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Case Study - The MC9000 Voice Activated OP Case
The Company
As a world leading manufacturer of mobile computers and automatic identification
products, Symbol Technologies works with a diverse array of VARs, integrators
and third-party peripheral manufactures who create powerful implementations of
their products in a wide range of applications and industries.
One such company is Lucas Systems, of Sewickley, PA. Lucas Systems has developed
Lucasware ™, a voice-directed software solution for use in rugged, high-noise
industrial environments using Symbol’s MC9000 mobile computer. The system is
designed to increase fulfillment accuracy, boost productivity and improve
customer satisfaction. The Lucasware ™ system helps companies cut operating
costs by eliminating errors and improving worker productivity in applications
such as receiving, order selection and picking, loading, returned goods
processing, inspection and quality control / audit.
The Challenge
The Lucasware ™ system is implemented using their mobile voice units with a with
a speech recognition headset in conjunction with a Symbol MC9000 mobile computer
linked to a host computer system.
The three distinct hardware components employed in this wearable mobile computer
system implementation required that those components be connected via cables, to
users who worked in a variety of different warehouse environments, using a
multitude of different work related equipment such as forklifts and related
warehouse equipment.
Symbol Technologies sought a case packaging solution that would cleanly and
safely provide for the interface of all three units together in a productive and
user friendly environment that would enhance the system operator’s productivity
and the effective daily operation of the system. The case packaging solution to
be developed needed need to protect the speech recognition headset jack from
damage, as well as securing the headset jack from being yanked from the MC9000
if it became hung up in some foreign object. The case solution also needed to
conceal all of the necessary cables inside the case.
In order to make the system adapt to the unique needs of each operator, the
MC9000 case needed to be flexible in its orientation, providing them with the
ability to adjust the position of the MC9000 mobile computer to the task being
performed, while providing easy access to the stylus used for data entry on the
computers touch sensitive display.
Solution – MC9000 Voice Activated Software OP Case
Symbol called upon the expertise and experience of Agora Leather Products in
order to design and develop a custom case solution for the MC9000 that would
satisfy the requirements of this demanding warehouse environment.
The MC9000 Voice Activated Software OP Case was designed to ergonomically and
efficiently house all of the necessary cables used to integrate the hardware
solution employed in this system, as well as provide protection for the MC9000
in this demanding environment and provide a useful tool the enhance the users
productivity and acceptance of the system.
Features
The MC9000 Voice Activated Software OP Case is made of ballistic nylon exterior
for long term wear resistance and is padded with foam for comfortable holding.
The design of the case provides the system user with complete and unobstructed
access to the MC9000’s display and keyboard and provides an elastic loop located
on the side of the case to conveniently hold the MC9000’s stylus.
Agora designed a plastic molded hood to cover and protect the speech recognition
headset jack on the side of the MC9000. An internal strain relief mechanism was
implemented inside the case in order to prevent the headset jack from being
dislodged from the unit should it become hung up on an external object.
The MC9000 Voice Activated OP Case was also designed to conceal all of the
necessary cables inside the case in order to provide both very clean appearance
and eliminate any obstruction to the system operator. Additionally, the case
implemented an innovative Velcro anchored belt loop attachment option that
provides the user with the ability to present the MC9000 mobile computer unit
for use in either a horizontal or vertical orientation to meet the preference of
the system user.
Benefits
The MC9000 Voice Activated OP Case is an effective tool designed to help protect
companies investment in technology, while enhancing the users productivity and
work related experience with the system. The MC9000 Voice Activated OP Case
protects critical system components from potential damage by eliminating exposed
cables, while providing the user with complete and easy operation of the MC9000
mobile computer.
For more information:
Symbol Technologies
Lucas Systems
Agora Leather Products
Lucasware™ is a registered trademark of Lucas Systems, Inc.
Case Study - Field Sales and
Service Case
The Company: Coca-Cola Enterprises
Coca-Cola Enterprises' (CCE) brand portfolio includes five of North America's
top 10 soft drink brands. CCE utilizes a network of field sales and service
employees to maintain 2.4 million vending machines, beverage dispensers, and
coolers throughout North America and a large portion of Europe.
CCE’s service technicians are responsible for maintaining up to date service
records for the vending machines they service, as well as a complete inventory
of service parts they carry on their trucks. Similarly, CCE’s field sales
employees are responsible for tracking and maintaining the inventory of
Coca-Cola products located at their customer sites.
CCE chose Symbol Technology’s MC9000-S mobile computer system in order to gather
this information and wirelessly transmit updates from the field.
The Challenge: Enhance productivity with
mobility
The extremes of the mobile environments in which CCE’s sales and service force
operate necessitated a packaging solution designed to provide for the easy
transport of the handheld computer equipment and related accessories, as well as
to protect the mobile computer while getting in and out of customer premises.
CCE’s mobile workforce application mandated that something more than just a case
was necessary – they needed a platform that would provide a highly productive
and well organized tool that would function day in and day out as a wearable
accessory. The packaging solution needed to be compact and durable, convenient
to carry, provide quick access to all items, while presenting a highly
professional image of the company.
Solution: MC9000-S Custom Zip Portfolios by
Agora Leather Products
Working with Symbol’s business partner, Stratix Corporation, Agora Leather
Products custom designed and manufactured the MC9000-S Zip Portfolios which met
all of the CCE’s requirements.
The MC9000-S Zip Portfolio was designed to function as a mobile workstation
housing the MC9000-S computer and accessories, as well as other important work
related tools such as pens, business cards, and even a notepad to jot down quick
notes. The MC9000-S Zip Portfolio provides CCE’s field employees with a mobile
work environment designed to enhance their daily productivity.
Features
The MC9000-S Zip Portfolios are made of Cordura nylon exterior for long term
wear resistance and are padded with foam for comfortable holding. A strap handle
on the spine, which lays flat when in not in use, makes it easy to carry and
maintains the portfolio’s the slim profile. A detachable shoulder strap is also
provided for hands-free carrying.
Zippered on three sides, these portfolios open completely flat for easy access
to all of the interior items. The handheld computer is housed in an open pocket
on a panel inside the portfolio for quick access and is secured with an elastic
cord when not in use. The modem and all cables are stored in a pouch on the same
panel as the computer. An open pocket holds business cards, and two elastic
loops are provided to hold a stylus and a pen.
A letter sized gusseted pocket is provided for storage of invoices and other
important paperwork. The MC9000-S Portfolio also includes a letter size notepad
for making quick notes during and after customer visits. The MC9000-S Portfolio
also features a Coca-Cola debossed logo on exterior front corner and a hint of
red is displayed on the portfolio’s spine handle to subtly represent Coca-Cola
Company.
The MC9000-S Portfolios are offered in two sizes. The smaller Executive Zip
Portfolio offers all the benefits of the full size portfolio except it carries a
smaller notepad.
Benefits
The MC9000-S Portfolio provides CCE with a highly professional mobile work
environment designed to protect their equipment investment, while enhancing the
productivity of their field sales and service workforce.
Note
For additional information about these companies, please visit:
Symbol Technologies
Stratix Corporation
Agora Leather Products
Case Study - MC9000 Printer Pad
The Company: Coca-Cola Enterprises
Coca-Cola Enterprises' (CCE) brand portfolio includes five of North America's
top 10 soft drink brands. In 2004 CCE distributed over 2 billion physical cases
of product representing 21 percent of the Coca-Cola Company’s volume worldwide.
In order to accomplish their product distribution, CCE employs a large number of
delivery truck drivers operating in the field. In addition to delivering their
products, the drivers also perform route accounting functions which include
maintaining the inventory of the products on their trucks, as well as providing
printed receipts of the delivered products to each customer location they visit.
CCE selected Symbol Technology’s MC9000-S mobile computer system in conjunction
with an O’Neil portable printer for the route accounting solution to be used by
their drivers.
The Challenge: Enhance productivity with
mobility
In order to provide CCE with a total system solution to their route accounting
requirements, Symbol Technology and their business partner, Stratix Corporation,
needed an easy to use packaging platform for the physical integration of their
products.
In addition to protecting MC9000-S computer and printer while being carried in
and out of customer sites, the packaging system also needed to provide the
drivers with a convenient and productive tool to enter the product delivery
information into the MC9000-S and print out the receipts that are left with the
customer.
The packaging solution also needed to implement an easy to use and reliable
cable system, so that the when the drivers returned to the distribution center
at the end of the day they could quickly plug-in their mobile system for
charging the batteries and transmitting the days inventory updates.
Solution: The MC9000/ Printer Pad by Agora
Leather Products
Based upon the product requirements specified, Agora Leather Products designed
and manufactured the MC9000/ Printer Pad case platform. The open architecture of
the MC9000/ Printer Pad provides direct access to computer’s keypad and the
printer, allowing the driver to quickly key-in the delivered items, tear off the
receipts, and quickly be on their way to their next delivery.
A “Y” charging cable for the computer and printer is permanently mounted on to
the MC9000/ Printer Pad unit, providing the driver with a single plug-in port at
bottom. When they return to their depot at the end of the day, drivers simply
hang their MC9000/ Printer Pad unit on to the charging rack and plug-in the
single cable for charging the system and transmitting the days updates.
Features
The MC9000/ Printer Pad solution consists of a flat sturdy panel covered with
durable, wear resistant ballistic nylon and fabric bound finished edges. The
MC9000/ Printer Pad unit houses the Symbol MC9000-S mobile computer, printer,
and cable pouch on the front panel, with a full size pocket with flap sewn on
the back.
The module containing the Symbol MC9000-S computer is zippered on three sides
and has a slick interior which allows quick and easy insertion and removal of
the computer. A cord with a snap at the bottom opening of this case prevents the
computer from accidentally dropping out. The keypad and display windows provide
direct access to computer while in the case.
The printer module is also zippered on three sides and has a slick interior for
quick and easy insertion of the printer. This module also contains special foam
padding on its sides and a stiffener inside the top panel that both cushions and
protects the printer. The paper exit window is designed to provide the driver
with quick access to the printed receipts.
The MC9000/ Printer Pad’s “Y” cable is permanently mounted inside the unit and
its top two legs conveniently plug-in to the computer and printer. The bottom
leg of the “Y” cable is secured to the bottom edge of the MC9000/ Printer Pad
and is protected by a sleeve providing a solid plug-in port for the charging
cable.
The bottom two corners of the MC9000/ Printer Pad unit have holes with eyelets
and a cord for attaching it to a cart, and the top two corners have D-rings for
attaching a shoulder strap. The adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad and
swivel snap hooks makes it easy for the driver to carry the MC9000/ Printer Pad
in and out of the truck.
The full size pocket with flap closure on the back allows drivers to safely
carry papers, invoices and other necessary paperwork. A clear ID pocket on the
printer case helps prevent mix-ups among users.
Benefits
In addition to providing protection for the Symbol MC9000-S and O’Neil portable
printer, the unique design of the MC9000/ Printer Pad provides CCE’s drivers
with the functionality of a portable work station in order to enhance the
productivity associated with their route accounting responsibilities.
Note
For additional information about these companies, please visit:
Symbol Technologies
Stratix Corporation
Agora Leather Products
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