Driscoll Delivers the Freshest Strawberries

Driscoll uses the accurate, real-time data on product movements and is developing key performance indicators that it will use to better manage and train its staff, which ultimately will raise productivity. Mobile computing, printing and bar code scanning have already boosted productivity in the facilities where the system has been installed.

"Our labor needs would increase 25 percent, minimum, if we didn't have the automation system," says Bonds. "Our product handling and loading would also be cumbersome, with a lot of accuracy issues."

The accurate, real-time data the system provides prevents losses from unsalable products by ensuring the right berries are shipped at the right time. Having labeling and scanning systems operational at all times is also key to Driscoll's distribution and inventory efficiency.