The Cost of Manual Processes
Before implementing RF-SMART, Ruroc relied on Google Sheets and paper records to track inventory. Manual stock counts were time consuming, and manually inputting data back into Google Sheets left room for human-error. Plus, the absence of real-time visibility caused discrepancies between physical stock and digital records. Relying on several disparate systems to run their business meant that inventory, order, and financial data were isolated in separate silos. “The inefficiency of using a Google Sheet for stock management was a constant struggle, leading to frequent errors and frustrating inventory inconsistencies,” said Angus Flynn, Warehouse Manager for Ruroc.
Why Ruroc Went RF-SMART
In late 2020, Ruroc realized that operational inefficiencies, such as count errors, order errors, and lack of visibility, would hinder scalable growth. This led the team to begin evaluating inventory management solutions that were Built-for-NetSuite. RF-SMART was the right fit, allowing them to eliminate manual processes, boost productivity, and increase order accuracy. “RF-SMART’s WMS gave us the opportunity to streamline our stock and supplies, which allowed us to make big structural changes,” said Angus.
Prior to RF-SMART, Ruroc’s heavy reliance on paper-based processes and disparate systems, essential workflows such as receiving, picking, and packing were not optimized. The workflow inefficiencies made it difficult for Ruroc to accurately fulfill customer orders, particularly during their busiest season. After implementing RF-SMART, Ruroc was able to streamline operations and support scalable business expansion. “By utilizing RF-SMART for NetSuite, we were able to align our inventory processes from end-to-end,” said Angus.
Leveraging Pick Manager
As an eCommerce merchant, an efficient warehouse picking process was essential for Ruroc to meet customer expectations. RF-SMART’s Pick Manager became critical in managing the company’s daily fulfilment activities by easily assigning specific order quantities to pickers.
Pick Manager allows users to manage the day-to-day organization and release of order fulfillment tasks through a user-friendly UI built in NetSuite. With Pick Manager, warehouse managers can choose options for different picking strategies (like multi-order, pick to cart, or tote picking) for orders. They can also prioritize work and assign it to specific users or groups of employees, increasing the efficiency with which orders are prioritized and assigned each day.
Pick Manager’s dynamic pick plans give Ruroc’s pickers the latest sales
order data and inventory availability, all from the warehouse floor. “With Pick Manager, we are able to create pick plans that not only align with set countries but also target specific products, which is increasingly useful during our busy season,” said Angus.
Scaling with RF-SMART
Before implementing RF-SMART and Pick Manager, Ruroc’s biggest challenge was the lack of automated processes across their supply-chain. “By streamlining warehouse operations using RF-SMART’s WMS and Pick Manager, we noticed a significant boost in efficiency while increasing labor productivity by more than 75%,” said Angus.
Additionally, RF-SMART enhanced inventory visibility and ensured real-time data accuracy – allowing on-hand inventory to align with stock-counts. By automating tasks across their warehouse floor, Ruroc experienced major productivity improvements and gained the ability to scale sustainably.
With the help of RF-SMART, Ruroc was able to eliminate manual processes and incorporate an automated approach in their warehouse. “RF-SMART’s Built-for-NetSuite solutions power all of our key warehouse operations end-to-end, from receiving to inventory to order fulfillment and more,” said Angus.