How Barcode Scanning Saved a Food Manufacturer $350K in 6 Months

In the fast-moving world of food manufacturing, managing inventory and ensuring timely deliveries can be a challenge. But as one food manufacturer learned the hard way, when warehouse operations are inefficient, the consequences go far beyond just delayed shipments. Misplaced inventory, expired products, and skyrocketing compliance fees can eat into profits and damage customer relationships.

At Elliott Clark Consulting, we believe that the right systems and processes can turn these challenges into opportunities. By leveraging Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and the powerful capabilities of barcode scanning through Insight Works Warehouse Insight, we helped a $58 million food manufacturer streamline its inventory management and save over $350,000 in compliance fees—all within the first six months.

The Problem: A Fast-Moving Warehouse with Expired Inventory

The manufacturer had been using an outdated system for managing their fast-moving inventory. As food products moved quickly through the warehouse, employees struggled to keep track of where everything was. This often led to misplaced products, which expired before they could be shipped out. The impact? Missed shipments, unhappy customers, and costly compliance fees for non-compliance with regulations.

This situation was not sustainable. They needed a solution that could provide real-time visibility into inventory, improve accuracy, and reduce manual errors.

The Fix: Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Barcode Scanning for Food Manufacturers

To address the issue, we migrated the company from their outdated system to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, a comprehensive solution that would give them better control over their inventory, warehouse locations, and bin management.

But that was just the beginning. To truly address the problem, we implemented Insight Works Warehouse Insight, which added barcode scanning functionality to their operations. With barcode scanning, the company could track inventory in real time, eliminating the chances of misplaced or expired products.

The challenge, however, was not just the technology, it was the people. Adopting a new system like this takes practice, and we found that the company’s team was not fully prepared for the change. However, we remained committed to their success, providing hands-on support and encouragement to ensure the system was up and running smoothly.

Find out how we did that.

The Results: A Smarter, More Efficient Warehouse

In just six months, the company saw remarkable improvements:

• $350,000 saved in compliance fees in the first six months, due to more accurate inventory tracking and timely shipments.

• 55% reduction in expired inventory, thanks to the real-time tracking of products through barcode scanning.

• Increased customer satisfaction from more reliable and timely shipments, which led to stronger client relationships.

  
  

Advice for Manufacturers: Don’t Wait to Modernize Your Systems

The biggest lesson from this experience? Don’t wait until problems escalate to a crisis before implementing new systems. The company had previously implemented only the financial side of their operations, neglecting to consider the growing needs of their warehouse and inventory management. Waiting too long to act cost them millions in lost revenue and fines.

At Elliott Clark Consulting, we recommend that manufacturers take a proactive approach. If your operations are struggling with inventory accuracy, warehouse inefficiencies, or outdated systems, start planning now. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can give you the tools to transform your warehouse operations, boost customer satisfaction, and ultimately, save your company money.

Let’s Get Started

If you’re ready to optimize your warehouse and streamline your processes, Elliott Clark Consulting is here to help. Our team of experts can guide you through every step of the journey, from selecting the right solutions to implementing and training your team. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you reduce costs, improve efficiency, and position your business for growth.

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