Streamlining Inventory for a Travel Retail Giant with CipherLab's Keypad Handheld Solution
Stocktaking and Inventory Check Solutions
With 1,700 stores spanning 26 countries, this premier convenience and travel retailer is a trusted presence in high-traffic locations such as airports, hospitals, and railway stations. Driven by a mission to deliver a quick and hassle-free shopping experience for travelers, the retailer offers a diverse product range—from food and beverages to confectionery, digital goods, and travel accessories. This customer-centric approach has fueled rapid growth, including the expansion to over 120 stores and more than 500 employees in Australia alone.Breaking Free from Manual Stocktaking Constraints
Despite its scale and growth, the retailer relied on a manual stocktaking process. Store staff recorded item numbers by hand, physically counted stock, documented quantities on paper, and later returning to the office to enter the data into the ERP system. This labor-intensive approach limited stocktakes to only a few times a year and often led to inventory inaccuracies and stock losses. The retailer required a faster, more accurate, and more efficient stocktaking solution.
Real-Time Precision with Rugged Keypad Terminals and Stocktake App
A rugged handheld terminal with a physical keypad was identified as a key requirement to support fast and accurate data entry. The retailer adopted the CipherLab RK25 rugged mobile computer—with CipherLab's RK26 now available as the next-generation successor model offering enhanced performance. The solution delivered durability, budget-friendliness, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling real-time data transmission to the central database.
The handheld terminal was paired with Track n Trace's stocktake application, which integrated seamlessly into daily operations. Staff could simply scan barcodes, count inventory, and enter quantities directly on the device—eliminating paper-based recording and manual data re-entry. Both annual and cycle stocktakes became significantly faster and more accurate.
Measurable Gains in Speed, Accuracy, and Loss Reduction
The impact was immediate and measurable. Stocktaking efficiency increased by 80%, while data accuracy improved by 15%. The retailer also increased stocktaking frequency from monthly to weekly, resulting in a nearly 5% reduction in store losses. Inventory visibility improved, and staff productivity increased across all participating stores.
Future-Ready Inventory Management with CipherLab
By adopting CipherLab's keypad handheld terminal and an integrated stocktake application, this global airport retailer successfully modernized its inventory management process. The solution delivered faster operations, higher accuracy, and reduced losses—demonstrating how CipherLab's mobile computing solutions, including the next-generation RK26, support retailers in achieving operational excellence in demanding retail environments.