ACFS e-Solutionsis using Zebra MC9200 rugged handheld computing devices

ACFS e-Solutions, part of Australian Container Freight Services (ACFS), Australia's largest privately owned container logistics operator, recently worked with Dematic, a leading global supplier of integrated automated technology, software and services, to implement a complete warehouse mobility solution at two facilities in Pemulwuy, NSW and Derrimut in Victoria.

The initial solution, in which ACFS handled cosmetic products for a significant new customer, features a wide range of warehouse mobility technologies, including Zebra MC9200 rugged handheld computing devices, Zebra DS3608 barcode scanners, Zebra VH10 vehicle-mounted computers for forklifts, Zebra ZT410 static label printers and QLn420 mobile printers. Dematic also provided facility-wide industrial Wireless LANs (WLAN) via Extreme Networks AP-7522 access points, designed to keep the new devices online and completely mobile throughout both sites.

"I'm delighted with the work that we have done with Dematic in implementing this wide range of equipment, especially given the timeline we needed to work to," says Julien Cade, National Operations Manager at ACFS e-Solutions. "We needed a top-of-the-range IT solution to help us deliver a suite of services expected of a cutting-edge 3PL service provider. The improvements we are already seeing in service levels as a result of the introduction of these technologies, and the real-time information we now have access to, have started to open up significant opportunities across Australia."

Dematic and ACFS e-Solutions worked to very tight timelines to deliver both solutions.

"ACFS needed to have its Pemulwuy facility up and running within just a few weeks, so the company could meet the demands of its new customer," says Dematic Real Time Logistics business development manager Brett Orders. "With careful planning, both sites are right on schedule, and, so far, the results have been extremely positive."

The facility in NSW went live in April 2018, and the Victoria facility is due to launch in late June. ACFS also plans to roll out similar systems at other facilities during late 2018.