Suffolk Tyre Company
How an Suffolk tyre company improved operational flow with Merlin Cloud
A to B Tyres is a family-run, independent tyre business based in Ipswich, Suffolk. Known for their friendly and professional service, the company has built a strong reputation in their local community. However, they were facing challenges in managing operational flow within their warehouse and addressing long customer wait times during peak hours.
Challenge
Despite their success, A to B Tyres struggled with operational inefficiencies that impacted both staff productivity and customer satisfaction. They needed to improve staff productivity within the warehouse, reduce customer wait times and identify busy hours to allocate staff.
Additionally, the company lacked insight into peak traffic periods, which made it difficult to allocate staff effectively. Security during non-operating hours also became a concern, as the warehouse and car park had minimal surveillance, leaving the premises vulnerable to potential security breaches.
Objectives
They wanted to use Merlin Cloud's advanced camera technology to gain real-time insights into their warehouse operations and customer flow.
Decrease the wait times for customers
Avoid distractions or delays from staff in the warehouse
Improve security during non-operating hours
By better understanding their busiest times and monitoring staff activity, they hoped to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and ensure the security of their premises.
Solution
Merlin Cloud provided a comprehensive camera tracking system tailored to the specific needs of A to B Tyres. Footfall and queue tracking cameras were installed across the facility, covering both the interior warehouse and the car park. This technology allowed the business owner to monitor customer flow and staff movements in real-time. Through a centralised dashboard, the system tracked the number of customers waiting in their cars and identified who was present in the warehouse at any given time.
In addition to improving operational visibility, the camera system also doubled as a security solution, providing 24/7 surveillance of the premises. This ensured that both the warehouse and the surrounding areas were monitored continuously, addressing the company’s concerns about after-hours security.
Our system allowed the owner to track in real-time who was inside the warehouse and customers waiting outside in their cars.
This allowed for the owner to:
Track in real-time who was inside the warehouse.
The number of cars and customers waiting outside.
Use the Merlin Cloud's cameras to double as security cameras.
Results
The implementation of Merlin Cloud’s camera technology brought significant improvements to A to B Tyres' day-to-day operations. Real-time monitoring helped reduce customer wait times, improving the overall experience and satisfaction. With better insights into customer flow, the company was able to adjust staff schedules, ensuring that more personnel were available during peak hours to handle demand efficiently.
In the warehouse, productivity saw a marked improvement. The system's ability to monitor staff movements helped reduce distractions, ensuring that employees remained focused on their tasks. This not only sped up operations but also created a more organised workflow. Furthermore, the 24/7 camera surveillance gave the business owner peace of mind, knowing that their facility was secured at all times.
Merlin Cloud’s tracking technology has transformed how we operate. We can now manage warehouse activity and customer queues easier, improving service times and staff focus. The night security feature is a bonus, and the data insights have helped us optimise staffing. We’re thrilled with the results.
Ben Smythe
CEO, A to B Tyres
Conclusion
By integrating Merlin Cloud's advanced camera solutions, A to B Tyres successfully transformed their business operations. They experienced increased staff productivity, shorter customer wait times, and improved security. The data-driven insights provided by the system allowed for smarter scheduling and resource allocation, helping the company operate more efficiently and provide better service. The result was a noticeable boost in both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
