Bakers Basco is increasing its deployment of GPS tracking devices by 42% in the Midlands.
This strategic move from the membership scheme is said to have come in response to a surge in cases of bakery equipment abuse and misuse in the English region.
It forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen recovery efforts by Bakers Basco, which was established in 2006 by Allied Bakeries, Fine Lady Bakeries, Frank Roberts & Sons, Hovis, and Warburtons.
GPS technology was first introduced into Bakers Basco equipment in 2015. The custom-made tracking devices were developed by Lightbug, with each weighing approximately 140g – comparable to a deck of cards. They offer a robust battery life of up to 15 years, Bluetooth 5.0 technology, NFC capabilities, and remote-controlled alarms for equipment tracking alerts.
The latest investment to expand equipment tracking targets key areas in the Midlands where data has shown a concerning rise in unauthorised use and theft of Omega baskets and dollies. Bakers Basco was previously awarded £47k in legal costs and expenses after working with police to uncover a criminal operation in West Bromwich that was illegally turning its bread trays and wheeled dollies into plastic chipping. GPD trackers contributed to 19% of all charges made in Bakers Basco most recent financial year.
“By increasing the deployment of GPS trackers in the Midlands, we are taking a proactive stance against the growing issue of equipment misuse,” said Stacey Brown, national investigations manager at Bakers Basco. “The ability to precisely track and recover missing assets not only improves our operational efficiency but also helps us hold those responsible accountable.”
Beyond recovery efforts, the GPS trackers provide valuable insights into equipment movement, enabling Bakers Basco to analyse turn rates and pinpoint bottlenecks within its supply chain. This data allows for better resource allocation and improved operational flow.
Bakers Basco manages an equipment pool of around five million reusable Omega baskets and 500,000 dollies. Each piece can be recycled up to 400 times before reaching the end of its lifecycle.
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