Avon Freight Group is to use TS8000 handheld mobile computers from UK-based rugged mobile computer manufacturer TouchStar Technologies as part of a major investment its warehouse management systems.

The new devices will be utilised within the full spectrum of warehouse processes with the objective of streamlining current operations.   

Following the recent acquisition of a brand-new logistics centre, Avon Freight Group’s operations has grown and it needed to develop its facilities and services to meet its clients warehousing and logistics needs. The growth in operations was a key driver for Avon Freight Group to upgrade its existing warehouse operations with a significant investment being made in both the warehouse management systems and rugged hardware utilised for RF barcode scanning. 

Emma Anderson, head of logistics at Avon Freight Group, said: “Maintaining reliable, efficient and real time operations is fundamental in exceeding expectations, both in the delivery of our service and the flexibility of our operations. Not only was it important to have the most up to date warehouse infrastructure in place, a key factor was also that they provided the scalability to keep pace with our ongoing growth.” 

TouchStar’s TS8000 rugged handheld was selected as Avon Freight Group’s preferred hardware for the investment. With its rugged credentials, from high impact polycarbonate plastics, metal alloy chassis and the use of Sorbothane rubber shock absorbers, the TS8000 is extremely reliable in robust environments.

Furthermore, the device upgrade is set to coincide with the rollout of a new warehouse management system, Empirica, from Chess Logistics Technology. Coupled with the advanced high-speed scanning capabilities of the TS8000, the WMS/Hardware rollout is set to deliver real time operational benefits such as increased accuracy, efficiency and productivity.

Anderson said: “TouchStar provided a competitively priced and fully supported solution. Not only that, upon the recommendation of Chess, we had the confidence that we would be investing in a rugged solution that dovetailed with our existing operations. We are looking forward to working in partnership with TouchStar and Chess as we move towards the go live of the new system.”