Bar-coding Maintenance and Stores

Why use bar-codes in Maintenance and Stores? To improve speed and accuracy of data collection. This give you faster and more accurate information which can prompt cost savings.

• Fact: people make mistakes writing down numbers (or typing them into a computer) - bar-code equipment hardly ever does.
• Fact: people don't like writing down numbers - bar-coding makes it easier and therefore more likely to happen.
• Fact: recording numbers by hand is slow and tedious - bar-coding can speed it up.

But bar-coding does nothing more magical than this; so is bar-coding justifiable in your operation? And when should you do it?

The cost of bar-coding has dropped dramatically over the past few years, and the capability of the systems has greatly increased. This has increased the payback and reduced the entry level to the point where small companies can justify it.

What are the functions that can be realistically bar-coded?

• stores picking, issues and returns
• receiving and shelf stocking
• inventory counts
• work order updates - labour and material
• inspections and maintenance routes
• equipment walk downs
• equipment run-times.

Thus…

…if your stores record keeping is poor and or slow
…if your job records are haphazard and slow
…if your equipment records are incomplete and way behind

…there is a case for looking at bar-coding

What are the key issues in bar-coding?:

• a reliable hardware and software supplier who has experience in your business and your systems
• flexibility in the hardware and software to handle your transactions
• proven tie-in to your current EAM, CMMS, warehouse systems
• simple process of using the bar-code system that makes it easier for the employees
• top quality training
• somewhere to go for immediate help if it doesn't work
• bar-coding is NOT a substitute for poor operations or poor management.

Many Maintenance Managers ask if they should install bar-coding at the same time as a new or upgraded CMMS or EAM. The answer depends on a combination of how much change from your current practice is required and how much change your employees can handle at one time. Generally the answer is no. Get your CMMS/EAM in and running properly, then implement bar-coding as a separate project when that is done.

DataTrak is pleased to be associated with Hanco Technologies, developers of high quality and effective maintenance bar-code systems. Check them out at www.hanco-ent.com, or 905-278-4027. Or contact us.

As always, knowing your objectives and planning your implementation will pay off handsomely.

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