Peacock Bros. Supports Major Warehouse Upgrade for Hunger Relief Charity

Photo credit: Honeywell

Peacock Bros, a leading provider of supply chain technology, printing and labelling solutions, has announced that the company has successfully worked with Australia’s largest hunger relief charity in Australia to revolutionise their warehouse operations, providing an automated barcode solution to efficiently manage the influx of goods and support requests.

Supplying food and groceries to a wide range of programs that support communities in need, the charity has seen a dramatic rise in demand for food relief across Victoria in recent years. Before the pandemic, it was assisting tens of thousands of individuals each day, with that number expected to more than double by the end of 2024 – all while operations continued to rely on outdated, manual processes.

The challenges brought on by the pandemic have had lasting impacts on the organisation, including increased demand, fluctuating food donations, fewer volunteers, and disruptions to operational processes. These pressures revealed inefficiencies in its warehouse systems, with declining productivity and frequent errors persisting long after the initial crisis.

Recognising the need for long-term solutions, the organisation set out to transform how it managed its warehouse operations.

The charity approached Peacock Bros. who proposed an end-to-end barcode solution that combines advanced hardware and software to streamline their operations. With a focus on efficiency and mobility, the solution included RF devices, mobile computing devices, Peacock Bros. labels, industrial printers, enabling seamless tracking and management of inventory.

“We recognised the need for a solution that not only integrated cutting-edge technology, but also gave them the support and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances,” explained David Perry, National Sales Manager, Peacock Bros. “Our solution aimed to supercharge short-term performance, and at the same time, we could then start weaving in new ways of working to ensure the changes would stick.”

A significant advancement of the charity’s supply chain operations occurred with the implementation of mobile warehouse technologies, which replaced slow and error-prone paper-based processes.

Volunteers are today equipped with Honeywell CK6X series handheld devices to scan inbound and outbound barcoded goods, ensuring the accurate recording of food items received as well as speeding pick and pack processes. The handheld devices are managed by SOTI MobiControl and Ivanti software, enabling user-friendly, seamless operations, without the need for time-consuming process training. 

The barcode solution has significantly improved operational efficiency, enabling volunteers to contribute effectively even with minimal training. This has been especially critical in meeting the growing demand for services. The increased accuracy and streamlined processes have played a pivotal role in handling the rising volume of requests, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

The success of Peacock Bros. holistic warehouse management solution enabled the organisation to not only overcome the enduring challenges posed by the pandemic but also continue growing their services. With demand for their support continuing to grow, the charity is now equipped with a scalable and efficient system that can support its mission of providing uninterrupted assistance to those in need.