Not all items delivered to the Zebra distribution centre are labelled individually. Often, multiple packages arrive that need to be split down into individual units. Also, some suppliers deliver crates containing many different types of item, all delivered with one packing instruction and one bar code. In these cases, the individual units need to be bar coded in order that they can be correctly stored and successfully retrieved later.

The Preston distribution centre upgraded its S600 Stripe printer for a number of Zebra QL420 wireless-enabled mobile printers. Workers receiving the deliveries now have their own mobile printers either attached to their belts or worn with a shoulder strap. This means that items arriving without the appropriate labelling can be scanned and a label printed on demand. There is no more walking and no chance of labels being confused.

Zebra’s Preston distribution centre is taking advantage of the very latest technology to make this solution work. The QL420 is the only wireless-enabled mobile printer capable of printing industry-standard 100mm labels currently on the market.

Furthermore, because the QL420 mobile printers use the same programming language as all other Zebra printers including the Stripe S600 they replaced, there was no need for any costly and time consuming reprogramming of the print commands sent out by the Baan ERP system.