The Hazchem Network

The challenge

The Hazchem Network was established in 2004 and provides the transportation of hazardous goods across the UK through 50 of their independent ADR transport members in every region of the country. In their first year, Hazchem were winners of the Logichem European Supply Chain – Project of the year.

Hazchem handle over 2,000 pallets and parcels every night at their new hub which is based in Hinckley, Leicestershire. They also deliver to all offshore UK Islands, Ireland and 24 European countries.

Hazchem moved to their new Hinckley hub over the Christmas period of 2018 and needed a new WiFi solution installing to support their busy operation. A reliable, robust system was absolutely critical, due to the online barcoded freight scanning system. Hazchem could not experience any downtime which would potentially result in a dip in productivity and problems with deliveries and collections.

Initial findings

After an initial phone consultation, our engineers visited the hub to scope out the building layout. Our team looked at the required coverage areas (indoors & outdoor/loading bays etc), possible AP (Access Point) mounting locations and numbers along with any potential obstructions. Having carried out numerous surveys and installations for logistics companies previously, the team also considered specific challenges such as the location of parked lorries and roller door heights. Once a plan of AP positioning had been created, they worked to ensure they had the wired network to support it.

Our solution

As part of the design phase, they included AP’s & wired devices and advised on where new cabling and cabinet locations were required.

They then installed all AP/switches & fully tested these onsite, optimising to ensure these worked smoothly alongside Hazchem’s choice of handheld scanners. Our team also installed a temporary directional 4G antenna system – which provided the connectivity required to become operational, whilst awaiting installation of fixed lines.