In today’s accelerated global market brands are always looking for ways to improve operations, decrease losses, and provide visibility to their logistics networks. Gazelle, a global brand in the green electronics space, recently revamped its supply chain using ground-breaking QR code track and trace capabilities. The outcome? Improved efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and data in real-time.
The Challenge: Complex Logistics Limited Visibility
As Gazelle expanded its operations globally, an increasingly complex logistics network developed. With devices moving from refurbishing centers to distribution centers, retailers, and customers globally, Gazelle was unable to maintain real-time visibility. Delay in shipments, lost inventories, and customer service shortcomings started piling up. The company determined that the existing tracking system wasn’t sufficient.
What Gazelle needed is a more intelligent, nimble solution; one that could provide real-time capability from inventory in the warehouse to deliver in the customer’s hands.
Employees could quickly update the system with the product’s current location, status, and shipment history simply by scanning a QR code at various checkpoints. This QR code technology enabled:-
- Real-time updates on location
- Automated inventory management
- Quick handoffs between logistics partners
- Decreased losses or misplacement of items
How QR Code Track and Trace Technology Transformed Gazelle’s Supply Chain
1. Real-Time Visibility:
With QR code track and trace technology in place, Gazelle’s logistics team had a real-time view of every product moving between two or more locations. Managers could track the flow of items from cross-country to cross-profit centers and properly respond to items delayed in transit.
2. Communication with Customers:
When a customer calls in to find out the status of their device, customer service reps could immediately pull up the status of the item from refurbishing to final delivery, using the QR code on the device. This transparency helped build trust with customers and their satisfaction.
3. Efficiency with Operations:
Warehouse staff no longer needed to manually log or locate product specifications. By scanning the QR code, the warehouse staff gained an instant review of that item’s specifications, handling instructions, and next location. The warehouse team reduced error rates and sped up the processing speed of the warehouse team.
4. Insights Based on Data:
As Gazelle collected data at each scan point within the supply chain, they began to gain critical insight into logistics trends, potential delays, and supply chain weakness. The gained insight enabled smart decision-making, optimization of routings, and better resource management.
Adopting the QR Code Track and Trace System
Gazelle began with a pilot initiative for product refurbishment (one of Gazelle’s largest product lines) in one of its main refurbishment facilities.
They affixed QR codes to packages, and standard processes were combined with scanning of QR codes. Immediate results were seen in fewer misplaced products, faster processing time, and enhanced visibility.Once successful, the program was extended to all facilities and shipping partners.
Gazelle created a centralized dashboard for the logistics teams to view real-time item status while in transit, which helps proactively address exceptions and delays.
Real Results Following Implementation
In the six-month period after the QR code tracking system was implemented, Gazelle saw real results:
- 30% Reduction in Shipping Errors: Having accurate, real-time tracking has resulted in a drastic decrease in lost or mis-delivered packages.
- 40% Reduction in Fulfillment Time: Automating the tracking and updates of simplified processes allowing for quick turnaround time of product.
- 25% In Customer Satisfaction: By providing easy to understand accurate shipping and tracking updates, overall customer inquiries and complaints were significantly reduced.
- Improved Partner Relationships: The third-party logistics provider was also able to easily scan QR codes which creates a ping back to Gazelle’s system and allows tracking of product across the entire supply chain.
Not only did these outcomes save money, but they also made Gazelle identify itself as a tech-forward brand that cares about innovation and customer satisfaction.
Why QR Code Track and Trace Sets the Future
As Gazelle’s experience proves, a QR code track and trace solution is not only a logistics step forward but a competitive advantage. With little infrastructure change needed across all devices connected to the web, QR codes are a relatively easy, but highly effective tool for brands with a global reach.
In a world where customers expect real time updates and companies are looking for efficient operations, QR code tracking systems provide the extraordinary combination of simple, scalable and powerful.
Final Thoughts
Gazelle’s implementation of a QR code tracking system is an example of the transformative potential of smart logistics. By implementing QR code track and trace technology Gazelle has been able to increase accuracy and speed while establishing greater transparency within its global supply chain.
For any organization needing a logistics optimization in this increasingly competitive market, the future is clear: the future is trackable – and it starts with a QR code.