Capturing data with the Sidekick was super easy! I just needed to click my location on the map on my tablet to calibrate my location, and then walk around the building. I was able to capture accurate survey data my first time trying.
Technical Support Engineer at L’Oréal
Client Background
L’Oréal is a global beauty company operating manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centres worldwide.
At one of its major logistics facilities, covering more than 1 million sq ft, reliable wireless connectivity was essential for supporting inventory management, forklift operations and everyday warehouse activities.
The facility presented significant wireless challenges, including aisles exceeding 100 metres, ceilings reaching 13 metres and extensive metal racking containing liquid products.
The Challenge
L’Oréal needed to optimise its existing warehouse WiFi infrastructure while planning a new wireless network capable of supporting future operational requirements.
The warehouse environment made reliable connectivity particularly challenging. High metal racking, liquid inventory and long aisles could affect wireless signal propagation, creating potential coverage gaps and roaming difficulties.
The project needed to address several priorities:
🔹 Improve existing WiFi coverage and performance.
🔹 Support reliable roaming for forklift-mounted inventory devices.
🔹 Identify interference and signal attenuation.
🔹 Provide secondary coverage and network redundancy.
🔹 Plan a future-ready 6 GHz wireless network.
The objective was to establish a more reliable wireless environment without compromising ongoing warehouse operations.
The Solution
L’Oréal used Ekahau wireless survey and design technology to assess its existing infrastructure and develop a new network design.
Using Ekahau Sidekick 2, engineers conducted an onsite WiFi survey to collect detailed information about signal coverage, interference, access point locations and the warehouse’s physical environment.
The survey provided insight into how metal racking, stored products and building dimensions affected wireless performance.
The collected information supported three key activities:
- Existing Network Optimisation
Ekahau Optimizer was used to identify configuration improvements that could enhance the existing wireless network while the upgrade was being planned.
- Access Point Mapping
Survey measurements were integrated with Cisco Meraki to accurately map existing wireless access point locations and improve network visibility.
- Future Wireless Network Design
Ekahau AI Pro was used to develop a predictive 6 GHz wireless design incorporating Cisco Meraki 9166D1 access points with directional antennas.
This approach enabled L’Oréal to assess its current network and plan future improvements using measured wireless data rather than assumptions.
The Result
The project provided L’Oréal with a clearer understanding of its existing wireless environment and an evidence-based design for future connectivity improvements.
| Result | Outcome |
|---|---|
|
Warehouse size |
Over 1 million sq ft assessed |
|
Network visibility |
Existing access points accurately mapped |
|
WiFi optimisation |
Configuration improvements identified |
|
Wireless design |
Predictive 6 GHz network design developed |
|
Operational requirements |
Roaming, coverage and redundancy incorporated into planning |
|
Future readiness |
Clear foundation for wireless infrastructure upgrades |
For organisations experiencing scanner disconnects, WiFi dead zones or unreliable roaming, a professionally delivered Warehouse WiFi Solution can help identify connectivity issues and establish the right infrastructure for reliable warehouse operations.
