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Author: Erin Myers
Content and Social Media Specialist at Wasp Barcode Technologies
Erin Myers is the Content and Social Media Specialist for WASP Barcode Technologies.

2. ABC Analysis
You could say prioritizing your stock and organizing your warehouse is “as easy as ABC” when you divide all your in-stock items into three groups: A, B, and C:

• A Items:  high value/low sales frequency.
• B Items:  moderate value/moderate sales frequency.
• C Items:  low value/high sales frequency.

One thing to keep in mind with this system: you will likely keep a relatively low number of “A” items in stock, and mistakes in inventory counts could mean big problems. These items definitely need closer attention than “C” items.​

To implement this system in your warehouse,  store “C” items closer to the packing area, since they are the most popular, and work your way back to the “A” items.
3. Optimal location labelling
A messy, disorganized warehouse can keep you up at night and turn the working environment into a complete nightmare. Your team should be able to look at your system easily find products when needed. And once you execute the “ABC” system, it’s essential to label each area and /or shelving unit.  Don’t use fancy names or make it unnecessarily complicated; in this case, keep it simple. This makes it easy for current employees to initially learn and then train new recruits.
4. Stock reviews
Even with all the best inventory methods in place, errors are bound to happen. So, do what you can to keep mistakes to a minimum and make stock reviews less painful for you and everyone else involved. For example, don’t do a huge end-of-year count. Instead, spread your counts throughout the year. Here are a couple of ways to more efficiently accomplish this:

• Cycle counting. Each week, assign team members counting tasks of a smaller number of items each week. Over the course of a year, each product should then be counted and verified a number of times.
• Spot checking. You don’t have to spot check on any regular schedule.  A spot check might be called for if a certain product is problematic for some reason or if a team member has some extra time and is looking for something to do. Spot checks simply add another layer of accuracy to your operations

Each of these inventory methods brings new effectiveness and efficiency to your warehouse as a whole.  However, adding an inventory management system makes each task less intimidating and more effortless.  When your team can perform inventory counts with barcode scanners or even smartphone apps, the rate of discrepancies diminish and productivity increases.
Racesource’s Paul Huffaker can vouch for that, saying they saw immediate results after one day of use. An inventory management system enabled them to not only clearly label all inventory, improving their billing, manufacturing, and reordering processes, but also decreased unnecessary expenditures by $8000 and improved its team’s work efficiency by 52 hours annually.

For a free consultation on Inventory Management Methods To Cure Your Business Growing Pain

To find out more about Wasp Barcode Technology and their barcode based solutions to businesses, with the aim of increasing their efficiency and productivity.

​Traceability in manufacturing has been commonplace within the aerospace industry for decades
Advances in relatively inexpensive technology with greater networking capabilities are now being exploited throughout the supply chain to ensure reliability and identification of root causes to potential problems. Companies producing even the smallest components are benefitting from increasingly accessible technologies used for marking and tracking components, previously only a feature of manufacturing practices at the very top of the supply chain.

​To find out more about:

1. part marking and software for supply chain traceability;
2. our range of Dot Peen Marking Machines;
3. our range of Laser Marking Machines.

To find out more Pryor's permanent part identification, data capture, process control and production monitoring

RFID asset tracking solutions are focusing on advancing fixed RFID readers by integrating sensors and other communication technologies through which users can track their assets.  ​

RFID asset tracking systems are a cost-saving organizational tool. Used by large warehouse operations and businesses with expensive and/or mission-critical movable items, that might travel around a single facility or between multiple locations.​

Major benefits of RFID asset tracking with fixed-readers.
Tracking assets automatically with an RFID solution offers two major benefits; automated workflows relating to asset movements and automated asset data collection. You no longer need to manually enter data when issuing and returning or moving items. Fixed RFID readers (attached to walls, ceilings or doorways) will scan the RFID tags for you, and record the locations as the item moves around. Eliminating clerical errors and keeping your asset register up-to-date in real-time.

How do RFID fixed readers work?
Simply put, an RFID tag is attached to an item and a record is created in the asset register, locally, on a server or in the cloud. The item is then deployed to a location. When the item is subsequently moved, the fixed RFID readers will pick up the RFID tag signaling movement and record the location change. Creating an audit trail, or chain of custody. Adding further processes such as maintenance and procurement provides for:

• Automated procurement
• Checking in assets for maintenance and repair
• Tracking usage history
• Monitoring work orders

Detailed information about inventory, consumables, assets, parts, tools and equipment items can be used to reduce operational costs, increase efficiency and reduce time and money spent searching for items.
Choosing a cloud-based RFID asset tracking solution is even better! It keeps all your recorded data secure with simultaneous backups. Utilize operational budget rather than make a capital purchase to smooth out the cost of deploying your solution and to satisfy budgetary considerations and approval processes.

Deploy fixed readers to cover entry and exit points within a location, for the areas you want to monitor assets within. For more precise asset movements within a large area, ceiling or wall deployment will create a more comprehensive coverage zone. So, you can track a tagged asset’s exit, entry or transition movements between these locations automatically

“TIP: Scale your coverage zones. Start with your most important locations, and expand as the proof-of-concept bears fruit.
Start with doorway readers for simple “locate, identify or authenticate items tagged within an area”.
https://www.hardcat.com/asset-management-services/asset-management-consulting/

How Hardcat and RFID fixed readers work together
How do fixed RFID readers fit into the Hardcat solution landscape? A Hardcat location is mapped to each RFID reader, so we can track the “last known location” movement transactions of multiple assets and personnel moving through a reader “field” or “gateway”.
Hardcat’s Sentinel is a very true form of RFID in that the solution handles identification and location of items, while the back-end of the Hardcat (or Lebosi) software delivers a capability to manage the lifecycle of assets, tools and equipment along with a means to connect (authenticate) and engage with the items.

Hardcat Sentinel with CCTV is an important deterrent in areas without physical security as RFID readers (installed at prominent entry and exit points) will automatically detect unauthorized assets and people moving in and out of these locations. 
Everything you need for RFID asset tracking
​We supply everything you need to maximize the benefits of RFID in your organisation. Our team will work with you to choose the correct RFID tags and readers, and the all-important Hardcat software that ties it all together!

• RFID tags for any environment
• RFID readers for every application
• Antennas to maximize RFID performance
• Field-proven industry-leading RFID technology
• Hardcat software

Hardcat’s solutions deliver deeper business intelligence. The rich data provides you with the critical insights you need to make decisions. And with the data accessible wherever you are, it’s not hard to make the big calls that will optimize your assets and ensure better governance.

​To find out how Hardcat RFID asset tracking and management solutions can be beneficial to your organization

Better tools and equipment utilization and lifecycle management reduce the impact on productivity arising out of missing items, calibrations and maintenance events.
Visual barcode labels and RFID tags to discourage possible misuse and generate accountability for tools and equipment.
www.hardcat.com

​Looking for tools & equipment in all the wrong places
The extent and nature of on-site theft from and vandalism to building sites throughout Australia have become a growing concern. The adverse effects include the inevitable costs of hiring or replacing stolen/damaged items, insurance excess payments, project delays and the added expense of improving security to protect against further damage.
Theft and vandalism at residential building sites; the risk and rates:

• 19 per cent experienced theft
• 13 per cent experienced both theft and vandalism
• 65 per cent of theft victims and 66 per cent of vandalism victims had experienced more than once incident
• Risk of theft and vandalism generally rose with increasing numbers of staff and the amount of annual turnover

Theft prevention technology
While some lost tools and equipment are due to mismanagement and poor tracking, theft is a serious concern. Barcode labelling using anti-theft designs (tamper-evident or tamperproof materials) or RFID tags will create a more secure environment. Making detecting and resolving theft situations much easier.
While large, high-valued, equipment theft attracts the majority of theft, there is less focus on smaller tools and equipment. And these are unlikely to be insured, less likely to be recovered, but still cost your business in both time and money.
Missing smaller tools and equipment don’t usually get noticed until it is needed for a task. This causes job disruption, employee dissatisfaction and extra business costs such as additional labour, lease hire/fees and delays that can cost MORE than the original purchase price of the item(s)!
While tracking systems cannot completely prevent theft, this blog highlights some best practices that can be implemented to help reduce exposure to tool and equipment theft.

"Unfortunately, for businesses that rely on their tools and equipment to meet their business objectives, missing items are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to problems faced without a robust, powerful tool and equipment tracking solution.

Refining your tool tracking and equipment tracking processes will provide efficiencies, compliance and reduce theft. And although equipment tracking software is not a security system, it is a valuable tool to help team members take steps to prevent possible theft or misplacement.
Managers need to meet the business objectives of operating and maintaining a sustainable business with as little disruption as possible. Support productive and effective work order management, inspections and inventory management, so field teams can deliver responsive and efficient services.
Tools and equipment utilization and maintenance management reduce the impact on productivity arising out of missed calibrations and maintenance events. Discourages possible misuse by employees and generates accountability for the tools and equipment they use. Creating huge savings on otherwise “lost” items.

​Drive efficiencies and deter theft
Drive efficiencies and deter theft by tagging, tracking and regularly auditing your tools and equipment. When you utilise cutting edge identification and mobile tracking technologies, you build a digital management solution that ensures all data is current and accurate. It doesn’t matter if you use RFID, barcodes or QR codes. You can facilitate wall-to-wall audits, self-audits, issues and returns (check-in/out) quickly and accurately (with a full audit trail) if using a comprehensive equipment tracking solution.

"Barcode labels and RFID tags are overt methods to alert thieves that your assets are protected, being tracked and are not safe to steal! ​

​Access for all - with specific data permission
Disseminating your tools and equipment tracking system to all employees via the adoption of mobile apps has clear benefits, in both accountability and time savings. Employees can scan, view, issue and return (check-in/out), add performance comments and create work orders, all from their mobile devices.
Managers can refine operations within the tools and equipment tracking system to restrict or allow individual users access to information depending on their job function. For instance, you wouldn’t want your engineers to access purchasing information. With employees having direct access to certain processes in your tools and equipment tracking system, an effortless, automatic and real-time account is kept. Managers will save time chasing assets or distributing them!
​
​Tools & equipment ownership & movements
Flexibility in assigning tools and equipment allows for an item to be issued to a person (ownership) and/or location (physical location item is to be assigned to). The tracking of subsequent movements, when the item is loaned out to other employees/locations assists with management decisions around utilization.

"In addition to facilitating better tools and equipment utilization, your tools and equipment register also reduces potential impact on productivity arising out of tool losses and missed calibration or maintenance events

Get the most out of your tools and equipment
Over the life-cycle of your tools and equipment, they will require regular maintenance, repair and/or calibrations. Recording this information within a tracking system allows for comprehensive reporting and superior insights for the business regarding replacement strategies.
Better lifecycle management of tools and equipment has been identified by business process engineers as a simple and effective method of improving bottom-line performance in industries where large and small tools represent a significant capital investment.

Centralized tools and equipment tracking
ADNOC Gas Processing (formerly GASCO), a natural gas producing company of Abu Dhabi, has gained significantly from implementing a single source of truth around their tools and equipment. From improved inventory control and audit procedures to accurate audit trails. Every department has seen improvements. From enhanced purchasing and warranty control, equipment planning and replacement, to improved preventative maintenance, with less reactive repairs. Hardcat has reduced labour and administration costs; reduced insurance and disaster recovery costs.

​"Since 2014 ADNOC Gas Processing has been tracking the usage of thousands of tool and equipment assets in the centralized main tool room area of its Habshan 5 Plan in UAE.
https://pacetoday.com.au/software-from-hardcat-supports-process-driven-tools-management/

Hardcat tools and equipment tracking software collects, tracks and reports on a wealth of information about each item. Information held against each item can be accessed and sorted by virtually any field and each item can have as many as 10,500 associated fields that you can define. Basically, you self-configure Hardcat to store the information you want to track on your tools and equipment items

Read more on tools management and equipment management

Look for these key features tracking
Hardcat’s tools and equipment tracking software is an extremely scalable solution accommodating businesses with a few hundred items to those with several hundred thousand.
Centralize your repairs, maintenance programs, procurement planning and delivery on a single easy to use platform that can be accessed via the cloud, web-based and mobile apps.

• user-defined dashboards and alerts
• automatic scheduling of common tasks
• work orders issued automatically for maintenance, inspections and calibrations
• track inventory, consumables and replacement stock
• at-a-glance view of item location, utilisation, ownership and consumption
• better transparency on tool and equipment usage
• timely alerts for scheduled maintenance events and inventory levels
• visualise critical assets, tools and equipment on a map

“We’ve been using Hardcat for over 10 years now,” Beckmann said. “It allows us to track every aspect of procurement, repair, maintenance job allocation and costs for the island’s major assets so that we can continually improve the quality of engineering services that we deliver to the business. We mainly use Hardcat as a job log-in and preventative maintenance system but it is also used to track activity in our purchasing department and for managing financial control.”
https://www.hardcat.com/2018/06/14/hayman-island-case-study/

Hardcat provides genuine business value on the utilisation of tools. Escape the silo and spreadsheets and join Hardcat for synchronised inventory and tools and equipment tracking management

Click for Hardcat Tool Manager PDF

To find out how Hardcat tools manager can be beneficial to your organization

Find out more about Hardcat
​

Ever wondered how robotic systems help meet aerospace industry specifications for marking components.

Dan Stephenson, Sales Manager at @PryorMarking Technology explains everything you need to know:

Pryor’s multi-axis robotic marking systems are generally used on round and cylindrical aero engine components, including disks, rings, blades and blisks (‘bladed disks’).

Aerospace industry specifications insist that parts like engine components are permanently marked, to give each one a unique identification. Marking adds no value, however, the process is critical to the smooth running of the aerospace industry. Markings applied to parts during production allow it to be tracked, assembled, replaced, correctly maintained and positioned.
Historically parts have been marked manually and some short-run parts, which are not expensive, can be handled adequately using hand-held marking devices, however, for large, expensive parts – which may require multiple marks to be made, in precise locations – a more modern technique such as robotic control is required.
Aero engine components can be astronomically expensive, with some individual parts worth upwards of £100,000. The last thing needed is them to be rendered worthless by a poorly applied or positioned mark.
Aerospace industry specifications – such as the UID standards laid down by the US Department of Defense, or SAE International’s AS9132 marking standard – insist that parts are permanently marked to give them a unique identity. This is done by applying readable information and a data matrix code (similar to a barcode) onto the surface.
This unique ID is a ‘passport’ for the part that links it to all kinds of information on its manufacture – including details such as where the material came from, and which operator was running the machine when it was made. This allows precise traceability, in the case of part failure, for example.
On top of this, individual manufacturers have their own additional marking specifications, which include details of how the mark should be applied, formatted and positioned, as well as adding critical engineering details, and specific information on how parts are assembled in the engine.
Multi-axis marking
Pryor’s multi-axis robotic marking systems are generally used on round and cylindrical engine components, including disks, rings, blades and blisks. Although the robotic arm can incorporate any type of marking system, the aerospace industry typically uses dot peening to create permanent marks on metal components. Pryor’s system works with parts up to 1.2m in diameter, although larger parts can be handled if required.
When Pryor first introduced robotic control to aero components, it was dealing with relatively small parts. For this reason, it grasped the component, and moved it to a stationary marking head. Now, as it deals with much larger parts the robotic control has shifted to the marking head itself. This improves accuracy and allows multiple marks to be made to very tight tolerances across the surface.
In a typical scenario, a large part is moved into a ‘marking cell’, loaded onto a rotary table and clamped into place. An operator scans the part’s unique ID, which calls up a programme with marking instructions. These are carried out by the robot-mounted marking head. The whole process is controlled by Pryor’s software, which is linked to the supplier’s plant manufacturing system to ensure the correct data is applied.
A large part like a blisk may require 15 or more marks to be made at various points, with position tolerances of 0.1mm. On top of this, a typical aero engine will have hundreds of parts that need to be marked in this way.
A key element is Pryor’s vision system, which helps to validate and verify all marks. It checks that the marked information is correct and that it meets the relevant specification.
However, it can also help to ensure that the original positioning of the mark is correct. While this information will be loaded as part of the marking programme, a mark may have to be made relative to a certain feature of a component. The camera can find this feature and apply an offset to the marking program as a further check to ensure correct mark placement.
Pryor has found that customers often find a business case for purchasing a robotic system by using it to mark a wide range of parts – including smaller ones, that could be done manually. Overall, they have found they can mark parts more efficiently – and ensure better traceability – by using ‘idle time’ on these smaller components.
Aero engines are more complex than ever and as large parts like blisks become more commonplace and engine designs evolve to become more efficient, the need to track and assemble individual components will continue to grow in importance.
Whilst it technically has no value, robotic marking is an essential part of traceability in aerospace, in that it allows each individual component to be marked correctly at the first attempt, making the manufacturing process much more efficient. The cost of marking components incorrectly can be much greater than investing in a reliable system.

​Paris Demonstration
At the Paris Airshow, Pryor demonstrated a version of the company’s Aerospace Rotatives Marking Cell. The system used an ABB robot in combination with a rotary table, full marking head and vision system, to mark cylindrical parts.

For free advice on all your Robotic Dot Peen Aerospace Marking  requirements visit:
​Traceability Solutions Asia (TSA)