Symbol Technologies helps Nestle meet legislation on goods tracking

As part of Nestlé's implementation of SAP as its new ERP solution, Symbol mobile computers and scanners will enable reliable warehouse tracking of the raw materials contained in products to meet European Union legal requirements. Prior to the new system, traceability records were potentially vulnerable to human error as the company relied on a manual solution using paper-based forms.

Nestlé has deployed more than150 Symbol mobile devices including 20 vehicle/fixed mount mobile computers, 40 rugged MC9000 mobile computers, 60 LS3408ER rugged bar code scanners, and P370 RF scanners. Symbol's innovative technology collects and transfers information in real-time using barcodes and additional quantitative data, which is manually added using a keyboard either from a PC or the Symbol mobile computers. Information, such as the name of the product, production series, shift it was produced in, and country of manufacture is printed onto pallet labels according to GS1 relevant standards.

"The mobility that Symbol have brought to us is a huge advantage as it allows important information, such as details of pallets in the warehouse, to be entered immediately into our systems, which increases data accuracy," says Petr Trefil, IT manager of Nestlé Èesko.

In addition to tracking raw materials, the system also records all goods, packaging, semi-finished products and finished products produced in the plants. The new system has also greatly improved record accuracy, enabled faster data capture and provisioning, and provided data availability in real time.

"Symbol is the world leader in mobile solutions, boasting unparalleled experience and expertise in the design of mobile technologies", said Tarek Hassaniyeh, sales manager, Symbol Technologies Middle East.

"Nestle's deployment demonstrates the versatility and lower total cost of ownership of Symbol's rugged, enterprise class products. Businesses need to have a strong technology platform in place in order to support any enhancement projects. We have worked with several FMCG companies in the region and have helped them successfully address their most strategic demands."