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March 4, 2016
Jim Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Wholesale Mart Corporation
Issaquah, Washington
James George
Warehouse Manager
Wholesale Mart Corporation
#772 Vancouver, Washington
Marissa MacKinnon
Stocker, Merchandise Nights
Wholesale Mart Corporation
#772 Vancouver, Washington
Recommendation Memo Regarding Inventory Handhelds

Purpose
The purpose of this memo is to present the studied material found to extract the best option of
accessing inventory of Wholesale Mart while on the job and away from the computer software in
order to increase member service efficiency.

Summary
I took the authority upon myself to conduct a study projected at finding the best option for
accessing inventory while on the job. Inventory of a certain item or items at Wholesale Mart is
easily the most common inquiry by members, as well as employees. I devised research
condemning the efficiency, cost, and quality of handheld devices, such as phones and/or
scanners, and software among inventory supplies.
Currently, Wholesale Mart #772 (Vancouver, WA location) uses two computers located on the
front end of the warehouse, and two located in the back to help members and employees find a
certain item in the inventory. It is more often than not, a hassle to find another employee close to
a computer and free of duties at that specific moment. Implementing handheld devices among
employees while on the job will lower waiting times, increase job productivity, and increase
member service ratings.
In order to carry out my study, I devised five main tasks to conduct with the help of employees,
administrative staff, and past trade journals. I devised surveys which provided me with a wide
range of opinions and concerns regarding handheld devices. After researching, interviews, and
comparing, I came out with a final recommendation and report to present to the Wholesale Mart
Headquarters and the administrative staff at the #772 location of Wholesale Mart.
The five tasks were researched and assessed resulting in sufficient positive information.
Employee supplied devices were compared to company supplied devices, with company devices

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Recommendation Memo

prevailing sufficiently lower in cost as well as usage reviews. The company device is represented
by the Motorola handheld scanning device that is available in nearly every Wholesale Mart
Corporation Warehouse across the world. I recommend two options, but favor the first option:
purchasing Redbeam inventory tracking software applied to the Motorola handheld scanners due
to cost efficiency and the ability to upgrade our member service as a company.

Introduction
At the #772 Vancouver, Washington of Wholesale Mart warehouse there are two computers at
the front end location of the store which are allocated to many uses other than inventory
searches. Wholesale Mart Corporation employees uses two-way radios to communicate from
person to person. Often radio use is for inventory requests by members, and more than often, it is
a hassle to get in contact with another employee who is available. I have researched and analyzed
a solution to find the paths to obtaining workplace handhelds that are installed with an inventory
software for employees to use.
Members often stop employees that work on the floor past front end for help finding a certain
product. Usually each merchandising employee along with managers and supervisors will have
two way radios on them that are used to contact other employees. There are only three areas with
computers with access to inventory numbers and it is very difficult to catch an employee
available to check supply on the computer. Usually this process takes two to ten minutes which is
more than necessary. This is a common inconvenient solution for members inquiries as well as
for employees. Frequently, more than one employee will be searching for an inventory status
which commonly creates a dispute and frustrated emotions between employees of who was
waiting longer while trying to provide the quickest member service possible. Members often get
mad and frustrated with this unnecessary wait and delay.
Unfortunately, in Wholesale Mart, we as a company lack the full initiative process to member
service. When a member stops an employee we are always happy and proud to help, but it
becomes frustrating to both the member and employee when we cannot help as quickly as we
would like. We would benefit from a device available to most employees that would help us
provide the quickest and most efficient member service. A device for every employee would not
be necessary because employees at the front end working as cashiers or cashier assistants have a
computer with access to inventory only a few yards away from them. Just having the inventory
accessible device on multiple employees will decrease waiting time to find an answer to a small
inquiry such as "Do you guys still have alfredo sauce?"
Wholesale Mart Corporations mission is to continually provide our members with quality goods
and services at the lowest possible price. By implicating a newer and higher efficient method to
searching inventory, member service will increase greatly therefore continually increasing
member satisfaction. Increasing the ways to check inventory will lead to quicker and more
efficient member service reflecting our mission statement, as well as resulting in higher sales and
increasing employees productivity levels.
Outside of work, during my personal time I often notice different tactics and strategies in
workplaces that I would have not noticed before. After being employed to Wholesale Mart, I
have the experience as a shopper, as well as a provider to those who shop. I have noticed that

March 4th, 2016

Recommendation Memo

successful worldwide companies implement the newest advanced technology to their daily
duties. Some stores use handhelds to check inventories, process debit and credit card
transactions, and look up a clients past transactions for returns. Personally, I find it useful that
when I do not have a large allocated amount of time, the employees with the handheld portable
devices can speed up my process and leave me with more time to my day. Therefore, I have
conducted this proposal in order to improve Wholesale Mart Corporations code of ethics and
update to todays evolving technology.

Research Methods
Task 1. Assess the attitude towards the proposed plan among employees and administrative staff
of the #772 Vancouver, Washington warehouse
Prior to starting any research among literature, trade journals, or companies specializing in
inventory software, I met with the Assistant Warehouse Manager, Taryn Williams, and the Front
End Manager, Nick Johnson. The three of us compared ideas with consideration of three main
factors:
Company cost
Product efficiency
Brief pros and cons of the new inventory methods compared to the current software
Task 2. Review and improve the basic knowledge of tech-devices among employees
Any given employee at Wholesale Mart has the permission and ability to use the current
computer inventory software. With this ability, not all employees take advantage of this feature
due to not being able to remember the key codes. Some employees rather not ask their peers,
supervisors, and managers repetitively in order to avoid embarrassment or due to having a shy
personality. I asked front end supervisors if there is any trend of who remembers the codes, how
quickly the average learning time is, and any other observations they may come across. No
matter the reason to not remembering or knowing the main key codes, I found that the simplest
resolution to this was creating a small, laminated slip with the most common codes to use. I
handed these slips out to each cashier, cashier assistant, merchandising night employees (as well
to any employees by request), and placed a slip near each computer.
Task 3. Compare a BYOD and company supplied devices models
The implication of new inventory software brings the possibility of either bring your own
device (BYOD) or company supplied devices. While having employees provide their own
devices through their smart phones will decrease the costs of buying new devices, this instead
will leave the company at risk for becoming responsible for data payments. #772 warehouse does
provide a locked secured wireless internet connection already, therefore there will be no
increased costs. The overall costs of the selected device will be compared to the costs of the
highest optimal data payments, leading to task four. Previous research done through my
education at Washington State University, brought me upon the literature and research assessed
between the pros and cons of BYOD and company provided devices (Jackson, 2011a, 2011b).
Luckily, I was able to receive some advice and reviews from a world-wide retail store employee
who daily integrates the usage of inventory devices into work duties.

March 4th, 2016

Recommendation Memo

Task 4. Review the costs and overall results of the top rated inventory software
Estimates are available to Wholesale Mart from inventory software developers by request.
Research previously conducted by myself has shown that developers commonly partner with
another company that produces devices in order to properly support the software at its highest
potential in order to provide the most satisfaction and efficiency. This provides more simplicity
to Wholesale Mart by cutting a middle man out and already have the research conducted between
software and device necessary.
Task 5. Develop a data and recommendation report for employees and shareholders
I have produced a closing survey for employees and as well as included members for this final
step. The results will be calculated and implemented into a data and recommendation report that
will be sent to Wholesale Marts headquarters. The reports will be reviewed and potentially
forwarded to the warehouse managers of remaining Wholesale Marts in order to have a preview
of the proposed plan. Similar research previously done will assist me in what views to consider,
and how to get the most efficient and useful reviews for the companys benefit.

Results
After all the research was done, I have gathered and reviewed my valuable findings here. I have
have kept honest throughout my research to show results, without leaning towards favoring or
hiding any information found.
Task 1. Assess the attitude towards the proposed plan among employees and administrative staff
of the #772 Vancouver, Washington warehouse
As an Assistant Warehouse Manager, Taryn Williams considers any costs to potentially be a loss.
Therefore, the lower the costs of any researched product will be a huge positive but all three of
us understand that the cheapest option isnt always the best option.
After the most recent semi-annual inventory night in the #772 warehouse loss prevention is one
of the most important focuses. Lost prevention solutions have gone as far as requiring removing
and relocating every item at a register under fifteen pounds no matter the size and dimensions.
With these new regulations at work, handling expensive handhelds on more employees definitely
poses a loss prevention threat. Two-way radios compared to handheld inventory devices are as
cheap as you can get.
With all of these consideration, the mission statement of Wholesale Mart remains to continually
provide our members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible price. This simple
device could greatly improve member service while also resolving one of the biggest complaints
in member service.
Task 2. Review and improve the basic knowledge of tech-devices among employees
I found that the simplest resolution to this was creating a small, laminated slip with the most
common codes to use. I handed these slips out to each cashier, cashier assistant, merchandising

March 4th, 2016

Recommendation Memo

night employees (as well to any employees by request), and placed a slip near each computer.
Employees were able to easily access the codes without the assistance of other employees. This
alone improved job productivity by reducing distractions from other duties and improving front
end abilities and strength across the computer software.
Task 3. Compare a BYOD and company supplied devices models
Although I was doubtful with my ability to discuss inventory devices with a competitive
company, I prevailed with a small scale interview. I was able to discuss the pros and cons of
different devices used at Target Corporation with an employee. She explained how at her store
they use Apple devices iPad and iPod Touch as well as Motorola hand-scanner devices.
Based on her experience, Apple devices commonly crashed with updates and screen freezing.
She strongly recommends using Motorola hand-scanning devices.
Additionally, there comes the possibility of using employees devices in a Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) such as phones or tablets. Due to using personal property while on the job and
for the job, Wholesale Mart would be liable for covering the data costs. Researching my own
data cost of $80/month I applied this to an estimated amount of employees using this system. At
about $80/month for approximately 30 employees, this would cost an estimated amount of $2400
per month, and $28,800 yearly at one warehouse.
Upon my research for company supplied devices and based on my interview with an employee I
opted for the handheld scanning devices. Motorola handheld scanners appeared to be the best
reviewed device. Wholesale Mart Corporation #772 warehouse has ten of these devices already,
therefore costing nothing upfront. Motorola handheld scanning devices cost approximately $500$1000 each.
Task 4. Review the costs and overall results of the top rated inventory software
Inventory Management Systems website lead me to Redbeam software. Redbeam is used by
some of the top national and worldwide companies such as St. Judes Children Hospital,
American Express, and Louisiana State University. Redbeam inventory tracking software
recommends using Motorola handheld scanners, with is one of the most cost efficient candidates
for this proposal. Redbeam mobile edition inventory software costs $3495 which is able to be
used across five devices maximum.
Task 5. Develop a data and recommendation report for employees and shareholders
BYOD + Redbeam inventory tracking software
Due to liability over unknown exact employee data payments, I have estimated about $80
per employee per month need to be allocated to this. Since employee supplied devices
cannot be shared or left behind said employees shifts, there needs to be additionally
purchased software. I estimate 30 employees (spread across managers, supervisors, and
merchandising employees) will have the software on their phone or tablet. The Redbeam
inventory tracking software allocates for five devices, there for six software purchases
($20970). All together this will cost an estimated $23370 upfront, and about $2400
monthly after the initial purchase for monthly data payments.

Company supplied device + Redbeam inventory tracking software

March 4th, 2016

Recommendation Memo

Pursuing this method, is will be substantially more cost efficient than that of a BYOD
method. Basing off of the #772 Vancouver, Washington warehouse, there is ten Motorola
handheld scanning devices. Two units of the Redbeam inventory tracking software will
be necessary for ten scanning devices ($6990). Overall, the cost of company supplied
devices and inventory software will be $6990.

Conclusions
Based on the research and results found through my efforts across journals, interviews, and
company sale sites, I have developed highly usable information pertaining company inventory.
Concluding my research, I have came up with the following:
BYOD + Redbeam inventory tracking software
If Wholesale Mart Corporation employees used their own supplied devices such as
smartphones or tablets, the company will be obligated cover data payments. I have estimated
based on my own cell phone plan to allocate $80 per month per employee for the BYOD
plan. If 30 employees possess the Redbeam inventory tracking software on their device, the
company will have to purchase six software packages costing $20970 and be responsible for
an estimated $2400 monthly data payments.
Company supplied device + Redbeam inventory tracking software
Opting for the use of handheld scanners, rather than smaller devices such as phones or
tablets, the company will already have the necessary devices therefore saving sufficient
money. By implicating the current ten Motorola handheld scanning devices, Wholesale Mart
will need two software packages costing $6990 total including company supplied devices.

Recommendations
While many could still consider staying with the current inventory software of only using
computers accessed by near-by employees and two-way radios, I am positioned strongly towards
using option 1.
Option 1: Improve inventory software through implicating the current handheld scanners
Wholesale Mart Corporations mission is to continually provide our members with quality goods
and services at the lowest possible price. So why wouldnt we as a company install a new
software to improve member experiences? I do understand that close to forty percent of
Wholesale Mart Corporations sales come from frequently moving items, which causes members
to search for their intended items on their grocery list but coming across new and fresh items.
While I do take this into great consideration, I strongly insist that improving inventory software
will not decrease this portion of sales. Not every member requests assistance but most members
who inquire inventory statuses will first shop the warehouse, then ask. By implicating a newer
and higher efficient method to searching inventory, member service will increase greatly
therefore continually increasing member satisfaction. Increasing the ways to check inventory will

March 4th, 2016

Recommendation Memo

lead to quicker and more efficient member service reflecting our mission statement, as well as
resulting in higher sales and increasing employees productivity levels.
Option 2: Continue to use the current inventory software and tools
Wholesale Mart Corporation Headquarters may have no desire to make progress on new
inventory ethics, therefore an addition option is to of course maintain the current inventory
software through the computers. The software is understood more through employees due to the
laminated slips spread throughout the warehouse. Staying with this software is safe and requires
no additional costs, but it causes a delay to the companys technology progress and therefore
declining and failing to stay ahead of future sales and marketing.

References

March 4th, 2016

Recommendation Memo

Green, L., Neff, V., Hughes, J., & Notartomas, T. (2008). Choosing a Hand-Held Inventory
Device. Retrieved February 21, 2016, from http://www.istl.org/08-summer/article4.html
"Interview with Anonymous Employee from Target Corporation." Personal interview. 29 Feb.
2016. Employee choose to stay anonymous
"IPod Touch." Apple. Apple. Web. 04 Mar. 2016. iTouch pricing info
Jackson, S. (2011, August 15). 5 reasons hospitals should buy tablets for physicians. Retrieved
February 21, 2016, from http://www.fiercemobilehealthcare.com/story/5-reasons-whyhospitals-should-buy-tablets-physicians/2011-08-15
Jackson, S. (2011, August 3). Why physicians should buy their own mobile devices. Retrieved
February 21, 2016, from http://www.fiercemobilehealthcare.com/story/why-physiciansshould-buy-their-own-mobile-devices/2011-08-03
"RB-MIT-5." Redbeam Inventory Tracking Mobile Edition. Web. 04 Mar. 2016.

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