An internal package tracking application allows your company to accurately track all packages delivered throughout your organization.  From the moment they are received from the carrier, the chain of custody is tracked.  In three easy steps, this application allows your company to pick up where the large carrier has left off and accurately and efficiently deliver packages within your company:

1. Packages delivered with FedEx, UPS, or other appropriate barcodes are scanned with a handheld device and put into the system when they are received.

2. When a package is delivered to the recipient it is scanned once again and a signature is captured on the handheld device as proof of delivery.

3. Daily reports of all delivered packages and confirmations are generated at the end of the day.

The benefits of this type of barcode application include a reduced number of errors, fewer lost packages and increased efficiency, all while ensuring that packages are delivered in a timely manner.  Package tracking software, such as IntelliTrack DMS: Package Track, offers a simple system and even the least technical employees can learn how to receive and deliver mail or other packages.  IntelliTrack’s Package Track software has many product features that are simple to use and perfect for large mail rooms and shipping/receiving docks, the software has the ability to record time and date stamps for the receipt and delivery of packages, captures electronic signatures when packages are delivered, and automatic emails are generated when packages are received in the mailroom, alerting recipients to be expecting a package.  If you’d like more information about implementing an internal package tracking system in your organization you can contact Barcoding Inc., they offer the IntelliTrack software and other products for package tracking.

This application is much like a Stockroom Inventory application, but it allows you to not only track consumable supplies, but also to track returnable items that employees can check in and out from the stockroom.  A check in/check out application allows organizations to monitor what items are being checked out and by whom.  A check in/check out application basically functions like a library, once a barcode is scanned, items are checked out and assigned a specific due date, and whoever checks them out is responsible for their return.  This solution is ideal for educational institutions, hospitals and offices of any kind.  IntelliTrack Check In-Out software allows users to track both consumable and returnable items such as audio/visual equipment, computers, laptops and other tools.  This type of application facilitates a tighter control of assets and allows users to view who has checked out items and what date they should be returned by.  This means you can easily track down missing items and save time and money.  For additional information on check in/check out software or solutions, please contact Barcoding Inc.

Stockroom inventory refers to applications that keep accurate track of “consumable” inventory levels in supply closets and stockrooms.  Consumable inventory refers to items such as office supplies, paper, pens, toner cartridges, etc.  Stockroom inventory software allows you to control the receipt and issuance of stockroom supplies, keeping an accurate count of what is on hand.  When you receive new supplies you simply scan the barcode to add it into the system, which will automatically recalculate the inventory levels.  And when you issue supplies to different departments you simply scan the barcode again to reduce the inventory levels.  Stockroom inventory software such as IntelliTrack DMS Stockroom also tracks reorder points, expiration dates and usage by person or department.  This type of barcode application can help reduce out-of-stocks in the supply room, indentify inventory trends and control costs.  If you’d like more information about stockroom inventory or IntelliTrack software please contact me at ehodges@barcode.com and I can get you in touch with someone that can provide you with more information about this type of system.

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) refers to the tracking of all warehouse activities and inventory operations by management, whether indoors or outdoors, management knows what is occurring.  Utilizing a barcode system for warehouse management provides the fastest, most economical and most accurate way of collecting information about warehouse activities.  Plus, with the addition of a wireless network, management has real-time access to all data.

Warehouse management is a critical part of the supply chain and it is used to control the movement of materials, storage of materials and to process transactions within a warehouse.  Shipping/receiving, inventory control, put-away and picking is all seamlessly linked with a warehouse management system, allowing visibility of all warehouse activities and faster decision-making.  Warehouse management systems also provide the ability to meet customer demand by increasing shipping accuracy and speed. In addition, your labor productivity can be enhanced as well because it improves your warehouse picking efficiency.  For example, a WMS has the ability to tell an employee that a certain item is located in rack F1 and how many are available, this is because all data, including put-away location and number of pieces is recorded in the system when it enters the warehouse.  WMS software helps make all of this possible by connecting to the accounting and/or ERP/MRP system and receives sales orders, purchase orders and validates them against picks.

IntelliTrack WMS software is one example of warehouse management software that allows for effortless control over your warehouse and integrates with your accounting system.  IntelliTrack WMS has the ability to perform staging, moves, terminal messaging and pallet tracking, which are all capable of saving your company thousands of dollars each month.  You can Download a Free Demo Version of IntelliTrack WMS to see for yourself how beneficial this software can be for your company.  In addition to the correct software for your warehouse management system, you’ll also need the proper equipment for a harsh warehouse environment.  There are many options available, from rugged mobile computers with integrated barcode scanners, to vehicle mounted computers, to rugged barcode scanners; there is something perfect for every warehouse environment.  Just to name a few, Intermec , Symbol and Datalogic offer a variety of rugged designs.  If you need additional information about IntelliTrack WMS software or rugged scanners designed for warehouse environments you can contact Barcoding Inc. for all of your software, hardware and support needs.

GS1 Databar (formerly Reduced Space Symbols or RSS), is joining the EAN/UPC family of barcodes, but this new point-of-sale barcode has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.  GS1 Databar is ideal for small, hard-to-mark products and enables GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), allowing the barcode to hold additional information, such as weight, expiration date and lot numbers.  Basically, GS1 Databar promises more data in less space, making it a “super barcode” symbology that provides:

• Traceability
• Shrink Control
• Supplier identification and category management in fresh foods
• Product management
• Ability to barcode hard-to-mark products
• Ability to provide more consumer information on packaging due to additional space

The global implementation target for GS1 Databar is scheduled for January 1, 2010, so you may want to learn more about the latest in the evolution of barcodes now.  For more information on GS1 Databar you can access the GS1 Databar Brochure, which provides more details on the benefits, capabilities and implementation requirements.