Baking & Snack - May 2019 - 128

ROUTE ACCOUNTING

With it, bakers can scan the location where they're dropping product off and scan the stacks on a truck that will
reconcile those orders. "If you're trying to unload a stack
that doesn't belong at that location, it will warn you and say
this is not the right place," Mr. Braun said. It goes one step
further, too. Once delivered and used, distributors need to
pick up empties.
"If those numbers diverge, you know you're losing
material handling equipment, so it's a safety net also for
making sure you're getting all your equipment back,"
Mr. Braun said.
Modern display screens
simplify the complex world of
distribution so operators can
see everything in real time.
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entire ecosystem of order to cash management, production
resources and customer integration. "Cloud also means
your capital outlay is significantly reduced because you
don't need to purchase or maintain your own hardware," he
said. "This effectively removes the expense of maintaining a
costly, ever-changing hardware environment."
The last piece of the order fulfillment puzzle is the truck's
departure from the plant. Being able to track the product
and shipping materials completes the traceability loop.
Pcdata offers a program called EQuipment Tracking
(EQT), a proof a delivery and equipment tracking software.

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128 Baking & Snack May 2019 / www.bakingandsnack.com

Make it work for you
In the complex world of distribution, simplicity is the antidote to disorder. Modern automated distribution systems
now have intuitive displays and work similarly to everyday smartphones.
No matter the size of the bakery, automation software
can organize order fulfillment. "I would say any company
that has three or four people working distribution could
benefit from technology," he said. "That threshold is a lot
lower than people think."
Automated systems can work on any modern hardware,
so bakers don't have to worry about software working with their systems; they
just need to work with distribution suppliers to determine which works best for
their network.
"Today, you have the luxury of picking
devices that can be used in your unique
business environment," Mr. VandenBerg
said. "When talking to technology vendors, make sure the solutions you entertain have the capability to work on multiple devices and multiple platforms. The
technology should enhance, not limit,
your business."
Mr. VandenBerg recommended asking how the technology can grow with the
company. Baking is evolving and changing, so must the technology. Another critical component to ask about is training. He
said bakers should make sure the distribution software supplier can provide the necessary training so operators and pickers
can effectively use the system.
"Technology is only as good as its users," Mr. VandenBerg said. "If your users
can't operate, understand or manage the
technology, then they can't use it."
Through automation and the proper
installment, bakers can calm the chaos of
distribution and route accounting.

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Baking & Snack - May 2019

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