Sign in Subscribe
Computer industry

Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers Implements Wireless Data Communications Solution

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers, a major beverage distribution company, has chosen a joint solution from Norand Corporation, Racotek, and RAM Mobile Data to improve its sales order entry and delivery process. The Fast Access solution employs wireless data communications to transmit orders in real-time, enabling the company to reduce information bottlenecks and increase efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers has implemented a wireless data communications solution, known as Fast Access, to facilitate real-time sales order entry and delivery.
  • The solution combines Norand's PEN+KEY 6200 handheld computers, Racotek's KeyWare wireless networking software, and RAM Mobile Data's nationwide wireless data communications network.
  • The implementation is expected to increase productivity and reduce the time spent by salespeople in waiting for phone connections, allowing them to have 25% more time to merchandise products at customers' stores.
  • The use of wireless data communications will enable Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers to upgrade additional customers to the bulk delivery of Pepsi Express service levels, increasing their product lines' merchandising in more stores and selling more beverage products.
  • The warehouse will be able to begin processing orders sooner, allowing for more timely and reliable delivery of Pepsi, Schweppes, Dr. Pepper, and Evian products.
  • The Fast Access program targets beverage and snack companies, aiming to simplify the automation and speed up the return on investment for its customers.
  • **Implementation:** The Fast Access solution has been implemented by Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers in 35 counties across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York State.
  • **Partners:** Norand Corporation, Racotek, and RAM Mobile Data have partnered to provide the Fast Access solution to Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers.
  • **Wireless Data Access:** The solution allows for wireless data access across the sequence of distribution events, improving information availability and facilitating effective decision-making.
  • **Beverage Distribution:** Fast Access is a package of wireless data communication services suitable for route distribution companies in the beverage industry.
  • **Partnership:** Norand, Racotek, and RAM Mobile Data have established the Fast Access program directed at beverage and snack companies to provide wireless data communications in the field.

Statistics:

  • **Sales Productivity:** Salespeople using wireless technology report a savings of 1-2 hours per day in waiting time.
  • **Increased Time:** This reduction in waiting time allows salespeople to dedicate 25% more time to merchandising products at customers' stores.
  • **Deliveries:** The warehouse receives customer orders 7 hours sooner than before, allowing for earlier packaging and loading of trucks.
  • **PEN+KEY 6200:** The handheld computers used in the Fast Access solution are provided by Norand Corporation.
  • **KeyWare:** Racotek's wireless networking software is used to manage message delivery and provide high-level agent services to applications software.
  • **RAM Mobile Data Network:** The nationwide wireless data communications network covers 92% of the urban business population in the United States.
  • **Partnership:** Norand Corporation has over 4,500 customers worldwide, with its partner RAM Mobile Data having 4.5 million wireless communications customers.

Sources:

  • Norand Corporation: Norand Corp.
  • Racotek: Racotek, Inc.
  • RAM Mobile Data: RAM Mobile Data Limited Partnership
  • Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers: Pepsi-Cola Allied Bottlers, Inc.

Read more