Reedbut Group Improves Efficiency Across Nationwide Warehouses with Next-Gen Wi-Fi from Redway Networks
As one of the leading sheet plant manufacturers of eco-friendly packaging, Reedbut Group must respond to tight delivery demands across the UK, Europe and the wider world. This relies on seamless warehouse operations with increasing amounts of tech hardware and software, from devices to automation. The warehouse was experiencing dropouts and slow speeds due to an outdated Netgear wireless solution, impacting efficiency and restricting ROI, especially in regards to newer systems such as AI.
The new Wi-Fi solution has delivered:
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Complete network visibility and streamlined network management thanks to a single pane of glass dashboard in Cambium cnMaestro
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Improvement in warehouse productivity and efficiency by supporting successful automation, enhancing both distribution and customer service
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Seamless migration to cloud-managed WiFi-6, with no impact to business thanks to a fully pre-staged and tested solution
Our new Cambium wireless solution is delivering fast, reliable coverage which has streamlined operations and enabled us to support successful automated warehousing.
Trevor Green, Group Managing Director at Reedbut Group
The Challenge
Reedbut’s existing Netgear wireless solution was outdated and could no longer support the coverage and connectivity demands of Reedbut’s warehouses, including increasing amounts of automation and AI. Reedbut holds stock for several large retailers in their warehouses in Milton Keynes, Andover and Rochester, and products need to be shipped quickly to meet timescales, so warehouse productivity plays an important role in business operations.
Trevor Green, Group Managing Director for Reedbut Group knew that the wireless network was holding the company back, with warehouse dropouts occurring, harming efficiency and customer satisfaction. Find out how we future-proofed Reedbut’s warehouse productivity in the full case study.
Pets Corner supports warehousing operations in its new distribution services warehouse with high-performance WiFi from Redway Networks.
The UK’s leading ethical pet retailer has implemented a fast, reliable enterprise wireless solution from Redway Networks in its newly constructed warehouse in Handcross, West Sussex. The new wireless solution provides reliable connectivity that supports its national distribution of products to 149 national stores.
The new WiFi solution has delivered:
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High-performing wireless coverage that ensures the efficient flow of pet products in and out of the warehouse
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Seamless communication that supports warehouse & logistical operations
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Improved supply chain thanks to a secure WiFi signal that never loses connection in the warehouse whether indoors or outdoors
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Reliable communication between staff, stock and logistics
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No darkspots thanks to directional antenna installs that support the high capacity, complex warehouse environment
Redway Networks delivered on every front and we now have a modern, robust, secure wireless network solution capable of supporting Pets Corner’s business operations both now and into the future
Richard Smith, IT Infrastructure Project Manager, YourDMS
The Challenge
The growth of Pets Corner as one of the UK’s leading pet retailers necessitated the construction of a larger warehouse, and as such the process of installing a new wireless network on a ‘greenfield’ site was deemed high risk. Avoiding common issues like dropouts and patchy coverage were vital if the new warehouse were to support continued growth through ongoing automation and employment of the latest logistics tech.
Redway Networks not only had experience in warehouse environments but also in construction sites, and as such could be flexible to Pets Corner’s needs and anticipate how the progressive changes to the site would affect end-performance of the new wireless network.
Through the successful delivery of a high-performance WiFi solution, Pets Corner now has a network that can support streamlined distribution to 149 stores nationwide.
WF Education Group Limited is a leading supplier of specialist educational equipment for schools and colleges around the world. The distribution centre in Shrewsbury provides an industry leading logistics service to the specialist brands in the group supplying goods to customers in over 50 countries.
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90,000 sqft Distribution Centre
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Lack of Consistent WiFi Coverage
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Robust & Reliable Network Needed
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New Aerohive Enterprise Solution
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20 x AP245 Access Points
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Out of hours Installation
What our customers say…
Very, very impressed with Redway Networks. The team were always on hand to provide assistance and everything promised was delivered
Mark Jarvis, Head of IT, WF Education Group
The Challenge
WF Education Group Ltd were having major issues within their warehouse as staff were struggling to pick products using their scanners and it was identified that this was down to a lack of consistent WiFi coverage.
This was causing operational inefficiencies for the business with temporary staff having to be employed each month to assist with picking.
Mark Jarvis, Head of IT, identified that they needed to increase WiFi coverage within the warehouse and ensure that they had a reliable solution.
They had a very urgent need to resolve these wireless issues as it was having a significant impact on certain operations.
Mark emphasised how adaptable Redway Networks were to their business needs, carrying out the site survey and in turn the installation out of hours to minimise any disruption to the business.
The Solution
WF Education Group instructed Redway Networks to carry out a site survey across their warehouse and recommend a suitable solution to eradicate their coverage issues. Mark felt that Redway Networks were very responsive to their needs, providing a quick turnaround and great communication throughout the whole process. After carrying out a detailed survey and considering any possible interference issues with stock, racking and moving equipment, Redway Networks presented a full Aerohive solution to ensure maximum coverage and performance.
The solution consisted of 20 x AP245X access points with external antenna connectors which are highly suited to the challenging environment of a warehouse. The AP245X also benefits from an AI driven WiFi architecture capable of self-optimising and self-learning in the most difficult surroundings. Their cooperative architecture eliminates single points of failure and bottlenecks, delivering bulletproof stability and maximum coverage which is critical for a warehouse environment.
The installation was completed out of hours as it is a working warehouse and the operation could not afford any downtime.
Result
WF Education Group Ltd have been extremely impressed with the Aerohive solution and have seen a massive improvement in efficiency and productivity within their operation, eliminating the need to employ additional staff, ultimately reducing costs and improving overall business.
Mark Jarvis, Head of IT said “We were very very pleased with Redway Networks. They were always on hand to provide assistance. Everything that was promised from the solution and throughout the project was achieved and delivered. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and would definitely use them again.”
Redway Networks are specialists in warehouse wireless surveys and network installations. If you are looking to install a warehouse WiFi network or are having issues with an existing one, contact us and see how we can assist with your next WiFi project.