Post on 24-Dec-2015
transcript
Using Technology to Streamline the Inventory Process
Sean Pugatch, AssetWorksSean.Pugatch@assetworks.com1-512-347-7400 ext. 1865
Introduction
Various Methods for Conducting Inventory
Using Technology
to Streamline the Process
Questions & Discussion
Introduction: Have an Inventory Plan
Who? What? Where?
When?Why?How?
Methods of Conducting an Inventory
• Wall-to-Wall Inventory• Inventory by Exception• Inventory by Random Sample
Wall-to-Wall Inventory
• An inventory of ALL items in a given location.
• Systematic approach• Time-consuming• More accurate than
some methods (especially if automated).
Inventory by Exception
• Counts items that have been “touched” recently as already inventoried.
• Saves time and effort• Can miss new items• May still need to supplement with
wall-to-wall inventory.
Inventory by Random Sample
• Inventory a subset of assets, identified by a statistically valid and random sample.
• Greatest opportunity for saving time / $$
• May be less accurate than desired
All Assets
Sample
Using Technology in the Inventory Process
• Scanners and Tablets• Barcodes and RFID• Overall Benefits
Scanners and Tablets
• Both effective ways to automate inventory
• Can increase accuracy and accountability
• Provide real-time results when synced w/database
• Can improve processes for all types of inventory
Scanners and Tablets:Additional Considerations
• Does the device need to work offline?
• Will there be good lighting in all areas?
• How much battery life will I need?• What is the read range for the
device?• What accessories are available?
Barcode Tags and RFID:Some Common Misconceptions of RFID
• 1. RFID will eliminate the need for physical asset verification
• 2. RFID will allow me to inventory assets from a long distance
• 3. RFID will eliminate the search for assets in the field
Barcode Tags and RFID:Understanding Types of RFIDActive RFID ($$$$)• Continuous internal battery• Larger in size• Store up to 128 kb of data• Read/Write capability• Applications: vehicles, military, livestock, pharmaceuticals
Passive RFID ($$)• No internal battery – powered by energy emitted from reader• Smaller in size• Store up to 128 kb of data• Read/Write capability• Applications: consumer goods, inventory, books, smart cards
Which is best for inventory?
• Battery: Tag only needs to emit frequency when prompted by a reader.
• Size: Though human readable capability is required, the smaller the better.
• Data Storage: Asset ID ties all current asset details to a master profile. Storage size becomes a non-issue.
• Read/Write:Tags will be used simply for asset identification purposes. Write capabilities are not necessary.
• $: Cost can make RFID implementations unattainable.
Passive RFID Tags
Barcode Tags and RFID:Understanding Types of RFIDHigh Frequency RFID ($)• Store large amounts of data• Very short read range• Secure communication• Applications: libraries, textiles, documents, healthcare
Ultra High Frequency RFID ($$)• Store small amounts of data• Longer read range• No secure communication• Applications: warehouse management, pallet identification,
inventory, healthcare
Which is best for inventory?
• Data: Only record asset ID. No need for large amount of coded data.
• Read Range: The longer the read range the better.• Data Security: Sensitive data will not be stored in the RFID
tag, therefore secure communications is not an issue.• $: Cost is a major consideration, but read range is necessary.
Ultra High Frequency RFID Tags
Barcode Tags and RFID:Use Both for Exceptional Results
• RFID– Difficult to reach assets– Difficult to reach asset tags (hidden,
high)– Assets that should not be handled– Assets that are highly mobile
• Barcode Tag– All other equipment
Benefits to using Technology in the Inventory Process
• Save time and $$• Increase accuracy• Increase accountability• Simplify reconciliation
Thank you!
Any Questions?_______________________
Contact Information: Sean.Pugatch@assetworks.com
1-512-347-7400 ext. 1865