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Richard Cross, Sales Manager, UKHaving operated within the food safety space globally for over 15 years, SATO has always strived to bring the latest technology to its clients who look to overcome the challenges in the management of nutritional information, and subsequently, improve customer service and satisfaction. When kitchen staff migrate from their current format of operations into newer, automated methods, they often encounter difficulties in managing time efficiently. For example, creating labels that accurately enlist ingredient information as well as their expiry and refrigeration data, is too much of a workload to be done manually.
When ensuring that hundreds of stores comply with the same regulations, it is vital to have data stored centrally and readily accessible. The SATO App Storage—a cloud solution—centralizes all the food-related information that a client needs. This is especially handy for brand managers of cafés or restaurant chains to instantly make changes across all their stores while minimizing risks on errors. “We don’t want to create a brand new environment for our clients. Instead, we make sure that the existing data is available at their fingertips for easy monitoring,” continues Cross. The FX3-LX label printer, integrated with the SATO App Storage software, is a ‘one-piece solution’ designed to be used in kitchens. With a body that has anti-microbial coating, is splash proof, and has a touchscreen display that can be operated even when wearing gloves, the label printer morphs sophisticated technology into a user-friendly interface that fits the quick-moving, rugged kitchen environment. The ‘one-piece’ aspect of the printer refers to its ability to be independent of connections to a separate PC or tablet. Since everything the staff need is built into the printer itself, the freedom from cables or managing a wireless setup is a welcome relief in a bustling kitchen.
To understand the impact of SATO’s smart printer, Cross cites the case study of a client who played a vital role in the inception of Natasha’s law. Before the unfortunate incident occurred, the client—and many others like them—only provided consumers with a generic message instructing them to ask the staff for allergen information. After the law comes into being, however, there will be a need for companies to proactively label every product with exact details about its ingredient, within the kitchen itself. SATO partnered with the client and aggregated all their data stored on various cloud databases into a central cloud storage, and quickly reflected this data in printers at every one of the client’s 450 stores. Now, not only was the client reprieved of the painstaking task of updating their food data across multiple stores, but they could also focus on what they did best—preparing delicious, healthy food.
While managing nutritional and allergy information is an important task, it is not the limit of the FX3-LX’s functionality. In an often-temporary work world where staff turnover rates can be high, the printer offers various training videos that are quick and easy to use by anyone involved in the restaurant environment, whether students, part-time or foreign workers. From ingredient labelling, storage and preparation to distribution and consumption, SATO solutions respond to the most challenging demands in terms of food safety, internal process improvement and customer satisfaction.
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Company
SATO Europe
Management
Richard Cross, Sales Manager, UK
Description
SATO is a leading global provider of Auto-ID solutions that connect people, goods and information. It serves a diverse range of customers delivering end-to-end solutions that streamline operations, empower workforces and help customers reduce their environmental impact.
The implementation began with a deep understanding of Selmark’s existing systems, challenges, and specific needs. Leveraging our expertise and data-driven insights, SATO designed a tailored solution to meet these requirements. Central to this solution is SATO’s CL4NX Plus printer, renowned for its RFID encoding capabilities. Integrated with Vamos Cloud by SATO, this advanced printer operates autonomously without the need for additional devices, with the encoding process controlled from Vamos Cloud and relevant product info accessible throughout the supply chain.
Key Highlights:
• 30% increase in picking and dispatch capacity
• Seamless integration with existing ERP systems
• Real-time inventory tracking and error reduction
• Scalable solution for future expansion
Driving Efficiency and Accuracy
Selmark’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and accuracy in its supply chain was evident from the start. Diego Piñeiro, responsible for innovation and organisation at Selmark, highlighted the transformative impact of RFID technology. “The technology is a differentiating factor that can allow us to gain a competitive advantage. We have managed to increase the capacity of picking and dispatch by 30 percent, which is a very notable figure,” said Piñeiro.
This capacity increase is one of the many benefits Selmark has realised. The RFID system tracks all processes accurately, significantly reducing errors and ensuring products arrive in the best possible condition. This enhanced precision and reliability have become critical components of Selmark’s competitive edge in the market.
Seamless Integration with Existing Systems
Ensuring seamless integration with existing systems was key to the implementation. Diana Fuertes, Director of Communication and Marketing at JSV, explained, “Selmark contacted us to simplify the processes of goods entry and exit. From JSV, we proposed Vamos Cloud by SATO, a robust RFID solution.”
This integration allowed Selmark to leverage RFID technology fully, ensuring that inventory data was connected across the supply chain for real-time tracking and error reductions and direct access via the ERP system, which have been game-changers for the company.
Scalability and Flexibility
One of the key advantages of the RFID solution is its scalability and flexibility. Diego Piñeiro emphasised, “We can start with a small project, integrate it, and then expand it and scale it to the entire value chain.” This flexibility allows Selmark to adapt to changing market demands and scale operations without significant disruptions.
The RFID system also provides enhanced security and visibility throughout the supply chain. “We have gained security and have all the information at all times where everything is, so we have reduced errors that occurred previously,” said Piñeiro.
Improved Processes and Efficiency
Araceli, the Warehouse Coordinator at Selmark, shared her insights on the technology’s impact on daily operations. “The current technology has improved our processes and when doing repacking lists or picking, it’s much easier for us,” she said. This improvement in efficiency has streamlined operations and enhanced overall warehouse productivity.
Broader Impact on the Retail Industry
The successful implementation of RFID technology at Selmark represents the broader impact RFID can have on the retail industry. As retailers seek ways to improve efficiency, accuracy and visibility in their supply chains, RFID technology offers a powerful solution.
By adopting RFID, retailers can achieve real-time inventory tracking, reduce errors and enhance customer satisfaction. The ability to track products throughout the supply chain ensures retailers can respond quickly to market demands, manage stock more effectively and reduce waste.
Gabriel Martinez, Business Development Manager of Retail and Apparel at SATO Europe, explained, “The Vamos Cloud RFID solution by SATO allows printers to operate autonomously. From Vamos Cloud, encoding begins, and then that encoding is used throughout the supply chain.”
As retail continues to evolve, the adoption of advanced technologies like RFID will become increasingly critical. For Selmark, the journey towards a more efficient and reliable supply chain has just begun, and the benefits of RFID technology will continue to drive their success in the competitive lingerie market.