Zebra Technologies Corporation, a developer innovative business delivery solutions, has announced that Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain, Alpro Pharmacy, has introduced its mobile computing and RFID solutions to digitalise its manual inventory management system.

The first stage of digitalization involved equipping Alpro Pharmacy’s front-line workers with Zebra’s TC21 touch computers to replace their manual inventory management system. The mobile devices were introduced to assist with all inventory management tasks; from receiving goods at Alpro Pharmacy’s distribution center to picking goods for its retail stores and e-commerce orders.

The solution has enhanced Alpro Pharmacy’s efficiency by approximately 80% and improved its overall accuracy through reducing human errors. It has also improved its business capacity by an estimated five-fold and has helped meet increased orders with its existing workforce, resulting in an even more delightful experience for customers across both online and offline channels.

The mobile devices also come with Zebra Mobility DNA (including Enterprise Home Screen and StageNow) which is a suite of enterprise solutions designed to help maximize mobile user productivity and minimize IT complexities over the lifespan of a Zebra device.

Alpro Pharmacy subsequently introduced the RFD40 UHF RFID sleds, which seamlessly transformed their existing mobile devices into an advanced RFID solution. This is used for verification purposes when loading inventories at its distribution center onto its delivery trucks, and for the confirmation of goods received at its retail stores.

By providing this level of real-time visibility, Alpro Pharmacy has greatly improved its tracking accuracy leading to much more efficient operational workflows.

“Our shift from manual methods to Zebra mobile devices has improved our order fulfilment efficiency and enhanced our business capacity dramatically,” said Wong Siew Piin, director, Operations Management, Alpro Pharmacy.

“When we added the RFD40 sleds to the equation, it seamlessly transformed our existing mobile computers into a cost-effective RFID solution that enabled us with even greater visibility and accuracy. Alpro Pharmacy constantly strives to improve our business practices to better serve our customers, and this digital transformation has helped us realize that goal.” 

Alpro Pharmacy worked closely with Zebra PartnerConnect reseller, Inchz IoT Sdn Bhd, to implement and deploy the solution. Inchz IoT Sdn Bhd collaborated with Zebra to fully understand the business challenges faced by Alpro Pharmacy before recommending a tailored solution to cater to its needs.

“According to Zebra’s 15^th Annual Global Shopper Study, decision-makers have cited emerging technologies as most important to them in helping to mend and prepare for disruptions, particularly related to labor and supply-chain issues,” said Kym Lim, country nmanager Malaysia, Zebra Technologies.

“It is paramount that retailers invest in the right technology as it is key to their business agility and resilience. With more visibility and control of their operations, it can help retailers overcome today’s challenges and prepare for any future disruptions.”