| Traditionally, production control in a business | | | | workers to work much more effectively and |
| environment is a process that not only requires | | | | efficiency and issues such as manual coding of |
| great management, but also high costs associated | | | | barcodes is no longer an issue. The cost and time |
| with asset management hardware, such as | | | | savings will be seen instantly from a customer |
| barcode scanners, man power to handle the | | | | service point of view. |
| managing process as well as any costs incurred | | | | So how would you implement such a system? |
| as a result of stock loss or delays in the supply | | | | Since the process involves integrating the solution |
| chain. There is one word that could resolve many | | | | into the supply chain, a complete chain of |
| of these issues from initial implementation: | | | | inventory or asset tracking is required. Using a |
| automation. | | | | handheld barcode scanner the user is able to scan |
| Even though a significant part of this process has | | | | a barcode which can then be stored onto the |
| already been mentioned, the humble barcode | | | | host's PC. Relevant information might include stock |
| scanner, there is much to consider when | | | | location (especially useful if the tracking device is |
| implementing a solution that will ultimately be an | | | | using RFID technology), asset number and |
| automated process. However, when looking at | | | | product specifications. To make the process even |
| the benefits, a handheld barcode scanner will not | | | | easier PDA barcode scanners may have a |
| only reproduce data accurately, but also provide | | | | number of connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi. |
| real-time production data that can streamline the | | | | Networking your scanner to a central server will |
| supply chain. | | | | allow users to roam a warehouse or other |
| SMARTScanndy is the latest offering from | | | | environments to make scanning of items much |
| PanMobil, the barcode scanning giant that provides | | | | easier. |
| stock and asset management to thousands of | | | | Going even further, scanners sometimes have |
| distributors worldwide. This small, lightweight | | | | the ability to store information internally, such as |
| handheld barcode scanner can work in conjunction | | | | the barcode scanner Scanndy. This scanner can |
| with inventory control software to provide users | | | | read 1D, 2D and RFID tags and has the option for |
| with an efficient and precise production-tracking. | | | | Bluetooth, GPRS or USB. |
| The key really is in the inventory control | | | | The knock-on effect is pretty obvious when |
| software, which can allow anyone overseeing a | | | | implementing this solution into your existing asset |
| project or operations the whole picture, from the | | | | tracking management system. Handheld barcode |
| scan of an asset or product using a laser scanner | | | | scanners are key in streamlining your production |
| or PDA barcode scanner to its destination of an | | | | environment but the key is having the flexibility to |
| operable action (such as ordering new stock). | | | | make full use of this system, using different |
| Another important implication of such technology | | | | types of connectivity, comprehensive barcoding |
| is the transparency of being able to see inventory | | | | solutions and powerful software to make it all |
| information instantly from a PC. This allows | | | | work. |