Introduction

Woolworths Limited is made up of some of the most recognisable and trusted brands in Australian retailing, across food and grocery, liquor, petrol, general merchandise and consumer electronics.  The organisation is committed to providing its customers with the most enjoyable, quality shopping experience possible.

Woolworths Limited’s IT division plays a crucial role ensuring customers and employees receive a superior retail experience.  The department provisions the deployment and testing of point of sale (POS) terminal software, before it is driven out to Woolworths Limited’s retail stores.

Challenge

For Woolworths Limited to remain competitive and at the forefront POS technology, the IT division needed to expand its testing lab and increase the department’s capacity. 

The lab’s set up was cramped and disorganised, with up to three monitors at a workstation, and no room for additional workstations.  This left the department with two options - to build an additional lab or to look for a space optimisation solution.

An additional lab was not feasible as Woolworths was restricted by time and funding.  Instead, Woolworths Limited opted for a robust space optimisation solution to mount up to three touch screens safely and efficiently, meeting occupational health and safety requirements.

The previous layout did not meet users’ ergonomic needs as they had to reach for the touch screen display.  This repetitive extending of the arm to reach the screen was an occupational health and safety risk.

After some market research, Tony Tang, Lab Manager, IT Department, Woolworths Limited discovered Atdec.

“We evaluated a few other solutions, however other vendors had poor customer support and we decided not to pursue options with them,” said Mr Tang.

In addition, Woolworths Limited had previously worked with Atdec, purchasing and implementing a number of display mounts for another testing lab.

The solution and benefits

After several consultations and trials with Atdec, Woolworths Limited purchased and implemented 172 customised SPACEDEC Display Quick Shift Donut Poles and Quick Shift Donuts.

Atdec’s SPACEDEC Display Quick Shift Donut Pole is an ergonomically designed product that enables customised display installation.  The cutting-edge quick shift leaver lets users adjust the screens, up and down the pole, by hand. Its ball joint allows infinite adjustment for viewing angles up to 40 degrees, while the internal cable management ensures cables are out of sight leaving users with an uncluttered workstation.

Woolworth Limited’s tailored solution uses custom made pins to adjust the display mount neck so that the screens are within users reach.  This minimises the repetitive extension of the arm reducing the occupational health and safety risk.

Mr Tang, said, “Workstations are now more organised and ergonomic.  The previous solution with three displays on top of each other was uncomfortable for staff and an occupational health and safety risk.”

Atdec’s solutions are designed and manufactured out of the highest quality materials and are vigorously tested to ensure they meet safety requirements.

Atdec’s SPACEDEC Display Quick Shift Donut solution has let Woolwoths Limited enhance its lab space, increasing the capacity by 25 per cent (from 50 systems to 62 systems) without additional real estate.

Mr Tang, said, “Real estate is expensive.  The Atdec solution has let us make better use of the space we had, provide safe work conditions and minimise costs.”

“Workstations are more organised. Staff members have regained desk space providing greater room to work, which enhances productivity.”