Amethyst Systems 'provides the UK's most advanced cold storage facility with a new warehouse solution'

Bristol-based bespoke software developer, Amethyst Systems, has secured another major contract and has provided the UK's most advanced cold storage facility with a new warehouse solution, which is already enabling the movement of a record number of pallets.

Amethyst Systems, which is based in Portishead, completely overhauled Freezeserve's warehouse system in Liverpool, replacing their existing SAP-based system with state-of-the-art technology that would successfully integrate with their IT and automated cold storage structure.

The new system has already enabled Freezeserve to break their logistics records and in its first full month of operation it facilitated an incredible 23,401 pallet movements.

Amethyst Systems kitted out Freezeserve's secure 20-acre cold store with the latest in pallet management systems, featuring real-time barcode scanning and the ability to oversee orders centrally. The new unique features allow easy tracking of stock movements within the warehouse, automatic importing of orders to reduce manual input and quarantine of stock.

Richard Pollard, operations manager for Freezeserve, said: "Our overall goal was to find a system that would serve multiple clients and give them access to view information about the stock we hold on their behalf, and this system has captured that perfectly.

"When we met with Amethyst and discussed their offering, we could see that the benefits clearly stacked up and that there were numerous advantages that the technology would deliver. I was confident in their ability to produce this system on time and within budget, and that's exactly what they've done. Not only has the system improved efficiency in the warehouse, it also provides reports on stock-holding for invoicing purposes."

Lee Dowson, director of Amethyst Systems, said: "We built upon our knowledge of warehouse systems to provide a complete package. This consisted of a web application with SQL server database backend, a full reporting suite and a separate scanning app to run on Windows CE devices.

"We built this to meet Freezeserve's requirements for a system that would map across handheld devices such as the Boston 8550 and the truck-mounted Vienna forklift computers that were provided by TouchStar Technologies. We also tailored our software so that it could interface with the OptilogX automated cold storage facility provided by ORTEC, because the efficient movement and storage of frozen food was essential," Lee continued.

Peter Marsh, sales director at TouchStar, added: "We are delighted with the outcome of the implementation, which is testament to Amethyst's professionalism and expertise within the logistics sector. Following a thorough testing and development process, the rugged Boston and Vienna devices have streamlined Freezeserve's existing operational process, capturing data and executing stock movements dictated by Amethysts advanced Warehouse IT system. We are proud to have played a part in the development of such an impressive cold storage facility and look forward to working with both Amethyst and Freezeserve on future projects."