In an effort to streamline operations and enhance security, The Body Shop has installed RFID locker solutions from Traka at its main distribution centre.
The Body Shop recognises the importance of responsible resource management, business practices and asset security as a global leader in ethical and sustainable beauty products.
Traka has installed three large-scale intelligent locker systems at its Littlehampton distribution centre to manage different devices. The first uses Traka’s multi-bay cradle locker solution to manage 30 VoCollect voice-picking devices and Bluetooth headsets, which are charged and ready for use.
The second houses 40 Falcon handheld scanners, managed by Traka’s specialist Asset Master Locker range with charging and battery points located. The final system presents secure storage for a kit of equipment specifically designed for forklift truck drivers, with each locker compartment containing a Falcon scanner, radio, and printer.
Each intelligent locker solution is offered with RFID asset detection and specialist TrakaWEB software to provide managers with instant audit control capability to establish exact times when physical devices are removed and returned to lockers.
The Body Shop project manager comments, “To keep up with high demands, our distribution centre operates 24/7. It is constantly evolving, driving new standards in design and use of technology to ensure our products reach our stores to meet our loyal customer demands.
“To operate at maximum capacity, we need to make it as simple and as quick as possible for authorised colleagues to not only gain access to the devices they need but also ensure they are operational and in good working order. With the introduction of Traka, we have eliminated manual control, plus we have a complete audit on all devices that we can access from anywhere. We have already noted increased accountability, traceability and fault logging, all coming together to reduce lost time and enhance operational efficiency.”
The three locker solutions have been installed in two separate locations around the distribution centre to ensure staff can easily access equipment in their work area. Eliminating the need to travel to a central location and queue to access or organise equipment has led to improved productivity at the start and end of shift periods.
Traka has also ensured all systems operate using existing Paxton Net 2 access control cards to minimise facility disruption during or after installation. Access to different assets and equipment can only be granted to authorised personnel for their identified job specification, with staff only able to take one device or kit at a time.
Lee Payne, Traka Business Development Manager added: “The introduction of Traka systems to a global distribution centre such as The Body Shop demonstrates how simple process enhancements can make a significant difference. From the initial brief through to implementation, we worked closely with the team to identify the exact requirements for each site and the accessibility needs for staff.
“We understood the need for curfew notifications, fault logging and careful authorised access control. We planned with the team to separate out the systems into specific work areas and use the Traka orange to help the locker systems stand out, all to ensure vital time could be saved for staff and management. The result is a smoother, more efficient operation throughout the supply chain, helping The Body Shop continue its mission of delivering its best-loved ethical beauty products.”
