McCormick Place Achieves 98% Inventory Accuracy with FOOD-TRAK® and Zebra
McCormick Place, managed by Oak View Group, hosts events serving between 100,000 and 200,000 people weekly. Renowned for hosting a diverse array of events, from trade shows and conventions to meetings and banquets, McCormick Place is a pivotal hub for both national and international gatherings.
Zebra Success Story: McCormick Place
Overview: Hospitality Challenge
McCormick Place wanted to address the inefficiencies and challenges in its kitchen inventory management processes. The convention center needed a more efficient and accurate system than its existing manual methods, which relied on spreadsheets and handwritten notes. With expertise from System Concepts, Inc. (SCI), the developer of the FOOD-TRAK System, and Zebra, McCormick Place was able to address these challenges.
Benefits / Outcomes
- Inventory accuracy increased from 80% to close to 98%, minimizing errors and enhancing operational reliability
- The time spent on inventory management was cut in half, from over 30 hours to about 16 hours weekly
- Improved staff morale due to a reduction in tedious manual tasks
This story and all related content are republished with expressed permission from System Concepts, Inc.
Customer
McCormick Place/Oak View Group
Chicago, Illinois/USA
Partner
System Concepts, Inc. (SCI) / FOOD-TRAK
Industry
Hospitality
Solutions
About McCormick Place
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, located in Chicago, Illinois, and managed by the Oak View Group. It features over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space and hosts a wide range of events, from trade shows to banquets, attracting millions of visitors annually. As a central hub for national and international gatherings, McCormick Place requires efficient operations to meet the demands of its extensive clientele.
The Challenge
McCormick Place faced challenges in managing its kitchen inventory for catering operations that serve between 100,000 and 200,000 people weekly. The reliance on manual processes, including spreadsheets and handwritten notes, led to inefficiencies, high labor hours and inaccuracies in inventory management. These challenges necessitated a more efficient and reliable solution to maintain high standards in its operations.
We're using the Zebra ET40, which saves us so much time and energy. When you're on your dock, you just start them up and you just scan all your inventories when you're shipping and receiving, I couldn't imagine doing inventory without it.
The Solution
McCormick Place implemented FOOD-TRAK, an enterprise food and beverage management system developed by SCI, alongside Zebra’s ET40 tablets. The integration of these technologies streamlined the inventory management process, reducing the need for manual input. This comprehensive solution was tailored to fit seamlessly with existing business processes, optimizing inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.
The Zebra Difference: Outcome and Benefits
The implementation of FOOD-TRAK and Zebra technologies resulted in significant improvements for McCormick Place. Inventory accuracy increased from 80% to 98%, and labor hours were halved from over 30 to about 16 hours weekly, leading to substantial cost savings. The enhanced efficiency and reduced manual tasks improved staff morale and set a new standard for operational excellence. This transformation underscored McCormick Place’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in its food service operations.
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