Success Story

WELCH ALLYN RIDES TO THE AID OF CAMELOT

The name of Camelot once evoked images of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In the last five years, it has probably become even more well known - as the operator of the UK's highly successful National Lottery.

The Camelot Group plc is actually a consortium of well-known shareholders - currently Cadbury's Schweppes, De La Rue, International Computers Limited and Racal Electronics. In 1994, the Group was awarded the license to run the lottery for seven years. During this period, it expects to pay out over £15 billion in prizes; give £10 billion to the National Lottery Distribution Fund; and pay duties of £4 billion to the Government.

To ensure the success of such a large and complex business, every stage of the operation must function smoothly and efficiently. Welch Allyn scanners have played an important role within the company's warehouse system from the start of the lottery. They are primarily used as an intrinsic part of the security system, and for data checks on packs of Instant Lottery tickets.

Camelot chose Welch Allyn IMAGETEAM 3800 scanners, all of which are in almost constant use. The IT3800 has set new standards in hand-held scanning techniques. It delivers exceptional reading performance for indoor or outdoor use.

The Welch Allyn scanners can be quickly and easily connected to any major PC or terminal. Although they have an aesthetically pleasing design and a comfortable, soft molded grip, they are also very robust and therefore ideal for hand-held scanning applications within demanding work environments.

John Kay, Camelot's Warehouse Manager, explains: "We chose Welch Allyn scanners because we wanted equipment that would be robust, reliable and accurate, and yet simple to use. The scanners produce a brightly focused line which is easy to aim at the barcodes on the packs of tickets."

John had previously used Welch Allyn scanners when he worked for ICL before joining Camelot, and had been impressed by their capabilities. In the early days of its warehouse operations, Camelot opted for Welch Allyn laser scanners. However, the company migrated to the IT 3800 recently as part of its policy of continually reviewing and upgrading its equipment.

John Kay adds: "Welch Allyn's personnel have worked closely with Camelot throughout, so that they could identify our exact requirements and then provide the best possible solutions. We are very happy with the scanners - they meet our needs beautifully, and we hope to be ordering further units in the near future."

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