Sato mobile printing solution helps fashion retailer K&L Ruppert achieve time, cost and space savings

The ability to quickly price, label and markdown goods, in store and warehouse, is vital for any retail operation. For this reason when leading fashion retailer, K&L Ruppert, was looking to update its labelling processes for pricing, promotions and stock flow it sought a solution that would save time and also be cost effective and highly efficient. To fulfil this critical business operation K&L Ruppert turned to to the global barcode, labelling and Automatic Identification and Data Collection specialist Sato.

Sato proposed the MB200i mobile printer that combines compact, lightweight and rugged design with high performance capability for on-demand and portable print applications. Previously K&L Ruppert required a significant amount of space to house the stationary label printers it used to control pricing, promotions and stock movement in support of its network of 65 nationwide stores. The introduction of the MB200i not only allowed K&L Ruppert to save space, but also the time previously required to use a stationary printer. The MB200i represented a lightweight and simple to use portable printing solution that has enabled K&L Ruppert's staff to increase the speed with which they apply labels to clothing when performing labelling functions and fast turnarounds on promotions.

Since purchasing 200 MB200i printers from Sato, K&L Ruppert has witnessed a noticeable improvement in the speed and efficiency with which its staff can price, label and markdown goods in store. Due to its high level of functionality, the MB200i has also been utilised in the internal flow of goods between K&L Ruppert's stores and warehouses. This has allowed staff to perform stock reduction and changes of inventory both more quickly and at a shorter notice. The MB200i is perfectly suited for multiple applications, being capable of printing high quality and easy to read adhesive labels that can be applied to both clothing and packages used in the internal transfer of goods.

Zdenko Bajac, IT Business Manager at K&L Ruppert, spoke of the benefits witnessed since the introduction of the Sato MB200i printer: "The MB200i is an extremely versatile and cost effective solution that has enabled us to perform all our pricing and promotions very quickly and enabled staff to easily apply labels straight to clothing without a stationary printer. The MB200i's versatility has also enabled us to handle the flow of goods between our branches more effectively and in a faster and more secure way than previously. As a result we can now perform two tasks with one device, making the labelling process easier and saving time, space and costs as a result".

Another key factor in K&L Ruppert's decision to choose the MB200i printer was the support offered by Sato. Throughout the installation process a Sato representative was available to offer guidance and as a result K&L Ruppert were keen to take up the after-sales service package.

The Sato MB200i represents a truly mobile solution that can be attached to either the hip or shoulder of the wearer for ease of use. The MB200i also incorporates a large and easy to change label roll and a high capacity battery for extended operating time. The MB200i is one of the industry's first printers to include built-in Peel & Present and Linerless material handling capabilities and also includes a large LCD and Bluetooth wireless technologies. The MB200i has the added benefit of an anti-microbial outer casing, enabling sequential operation by multiple users and reducing the possible spread of infection.