Apex Steel, one of Australia’s largest privately owned steel processors and distributors, has digitized its warehouse and shop floor operations using mobile computing, barcode scanning and printing solutions from Zebra Technologies.
The company, which operates a national network of more than a dozen sites, implemented the new system to replace a legacy paper-based process that caused stock inaccuracies and order fulfilment delays.
As part of the upgrade, Apex Steel deployed Zebra’s MC9 series ultra-rugged mobile computers, DS3600 series barcode scanners, and ZT400 series industrial printers. The project was delivered in partnership with Zebra reseller LogiQ-On Technology, alongside an upgrade of Apex Steel’s warehouse management system to Produmex WMS, integrated with the company’s SAP Business One platform.
The digital workflow allows real-time inventory visibility and faster order processing. According to the company, order receiving times have been reduced from around one hour to about 10 minutes, significantly improving operational efficiency.
On the shop floor, barcode scanners verify coil specifications before cutting to prevent production errors, while industrial printers automate the labelling of finished packs to reduce shipping mistakes.
Apex Steel supplies a broad range of long and flat steel products, including roofing, cladding, structural steel, pipes and merchant bar, along with sheet and coil processing services.
