May/June 2004

In a move to speed up the capture and processing of delivery data, the Dutch-based Heineken brewery company has equipped the drivers of its 320 delivery vehicles in the Netherlands with Dolphin 7200 handheld computers from HHP.

Using the computers, drivers can scan consignments as they are delivered and returned, and print out a customer receipt using a linked mobile printer. Back at the depot, the data is simply downloaded directly to the company's computer system.

This arrangement eliminates two paperwork processes. Previously drivers had to enter delivery details on printed forms, and the information then had to be keyed into the central computer back at base.

The 7200, a modern batch-mode handheld, has a 386 processor and a DOS-compatible architecture. Heineken says the search for a suitable unit took some time, since the company was keen to find a supplier that could offer both hardware and software in the right configuration. "Few companies could supply this," says logistics manager Fred Klein Hemmink. HHP partner Zetes helped Heineken select the chosen system.

The solution is said to have produced substantial time and cost savings already, as well as opening the way for Heineken to switch seamlessly to a new stock management system later.