What is Automated Data Collection?

When you think of automation in a warehouse, your thoughts might go automatically to an Amazon warehouse full of robot helpers. Truthfully, some of the automation that is available for warehouses these days is something straight out of a sci-fi film. In his Ted Talk, Markus Mutz describes using RFID technology to track the movement of seafood through each phase of the supply chain, and how in doing so, supply chains are becoming more transparent.

Supply Chain transparency is certainly becoming more important. Now more than ever, warehouse workers are being asked to do more work with the same amount of people. There’s a way to increase accuracy and visibility in your warehouse – and you don’t need a robot to do it.

What is Automated Data Collection?

Automated data collection refers to the process of automatically extracting data from paper forms through the use of software. Automated data collection can replace manual data entry – which is often slow and error prone. It also updates your data in real-time, so you don’t have to wait weeks for someone to enter backlogged numbers into an excel spreadsheet.

Automated data collection sometimes goes by different names, such as inventory management. In healthcare environments it might be called materials management. Essentially, it’s using a barcode scanner to scan information on a barcode to update to your ERP in real-time. No matter what you call it, it will help you save time and money.

How can I get started?

To implement automated data collection, you need three things: an ERP system, a WMS, and mobile handhelds to scan with.

Step one is to choose your ERP. Your implementation partner can direct you to a warehouse management system that will integrate into your ERP. We recommend that you choose a WMS that is built on the ERP. Not only does this increase the compatibility of your WMS and ERP, but it will likely mirror the ERP interface, which will reduce training time due to familiarity. Finally, you will need to choose the mobile scanner that will best meet your needs. If you choose a WMS like RF-SMART, they have a dedicated hardware team that can help you pick out the best hardware for your environment.

Why Use Barcodes in a Warehouse Environment?

According to Barcodes Inc, the technical definition for a barcode is a machine-readable form of information on a scannable, visual surface. Barcodes are read using a scanner that can read the information the barcode contains.

When you think of a place you might see a barcode, you’re probably thinking of a retail environment like the grocery store. However, if you look closely, you’ll find that barcodes are everywhere – and they aren’t just for checking out at Walmart. In this post, we will talk about the different types of barcodes, how they are used in a warehouse environment, and how the data they contain can benefit your supply chain.

Types of Barcodes

There are many types of barcodes that you might use depending on your environment or the scanners that you have available. For our purposes, we will break them into two groups: one dimensional and two dimensional barcodes.

One Dimensional (1D)

The barcodes are most commonly recognized are known as one dimensional barcodes. The length of a one-dimensional barcode is directly tied to how much information it holds. Users of these barcodes must limit their characters to between 8 and 15.

Included in the one dimensional barcode family are UPC and EAN, which are found most often in retail environments. UPC stands for “universal product code.” The numbers contained within the code can help workers identify specific product characteristics, such as size. These little codes pack a lot of information, and they not only make checking out easy, they also serve as a tracking number as the product is moved around a warehouse facility.

Two Dimensional (2D)

Two-dimensional barcodes represent data using two-dimensional symbols and shapes. Two dimensional barcodes are newer, and less common. They usually represent more data than a one dimensional barcode. According to Scandit, “another key advantage of 2D barcodes is their error-protection formulas. These codes are designed to keep data intact and scannable—even after being ripped, scratched or damaged. This feature makes 2D barcodes uniquely suited to more intense, fast-paced scanning applications.”

QR codes are among the types of two dimensional barcodes that are common. They are versatile and most smartphones include a QR scanning feature. There are many websites that offer free QR code generators. Their low price point (free) has certainly contributed to their popularity, especially for things like advertising and marketing. However, they are not very common in warehouses as most industrial scanners only read one dimensional barcodes.

How to Use Barcodes in a Warehouse Environment

First, we always recommend working with a supply chain expert that can help you identify the best hardware and labels to use for your environment. One common use cases for barcodes is on the product itself and on the bins or racking that the item is stored on.

For example, if you are a warehouse worker that is going to pick inventory, you’d be given a pick slip with the items on it that you need to retrieve. In the simplest version of this scenario, you would take your barcode scanner and scan the pick slip. The data from the barcode on the pick slip will then direct you to a bin or location where you would pick that item. Depending on your set up, once you arrive that that location, you would scan the barcode on the item or location to verify that you have picked the right item. Your WMS will then verify that you’ve picked the correct item. Overall, using a barcode scanner will reduce mis-picks and increase labor productivity.

 

 

How Does the Barcode Work with my ERP?

Once the item is picked, the mobile scanner is going to send a message back to your ERP and tell it that that inventory has been picked and is no longer available. A mobile data collection system provides full visibility into your inventory, because the barcode scanner is updating your ERP in real-time. You always know what you have on hand and what you need to replenish, saving you time and money.