Reduce Route Delivery Costs With Mobile Printing

By Integrated Solutions magazine

When it comes to today's wireless business technologies, mobile printing may not be as sexy as say LBS (location-based services) or the iPhone. However, a technology doesn't have to be sexy to be effective. In fact, mobile printers are a primary component of a new route delivery system that is generating $132,000 a year in cost savings and new sales opportunities for Rand McNally.

Rand McNally is a publisher of maps, books, and electronic media for the travel industry. The company maintains a route delivery operation of more than 150 TDRs (territory distribution representatives) who deliver Rand McNally's products to approximately 50,000 retail outlets.

Lack Of Mobility, Wireless Connectivity Hinders Productivity
Rand McNally initially invested in a mobile computing solution in 2001 to help streamline the route delivery activities of its TDRs. The solution consisted of pen-based tablet PCs, customized third-party, direct store delivery software, and dot matrix printers. While this system filled Rand McNally's business needs for a few years, several problems began to arise that caused the company to investigate new technology options. First, the tablet PCs that Rand McNally based its solution on were discontinued in 2005, and parts were no longer available for repair. The company needed to replace its mobile computing hardware or run the risk of its route delivery operation becoming harshly affected by equipment breakdowns.

The dot matrix printers used in Rand McNally's initial route delivery solution were also problematic. While a TDR could carry the tablet PC into each store to take product inventory and write the store's order, the dot matrix printer was immobile and needed to remain in the TDR's vehicle. Once an order was fulfilled, the TDR returned to their vehicle and connected the tablet PC to the dot matrix printer via a USB cable to print out an invoice for the customer. Due to the many moving parts in the dot matrix printers and the need for cable connections, this printing process often malfunctioned.

Used with permission from Integrated Solutions magazine