Businesses around the world are facing a variety of new challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this Q&A interview, we speak to RF-SMART and NetSuite customer Technopack, a packaging and PPE distributor, about how they are adapting to the sudden spike in demand for their products during this time. Learn how they are fulfilling more orders while simultaneously making their warehouse a safer place to work. Watch the video to take a look around their warehouse and see RF-SMART in action.
This Q&A is part of our YouTube series, Q&A with RF-SMART. This series focuses on industry tips, best practices, and RF-SMART company culture. To receive notifications about new videos, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Q: What does Technopack do, and how has COVID-19 impacted your business?
Technopack is a family-run business based in Florida. We have been in the industry for more than 15 years now. We have two product lines; we sell packing machinery for industry, and personal protective equipment clothing (PPE), which is something you might be hearing a lot about right now.
Due to the situation with COVID-19, we have seen an increase in sales and warehouse activity as demand for these products is very high.
Q: How is RF-SMART helping you overcome these challenges?
RF-SMART for NetSuite has been a huge help to us. Since going live on March 1 2020, we have been able to fulfill far more orders per day than we could before. Being Built for NetSuite, the solution is fast and simple to use, and it is also very easy to learn, Our warehouse employees were used to the system in just a couple of days.
RF-SMART is quick, efficient, and has really helped us a lot during this period of high demand.
Q: How are you using RF-SMART in the warehouse?
One of the ways we use RF-SMART is for different types of picking to fulfill sales orders. We have approximately 30 racks to store the equipment that we sell. We use Zebra scanners together with RF-SMART to navigate through the warehouse, and perform bulk sales picking, multiple sales picking and individual sales picking where appropriate. RF-SMART is process-driven and directs the worker at every step, so there is little room for error.
Q: Many other businesses will be facing similar challenges to Technopack at this time. What steps are you taking to keep your workforce safe whilst performing at a high level?
Basic safety procedures are essential. we are all wearing safety equipment such as face masks and gloves around the warehouse. We are also keeping at least six feet of distance between one another. In terms of our processes, we are printing picking tickets and scanning them using RF-SMART – reducing physical contact.
Q: What advice would you give to others in the industry while we navigate through these uncertain times?
The focus has to be on health. Try to maintain social distancing – work from home where possible. We are maintaining communication by phone rather than in person. We took early steps to implement wearing protective equipment, and I feel that has really helped us.
Is your business impacted by increased safety regulations? Learn more about reducing paper handling in your warehouse in our previous Q&A session.