The importance of bar coding and bar code cross-reference data

continued from What's new at Karmak?
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Bar codes can be used to speed up several mundane activities in the warehouse, while improving accuracy and simplifying the overall process. Using bar codes in the receiving process improves efficiency. For example, a single employee can now quickly perform a task that previously required two or more employees. The process also becomes more accurate by ensuring the correct part is accessed and received, since it is not keyed in by hand.

Once bar codes are present on all parts in inventory or readily available to scan, point-of-sale bar coding becomes practical. Currently, counter personnel look up part numbers and type them into the point-of-sale programs. With a bar code solution, the bar code is scanned to quickly validate a part number and obtain the necessary information to satisfy the customer's needs immediately.

Bar codes can also be used in the day-to-day routines of cycle counting. Quicker and more accurate counts increase the integrity of your inventory, which will increase the counter personnel's confidence in the information contained in the business system and make bin trips less frequent. Faster counts allow you to complete more cycles with overall inventory as well as offer more time for counts on fast-moving part numbers and cores. 

We can receive parts in the shipping and receiving area by wirelessly transmitting the receiving data to the business system. This allows the user to continue scanning multiple shipments, returning to the workstation only when the entire scanning procedure is complete in order to process each file separately. This process is further improved by sending notification to another employee that a file is ready to be processed and posted to inventory.

Bar code technology can be readily used on the back counter, as well. Labor entry has commonly used bar codes to track mechanic time to repair orders. Offering faster access to parts for repair orders reduces time spent at the counter by those mechanics, yielding a more efficient staff. Bar codes can be created to eliminate common keystrokes, which will in turn dramatically increase the speed and efficiency of the back counter operation. Accessing a repair order and applying parts can all be done with the use of a bar code. Saving time with the above tasks will also resolve the ever-present problem of keeping the most knowledgeable people at the disposal of the customer. These opportunities will take a parts manager or inventory controller out of the warehouse, and put them in a position to boost outside sales, bolster product knowledge among staff, and deal with customer issues as they may arise. 

Future possibilities with bar coding 
The recent emergence and popularity of wireless technology offers a new realm of possibilities with bar codes. While we can currently scan parts using a PC, wireless technology will allow us to take a bar code scanner to the warehouse to scan parts as they are pulled, and immediately verify they are correct. The possibility may even emerge to utilize a pocket PC. With it, you could open, fill, and even invoice a counter ticket. This would have the invoice either printing or ready to print as the parts are brought to the counter. This same technology can also be used for adding parts to repair orders. 

In the near future, scanning the VIN located in the dash of a truck could open repair orders. This would allow the service writer to quickly open a repair order, accessing the correct unit every time, while inspecting the unit and assigning appropriate repairs. Scanning a VIN also speeds up the process of searching for a unit to access vital information to assist in a unit sale. Current pocket PC applications exist to search for a unit over a wireless network, such as a unit on lot. 

Challenges to bar code utilization
A significant challenge to proper utilization exists, however, on the manufacturer level. While many products currently have bar codes on the part or packaging, some suppliers are not providing them. You can correct this, however, by reviewing the list of component suppliers at the end of this article. If some of your major suppliers are not on this list, please contact them and request that they cooperate with Karmak on providing this cross reference information.

Why choose bar coding? 
In the end, the message is simple and proven: bar coding can reduce turnaround time, increase inventory accuracy, raise efficiency by speeding up mundane activities, and simplify your overall inventory processes. Saving time and money is in the best interest of all of us! Contact your Karmak Regional Manager today or call 800-622-6311 for a demo of our bar code software.

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© 2004 Karmak, Inc.
One Karmak Plaza
P.O. Box 680
Carlinville, IL  62626
www.karmak.com