| As a software integrator and systems specialist, I've | | | | arrives at the warehouse door, the receiving person |
| helped implement scores of ERP and business | | | | scans the product, but must first scan the P/O, so that |
| software systems over my career. One day I thought | | | | the product can be allocated to the correct receiver. |
| - "could I bar code my children?". I have six children, | | | | The process of receiving, or shipping, or doing physical |
| and I felt there had to be a better way to know when | | | | counts, saves time, money, and results in fewer errors. |
| they left (sales), when they got back (receipts), and | | | | Depending on your ERP system, the data will either go |
| who was physically at home at any one time | | | | into a batch for auditing before posting, or directly into |
| (inventory count). | | | | inventory, increasing the quantity received on the |
| And because many clients are unsure of exactly what | | | | specific P/O. |
| they want from a bar coding system, I decided my | | | | The tethered option: This functions quite differently |
| plan would also give clients a more human illustration of | | | | than the wireless. Literally, it replaces typing on a |
| the options and the capabilities of the technology. Yes, | | | | keyboard. The operator of the scanner may be at a |
| bar coding my children would give them that first hand | | | | shipping screen, or a physical count screen, or a |
| view. | | | | receiving screen. Instead of having to type the item |
| Kidding aside, owners, inventory managers, or | | | | number or perform a query, they scan the item code, |
| whomever is tasked with product flow within the | | | | efficiently replacing the keyboard and producing fewer |
| business know that they want something. They see | | | | errors. The main disadvantage is that the operator is |
| that many successful businesses have deployed a bar | | | | tied to the location of the computer. On more than one |
| coding solution. But what exactly does it mean - what's | | | | occasion, I've seen the implementation of a computer |
| involved in deploying and maintaining it. | | | | and a tethered bar code gun atop a wheeled table. |
| Now it's a must that you integrate your bar code | | | | Now to print: Eventually, someone, somewhere will |
| system with your ERP system. Otherwise, you're | | | | have to print bar codes. Ideally, the bar code printing will |
| simply wasting your time and money. Bar coding | | | | be integrated with your Enterprise Resource Planning |
| means productivity and integration enhances it, | | | | system. Ultimately, this is the goal and increases |
| non-integration negates it. | | | | efficiency. Zebra printers have a large marketshare |
| There are two scanning methods - wireless and | | | | for label printers and can be an excellent choice. |
| tethered. | | | | Quality labels are also a must, Test for the elements |
| The wireless device: Symbol and Intermec are two of | | | | that exist where the labels will have to stick, such as a |
| the more popular brand names. Bar codes are | | | | cold, humid or hot environment). |
| separated into various functions such as receiving off | | | | Bar coding saves time, money, and reduces errors. It |
| of a purchase order, shipping off of a sales order | | | | can even make a tedious job more interesting resulting |
| picking sheet or packing list, or performing a physical | | | | in less staff turnover. Now if I could just get my |
| count. The logic is that a purchasing agent buys | | | | children to stay still long enough for an accurate |
| something and places a P/O. When the product | | | | physical count I'd have it made. |