Incoming Goods Are On the Move with Forklift Mounted Mobile Printers
Challenge:
Moving inventory from dock to stock was a time- consuming, costly process that needed to be improved.
Solution:
Mobile-mounted printers, handheld terminals, and RF data communication enable receiving personnel to process incoming stock and deliver it to inventory.
Product:
Zebra® Encore 4TM mobile printers
As incoming inventory arrives on the receiving dock, it is unloaded onto a forklift. While the goods remain on the forklift, the operator simply keys in to the terminal the product and supplier. The terminal is linked by radio frequency (RF) communication to the automated warehouse host computer. Information on the incoming stock is accessed in seconds. The Zebra Encore 4 mobile thermal printer then prints a routing ticket indicating the specific warehouse location at which the material will be stocked. The operator can then proceed directly to the warehouse location to deliver the material.
The Encore 4 mobile thermal portable printer with mobile mount was chosen for several reasons. First, an industrial mobile (forklift) mount was a requirement. The Encore 4 mobile mount is the most rugged and durable mobile mount available. It provides the printer with maximum immunity from shock and vibration and allows easy, complete accessibility to all printer controls and functions. It adapts to a variety of mounting configurations (horizontal, vertical, or overhead). MC Series Mobile Chargers, intelligent fast chargers, give the Encore 4 mobile printer battery a constant current charge. The charger also monitors the battery and automatically fast-charges a low battery. MC Series Mobile Chargers are available in voltage ranges from 9 V to 100 V.
Additionally, the Encore 4 four-inch mobile printer prints high-quality labels at 3 ips (76.2 mm/sec) and features a high-performance processor and print mechanism that provide increased throughput. Its “clamshell” design allows easy paper loading, eliminating the need to remove the printer from the forklift each time paper needs replenishing.
The new process has resulted in streamlined incoming stock handling. This is important for several reasons. Previously, dock workers made many trips back and forth to the dock to check in goods and print stock location labels. This involves unloading the materials upon receipt and walking back and forth to a central location to access a PC to determine the stock location. Once the location was determined, a trip to the printer was required to pick up the label and deliver the stock. The new system has resulted in faster handling from receipt of goods to stock delivery. In addition, the stock is handled only once, resulting in a lower risk of damaged goods.
