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