Griffin Greenhouse Supplies Optimizes Warehouse Operations with Mobile Computers and Barcode Technology from Levata

The Challenge

Before 2019, Griffin used paper-based processes, printing orders and pinning them to boards in the warehouse. Employees spent time parking forklifts and walking back and forth to boards for orders. Upon completion, paper orders returned for data entry. The process was inefficient, limited employee productivity, and often resulted in errors due to illegible handwriting or keying data incorrectly. The company also wanted a faster, more efficient way to handle cycle counts and reconcile those counts against inventory data in its management system.

The Solution

Griffin contacted Levata for advice on the best devices to upgrade processes at its distribution centers, beginning with its flagship Massachusetts site. Griffin chose rugged mobile computers with touchscreen and keypad, enhanced 1D and 2D scanning enabling reads from up to 10 feet, and ability to withstand 8-foot drops to concrete. Devices are rated IP64 for resistance to water, dirt, and dust. For barcode label printing, Griffin chose mobile printers for supply chain and shipping labels that can be mounted on forklifts. Hawkes later added TrueSupport to manage technical support, troubleshooting, asset tracking, repairs, and life cycle management.

The Results

At first, Griffin was hesitant to abandon paper processes. "We didn't go two days before we turned the paper processes off. This was a plug and play installation," Hawkes states. Cycle counts became significantly more efficient: "The solution changed the process from something that took employees four hours to an hour or less." Griffin now operates more accurately, training is easier, and employees previously handling data entry could be reassigned. By 2022, Griffin had five of its 15 sites using the new system and planned rollout at one or two locations annually until all upgraded.