The dispatch, tracking, and tracing of numerous multi-product cartons departing from a UK distribution center daily have been enhanced by a warehouse automation initiative incorporating a Domino Print & Apply labelling system. TGW Ltd, a UK-headquartered global expert in logistics, storage, and warehouse automation, selected Domino’s M-Series machines to implement three distinct levels of machine-readable coding (MRC) for its international client.
Fast Facts
- TGW, a global logistics and warehouse automation provider based in the UK, relies on Domino’s M-Series print and apply labellers.
- The M-Series labellers are employed to achieve three distinct levels of machine-readable coding (MRC) within TGW’s operations.
- The increasing prevalence of online shopping worldwide is fostering a demand for heightened automation and more streamlined distribution processes.
- Solutions like the one implemented by TGW are versatile and can be adapted for various e-commerce and fulfilment center applications.
“The team consistently met our expectations, and I will always contemplate choosing Domino for future projects.” – Trevor Chesterton, TGW Project Manager
Traceable Until Final Delivery
Cartons needed to be traceable both within the expansive UK-based warehouse, equivalent to the size of three professional football pitches, and all the way to the point of delivery to a network of retailers in the UK.
TGW Project Manager Trevor Chesterton praised Domino’s offering as “a high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to incumbent suppliers.”
“Domino accommodated a difficult and fluid set of requirements from TGW and balanced our client’s precise specifications to negotiate the best solution.”
As part of the project, Domino customized its solution to seamlessly integrate with the end client’s shipping labeling processes. It was also designed to be fully compatible with the Zebra technology used by the end client’s dispatch systems.
Easily Applicable Across Various e-Commerce Platforms
Domino’s OEM Sales Manager, David Edwards, highlighted TGW’s solution as highly adaptable. “We possess both top-tier products and technical know-how to deliver Print & Apply labelling solutions across a wide spectrum of e-commerce and fulfilment centres. Our strength lies in our flexibility to provide tailored solutions, offering various label applicator styles to handle labels of any size and orientation with speed and efficiency. We can configure our systems’ digital I/O to align with the automation provider’s control preferences. Additionally, we can integrate specific third-party print engines, such as Zebra, as necessary. The integration possibilities for our systems are extensive,” Edwards explained.
Enhanced In-House Traceability…
To ensure traceability within the distribution center itself, every carton receives a unique serial number during assembly. This serial number, in the form of a barcode, is applied to both sides of the carton through a label known as its license plate. Domino supplied two pairs of license plate label applicators, one pair for each production line, each pair being controlled by its own PAC (Print Automation Controller) Box. The PAC Box, a self-contained and programmable console, manages digital input/output signals as well as protocol and communication data.
TGW devised the system to halt the carton and send a signal to the PAC box, initiating the Print & Apply cycle for both machines. Once labeling is complete on both sides of the carton, a signal indicating cycle completion is returned, prompting the release of the box. As the box is released onto its conveyor, barcode scanners on both sides of the line confirm correct printing and application.
An additional sensor signals the PAC box to increment the serial numbers on the barcodes. Once the carton is dispatched for delivery, the purpose of the license plate label is fulfilled.
…Enhanced Management of the Supply Chain
Incorporation of Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) Solution into the Project
As part of the initiative, the project also integrated a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) solution. This entails printing labels with the complete dispatch address details, including SSCC barcodes, on each carton or tote leaving the facility.
Approximately one-third of the outgoing cartons require an SSCC code, typically an 18-digit number that facilitates the identification of logistics units through automated reading processes.
Compatibility with the logistics systems of courier partners was crucial for Domino’s tracking solution, ensuring confirmation when cartons reached the designated retailer or fulfilment centre.
After packing, trimming, and sealing the cartons, additional M230i machines execute Print & Apply for the shipper labels, incorporating addressee details and courier MRCs for dispatch. TGW manages the data for these labels, transmitting it to Domino machines via Ethernet.
For TGW, Domino’s expertise and personalized service met all of Chesterton’s Print & Apply requirements. He expressed satisfaction, stating, “The team never once let us down, and I will always consider using Domino in the future.”
“TGW presented Domino with a challenging and dynamic set of requirements, and Domino adeptly navigated our client’s specific specifications to arrive at the optimal solution.” – Trevor Chesterton, TGW Project Manager
