|
|
Practical software that puts barcodes to work
Some of our Projects|
Over the years we have created a wide variety of systems to help our clients
improve efficiency. If you have a problem that does not fit neatly into
off-the-shelf solutions, perhaps we can help. Here is a list of some
of the things we have done:
Track Location of File Folders Several professional service companies have needed to keep track of client folders as they move to different locations within the company for processing. We created a small and efficient program that lets employees use a barcode scanner to record folders as they arrive and then depart for the next step in the process. All of the data is collected in a central database server for quick lookup and display. Record Promotional Coupon Redemptions The client, a marketing group of 1,200 stores nationwide big-ticket home improvement items, needed to enter promotional coupon serial numbers at the stores where they were redeemed and save the data in a centralized national database server. Our solution was a secure web portal and low-cost barcode scanners for the stores. The whole system was built quickly and inexpensively; installation of the system at each store was done by store personnel and did not require special installation services. Audit Locations of Physical Assets A number of clients in the business and financial services industry have been faced with the challenge of keeping track of highly mobile and valuable portable computer equipment (laptops used by hundreds or thousands of employees). Our solution uses inexpensive portable barcode scanners to record asset serial numbers and locations. The result is a thorough audit that takes much less time and produces fewer mistakes than paper-and-pencil techniques. Display Assembly Instructions on Production Line A manufacturer of home building assemblies offered a range of custom-order options such as size, color, and style. The challenge was to produce the assemblies quickly and to minimize opportunities for error (installing the wrong style of hardware accessory, for example). Our solution provides each assembly line worker with a barcode scanner and a color video monitor. As each assembly arrives at a workstation, the worker scans the job number barcode and the video monitor displays details of the correct part to use and how it should be installed (including color pictures). The result has been a dramatic reduction of assembly errors. Track Fine Wine Inventories A high-end restaurant needed to keep better records of their inventory of thousands of bottles of fine wines, including many priced at several hundred dollars per bottle (and a few over one thousand dollars per bottle). Our system prints serial number labels, each one identifying an individual bottle. Wine bottles are tracked as they are moved from the cellar to the restaurant and as they are sold. End-of-day reports provide a detailed audit of every bottle sold. In addition, the time to take monthly physical inventory has been reduced from 1-2 days to only 2-3 hours. At the same time, inventory mis-counts have been eliminated and discrepancies are reported immediately with detailed information to assist quick resolution. Record Shipment of Steel Fabrications Steel fabrications for construction projects involve very big parts that have to be shipped to the job site by truck in a particular order. It was critical for our client to keep better track of exactly what parts had been shipped, when they had been shipped, and what parts remained. Our solution prints weatherproof serial number labels to unique identify each individual part. Using a low-cost portable barcode scanner, the yard foreman records each piece as it is loaded. Our system reports the status of any part on demand, so managers are spending far less time looking for parts in case of a question or discrepancy. Print Lot-Controlled Product Labels A number of clients in the food and pharmaceutical industries have needed an efficient and very accurate way to print product package labels with lot control information. In addition to printing the labels, it was important to keep detailed records for regulatory compliance and to provide an audit trail in the event of a recall. Our solutions combine customized software, databases, and label printing equipment to produce detailed labels using current product information quickly and with greatly reduced operator error. Generate Shipping Labels and Documents A number of clients manufacture serial-numbered equipment. At final packing, several items need to come together (the equipment itself, serial number tag, warranty card, inner carton label, outer packing carton label) and they all must have the correct serial number. Instead of the old method of batch printing ahead of time and relying on workers to make certain everything matched at packing, our systems print the final documents on demand at the packing station. As a result, the serial numbers always match and all of the needed documents are there when needed. Track Controlled-Substance Prescription Pads To meet federal regulatory requirements, our client needed to account for all numbered controlled substance prescription pads, from the time they were issued to doctors until the empty pad was returned. Our solution keeps track of the pads as they are issued and as the empties are returned, and produces audit reports that satisfy documentation requirements. Track Laboratory Samples Our client needed to track sample containers as they were issued to clients and then returned to the laboratory for processing. Our system uses barcode scanners to record the progress of every sample and provides a complete record. It can also be used to find out where in the process any sample is at any time. |
Contact: info@mecsw-usa.com
(c) Copyright Measurement Equipment Corporation; All rights reserved