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Bronken's Distributing
Bronken’s Distributing, a leader in the wine and beer industry in southwest Montana, faced challenges scaling operations due to rapid growth and outdated processes in their former facility. Moving to a modern 72,000-square-foot warehouse, the company partnered with Pine Cove Consulting and RUCKUS Networks to deploy a robust wireless network infrastructure.
Utilizing RUCKUS Wi-Fi 6 access points, RUCKUS 8200 switches, and Virtual SmartZone, the new network delivers comprehensive coverage, real-time connectivity, and support for IoT automation, significantly improving order accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Key outcomes include a leap from 75-85% to 98% order accuracy and seamless operations across multiple shifts. With a scalable infrastructure, Bronken’s is positioned for future growth, leveraging technology as a strategic asset in their distribution network.
Project Highlights
Requirements
- Complete Coverage: Ensuring reliable and comprehensive wireless network coverage throughout the warehouse and office spaces.
- Real-Time Connectivity: Supporting uninterrupted connections for employees using wireless devices to track inventory and process orders efficiently.
- Ample Capacity for IoT Automation: Providing the infrastructure to accommodate IoT devices such as access controls, security cameras, environmental sensors, and automated lighting systems.
- High Network Reliability: Avoiding dead zones, interference, and outages that could disrupt operations and productivity.
Solutions
- R650 Wi-Fi 6 Access Points (APs)
- Provided reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity throughout the warehouse, overcoming challenges like metal shelving and concrete structures.
- Utilized patented BeamFlex® technology to adapt antenna patterns and deliver robust signals without interference.
- RUCKUS 8200 Switches
- Powered the network infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity for all devices and systems, including IoT technology.
- RUCKUS Virtual SmartZone (vSZ)
- A cloud-ready WLAN controller capable of managing up to 30,000 APs and 450,000 clients per cluster.
- Custom Network Design
- Designed the network to overcome specific challenges, such as connectivity in the 8,400-square-foot refrigerated keg cooler.
Key Outcomes
- Improved Order Accuracy: Achieved a significant leap from 75-85% to 98% accuracy, reducing errors and ensuring timely deliveries.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Streamlined inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and warehouse operations, enabling three shifts of continuous operation.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Delivered reliable, seamless wireless coverage throughout the 72,000-square-foot warehouse, including challenging areas like the refrigerated keg cooler.
- Scalability for Future Growth: Established a flexible, modular network infrastructure ready to support future warehouse expansions and increased operational demands.
- IoT Integration: Supported advanced IoT automation, including access control, environmental sensors, and security systems, further boosting efficiency and security.
