Sarah Raven Chooses TouchStar Rugged Mobile Computing Solution for Real Time Efficiency
23 September 2024
Sarah Raven Chooses TouchStar Rugged Mobile Computing Solution for Real Time Efficiency
TouchStar
Technologies, a leading UK provider of rugged mobile computing solutions, is
delighted to welcome the renowned gardening and horticulture brand, Sarah
Raven, to its customer portfolio. Known for its commitment to quality and
sustainability, Sarah Raven has chosen TouchStar to implement a cutting-edge
technology rollout using rugged handheld devices. This initiative will enhance
real-time efficiency and visibility in their specialist picking and packing
operation in Spalding, Lincolnshire.
Company Background
Sarah Raven
is a celebrated teacher, gardener, and writer who has inspired countless people
through her cooking, flower arranging, and gardening courses at her East Sussex
farm, Perch Hill, and across the UK since 1999. The Sarah Raven brand embodies
Sarah's passion and deep-rooted expertise in gardening, collaborating with
specialist nurseries to provide top-quality plants using sustainable practices,
and specialist advice for gardeners of all levels.
The Business Requirement
Sarah Raven
turned to TouchStar to develop a solution designed to boost productivity and
offer real-time visibility across their Spalding based picking and packing operation.
The business requirement for was a rugged, ergonomic, and cost-effective mobile
computer that could seamlessly adapt to various tasks from goods in through to
picking and dispatch. The initial rollout of radio frequency technology was set to be a key
component of a larger investment aimed at enhancing operational transparency
and phasing out paper-based processes.
Thomas
Fearn, Head of Operations at Sarah Raven, comments, “We were aware of the
productivity gains and visibility improvements Radio Frequency technology could
bring. The project formed part of a broader IT investment, so we knew we needed
a hardware partner with the right expertise and support for a successful
integration. TouchStar have proved themselves to be instrumental in this
initial phase, from device specification to expert technical advice, they have
provided great support from start to finish”.
Rugged Device Recommendations
TouchStar
recommended Honeywell’s EDA 52 for the operation. The EDA 52 offered Sarah
Raven a robust, enterprise-class handheld computer, ergonomically built for
performance and durability. Capable of full prolonged and interrupted usage
between each battery charge, the device provided a user friendly and intuitive option
for what would be a scan intensive operation.
Thomas
continues,
“Since we went live with the initial proof of concept, we have seen huge game
changing improvements within the operation, goods in to stock visibility has
improved from 2 days to just a few hours and we now have real time visibility
of all key processes. The support from TouchStar has no doubt contributed to this
success and we look forward to partnering with TouchStar to the full-scale
rollout phase of the project.
Peter
Marsh, Sales Director for TouchStar, comments, “As a business, we pride ourselves
on our experience and the support we can offer operations such as Sarah Raven.
We are proud to be associated with such a prestigious brand and have been very
excited by the initial successes we have seen the business achieve. We feel
that the Honeywell EDA 52 is a great technology fit for the business, and it is
with great excitement that we look forward to the rollout phase of the project and
further benefits this technology will secure for Thomas and the team”.