Following the opening of a new logistics hub and warehouse facility in Palmerston North, New Zealand on 3 October, Australian Defence Apparel New Zealand (ADA NZ) is set to introduce new systems to speed up the process of delivering clothes and garments to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Sarah Pender, ADA NZ project director, told ADM that in January 2024 the company will be launching new body scanners to speed up the clothing measuring process. It is in the process of completing a validation phase with three new scanning systems leased from Melbourne-based Bodd Technology in March 2023.
The validation phase is due to be completed by the end of the year.
Graham Fordy, development manager (wearable systems) at ADA NZ told ADM that using three scanners they can process about 120 NZDF recruits in approximately three hours. This will provide the body measurements needed for the majority of the clothing required including headwear, belts, clothing, non-specialist shoes and other accessories.
He explained that when measuring individuals physically it currently takes two hours to process just 30 recruits and to complete a full intake of 120 recruits it takes two days.
“Using the scanners offers value to the NZDF not just in terms of saving hours in the recruitment process but also in staffing efficiencies allowing clothing store personnel to focus on other work,” Fordy said.
“It also removes human error and avoids personal preferences for clothing that is too tight or too loose,” he explained, “ensuring that it remains functional and standardises the presentation of service personnel on the parade ground.”
The measurements data is then sent to the ADA NZ warehouse in Palmerston North for item picking and shipping.
Following the completion of the validation phase, Fordy expects the scanners to be used to assess the first NZDF recruitment intakes in 2024, although it is not clear yet if further body scanner machines will be leased at this stage. This is a new development for ADA NZ and the NZDF and could provide valuable data for ADA’s Australian Defence Force contracts.
In terms of other technological developments, Chris Dixon, CEO of ADA Group told ADM that a next step will be a move to a more comprehensive online ordering portal in New Zealand: “The Australian business has some 30 organisations running through custom-built online ordering platforms. ADA’s Canadian owners, Logistik Corp, also outfit a similar number of Canadian staff through bespoke online platforms,” Dixon said.
“Then we are working with AI programmes relating to warehouse management, how and where to position products to maximise and streamline deliveries outbound and increase the numbers of orders that are dispatched on any given day.”
“With ADA’s reach back into logistics into Canada and its relationship with ADF it gives us the ideal opportunity to be informed by our partners and industry in this space to make sure we have contemporary military wearables requirements,” Tony McQuillan, Director Defence Equipment Management Organisation, said.
Looking ahead to expanding markets Dixon said ADA NZ is “laser focussed on the first responder groups” including fire, police, and corrections as future market opportunities as this mirrors the company’s client base in Australia. “Some of those agencies have already been in touch as they are aware of our progress here,” he added.