Established in 1982, NAS Australia (NAS) stands as a Queensland-based family-owned wholesaler with nearly four decades of experience in TV reception, custom installation, and security products. What began as a company focusing on TV reception has now evolved into a diversified business, offering solutions across various sectors, including CCTV, Security, Access Control, Home Theatre, Home Automation, Enterprise Wifi, and Data industries.

As NAS expanded its business and diversified its product range, it recognised the need to upgrade its warehouse and supply chain technologies to enhance operational efficiency and meet evolving customer demands. The existing legacy system that aided warehouse activities was no longer sustainable in the market, posing challenges for NAS’s future growth.

The Challenge: Outdated Systems and Inefficiencies

The legacy system employed by NAS had a significant limitation—it relied on a Windows Mobile-based operating system that was nearing its end of life. This posed challenges in terms of ongoing support and hardware replacement. John Kimbell, Managing Director of NAS, pointed out the issues, saying, “We knew that it was going to get harder and harder to support over time, and as the scanner hardware reached its end of service life, it was getting more difficult to replace.”

The Solution: Embracing Advanced Technology

To address these challenges and enhance their warehouse operations, NAS decided to implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS) that would integrate seamlessly with their existing ERP system. Mark Roemermann, IT Manager for NAS, shared their choice, saying, “We decided to go with the Cloud Coders WMS, as we understood it was a platform that could serve us well for the next 10 years.”

What attracted NAS to the Cloud Coders WMS for NetSuite was its stable operating system and the use of Android-based, off-the-shelf technology. This technology offered the flexibility to continuously upgrade as new features became available.

In addition to deploying a new WMS, NAS recognised the importance of a mobile scanning and computing solution to enhance order picking efficiency and ensure timely customer deliveries. The Honeywell CT60 handheld computer was chosen for its ability to improve warehouse accuracy and expedite supply chain processes.

The Benefits: Streamlined Warehouse Processes and Improved Efficiency

The implementation of Cloud Coders WMS and Honeywell CT60 significantly improved NAS’s warehouse operations. Warehouse tasks are now completed more efficiently with higher accuracy rates. The new technology platform facilitates faster goods receiving and item placement. Moreover, it allows for flexible picking from different locations within the warehouse, leading to more effective processing of bulk orders. These benefits include:

• Improved warehouse accuracy and efficiency
• Reduced labour costs
• Improved customer satisfaction
• NAS has also been able to reduce its inventory levels by 10% since implementing Cloud Coders WMS. This has freed up valuable warehouse space and reduced carrying costs.

Keith Griffin, Warehouse Operations at NAS, expressed his satisfaction, “The Honeywell CT60 handheld computer has made life much easier, and the scan engine is far superior to anything that we’ve had before. One of my favourite things about the solution is that it gives me the ability to find items using either the item code itself or even just the location that it may be in.”

As a result of these new solutions, NAS has experienced direct business benefits, allowing the company to operate more efficiently. John highlighted the impact, saying, “The combined technologies save us one staff member per location given the accuracy and efficiency gains we have realised.”

Beyond enhancing warehouse processes, NAS has also benefited from remote support possibilities provided by the new solution. Mark explained, “I can bring up the scanner software remotely from my office here in Brisbane and support our staff in our branch offices regionally without having to go to the expense of traveling to site.”

Looking to the Future: Evolving with Technology

NAS Australia continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, with a commitment to technology adoption that supports customer order fulfilment and efficient warehouse operations. They are confident that their technology partners, Cloud Coders and Honeywell, can support their business in the long-term. As new upgrades come to the market, NAS is poised to evolve its systems further and continue its remarkable journey of success.

Key Takeaways

• Cloud Coders WMS is a powerful and flexible warehouse management solution that can help businesses of all sizes improve their warehouse operations.
• Honeywell CT60 handheld computers are rugged and reliable devices that are designed for use in demanding environments.
• Investing in technology to support warehouse operations can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

About Honeywell

Honeywell is a leading provider of rugged mobile computers and barcode scanners. The company’s products are used by businesses in a variety of industries to improve their efficiency and productivity. Honeywell is committed to providing its customers with innovative and reliable solutions.