Inventory Tracking Across 250-Acre Facility


Since 1956, FAPS Inc., based in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, has been a pioneer in North American Automotive Pre-delivery Service including Mechanical, Transit Body Repair, Refinishing, Assembly and Modifications.

Faced with the need to check-in and track incoming cargo, FAPS Inc., decided to research wireless mobile solutions that would cover 250 acres of property without interference. After testing several solutions, FAPS Inc. decided to replace its existing paper-based tracking method with a Psion Teklogix solution featuring rugged hand held devices and Fidelity Comtech access points, with the help of integrator Millennium Technologies.

“We found the 7535s to be more robust with larger buttons, which make them easier to work while wearing gloves in the winter. In addition, windshield glare and sunlight was not a problem for the device when scanning. We now have a truly mobile real-time inventory management system and have since implemented [the same] solution at other facilities.” - Chris Heizmann, IT Director, FAPS Inc.

The Challenge:

  • FAPS demanded a unique wireless computing application that would cover its 250-acre facility and handle the 40,000 cars that are moved through the yard each day
  • FAPS required a solution that:
     did not limit its stock-yard cargo space, and
     could support wireless connectivity in a large area outdoor management situation with as few access points as possible
  • Finally, FAPS required that any handheld devices that were implemented across the facility could withstand harsh environments, read and scan barcodes through windshield glare, and send and read messages without environment interference since metal glares and sizeable obstructions on their property made it difficult to ensure secure signals

The Solution:

  • Millennium Technologies partnered with Psion Teklogix to deliver the real-time  wireless inventory tracking system that FAPS demanded
  • The Psion Teklogix 7535, a robust hand held device, offered an answer to the  ongoing issue of scanning barcodes in sunlight and glare through the windshield as well as provided an ergonomic design that helped workers operate the device easily
  • Millennium Technologies then recommended Fidelity Comtech’s Phocus Array System to provide a wireless infrastructure that would work in FAPS’ unique environment
  • The key benefit of Fidelity Comtech’s Phocus Array System is that it enables increased signal range and improved network reliability due to its patented beam steering technology.  The system also extends the wireless reach of WiFi by four times, and hence, reduces the number of required access points and antennas

The Benefits:

  • Improved productivity by 10%
  • Wireless frequency reached four times greater than original system, resulting in a significant reduction in antennas and access points
  • 75% cheaper solution than competing systems
  • Increased efficiency in tracking all cargo
  • Fast ROI – estimated payback within 6-12 months
  • Happier workforce due to user-friendliness of system

http://bit.ly/bMdUTG