned to ensure accuracy
The Benefits:
- Improved response times between WMS and order pickers, which enables quick responses to changes in demand
- Improved customer service by consistently having high stock availability and accurate, efficient, and reliable order turnaround and delivery
- Workers benefit from the ergonomic design of 7535s, and hence, improve their productivity
