Supply chain efficiency is required for any business to stay a step ahead of the competition. Similarly, Yokohama Rubber, who are a well-renowned tire manufacturer from Japan expanded their services in Russia. The company had to label their tires from supplier to end users starting 2020. This made them choose CipherLab RK95 to automate their labelling process.
The Challenges of Mandatory Tire Labeling
Yokohama Rubber, a Japanese tire giant, had to follow “Law on Mandatory Mark” in 2019. With this new regulation, Yokohama was required to affix a unique 2D data matrix barcode to each of its tires. This would enable them to be traced from the manufacturer to the end-user. Labeling and distribution of hundreds of thousands of tires quickly became an operational hurdle for Yokohama.
Choosing the Right Technology Partner
Given this challenge, Yokohama Rubber decided to implement a new warehouse management solution to replace their inflexible legacy SAP system. After some time spent reviewing the options, they chose AXELOT WMS. It is a platform developed on 1C: Enterprise 8.3. However, the success of this new system depended largely on the adoption of a mobile computing device to carry out warehouse operations.
The CipherLab RK95 Emerges as the Ideal Solution
Yokohama Rubber put to trial three of the leading mobile computing devices: the CipherLab RK95, Zebra MC3300, and Honeywell CK65. As a result of the thorough tests, CipherLab RK95 came out as the clear choice. It was due to its scanning prowess on 2D data matrix barcodes on tires, its sturdiness, and its rugged, IP65-rated design. It also had 1.8-meter drop resistance ideally suited for Yokohama warehouse environment.
Leveraging the RK95’s Capabilities
The 4.3-inch touch display made the CipherLab RK95 a true marvel. It truly enabled the warehouse workers at Yokohama to see what was being scanned. They could check data, and then proceed with the labeling operation swiftly with less possibility of errors and margin for productivity loss. The reliability of the RK95 also ensured that there would be no interruptions to Yokohama’s operations even in the face of COVID-19 challenges.
Expanding the Partnership
Yokohama Rubber was convinced by the performance of the CipherLab RK95 and deployed 250 units of it in its various distribution centers. However, the partnerships did not stop there. Seeing the value of RK95, Yokohama purchased some 230 units of the RK25 series. They gifted them to supply chain partners such as resellers and stores to be used in inventory and order applications.
The Transformative Impact
The impact of the implementation of the RK95 was quite profound on warehouse operations at Yokohama Rubber. The labeling process has been automated, data capture is accurate, productivity has increased and errors have decreased. But, most importantly, compliance with the new regulatory requirements has been maintained. Consequently, this has forged the image of Yokohama as a trusted and reliable tire manufacturing company. This has helped company to make their brand in industry for further growth and prosperity on the world stage.
