Especially in today’s economic climate, warehouses and factories worldwide must continue to maximize the output from their limited hardware and resources. This process has led many organizations to implement Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems.
The core function of any asset management platform is the management of individual assets. Organizations can choose between manual entry, barcodes, and RFID tags to identify and track their equipment.
These systems are best used when integrating additional capabilities such as scanners, barcodes, and other automated equipment.
Barcodes, in particular, offer a number of benefits that can help operations improve their efficiency and productivity.
Application
Tagging assets with barcodes is an affordable and simple way to increase the efficiency of your organization. Whether you are a massive logistics operation or a smaller manufacturing business, there are asset management solutions for your needs.
A barcode tag or label allows you to assign a unique identifier to each piece of equipment and track this information in your EAM software.
Operators can use scanners to track the status of inventory or processes, and permanent scanners can be installed at convenient locations within the factory or warehouse floor to scan items as they pass.
Another great example of utility from these systems is the repair or inspection processes. When technicians perform maintenance work or inspections, they can quickly scan the barcode and bring up information.
Barcodes also help during the auditing process by making equipment identification quick and giving auditors a clear and transparent log for each item.
These enterprise asset management systems can help with many areas of the business including:
- Order cycle times
- Inventory accuracy
- On-time shipment
- Inventory turnover
- Carrying costs
- Order filling accuracy
Having barcode labels installed on your equipment and inventory adds a high degree of reliability to your data. When you combine these solutions with workflows and procedures, you will have a system that allows you to review metrics at any time and quickly observe the status of your assets.
Barcode Tags and Labels
One of the fundamental elements of an EAM, the barcode is what provides information into the system.
Barcodes can be affixed to nearly any type of asset. This includes:
- Equipment
- Tools
- Computers
- Inventory
- Machinery
- And More
By simply attaching a barcoded tag or label to a device, it instantly becomes a traceable asset in the management system.
Barcode tags can also be adorned with additional readable information for operators to quickly identify if necessary. This can include manufacturer info, service dates, and more.
Especially when managing multiple areas of the business, barcode tracking provides a high level of transparency for all inventory and equipment. Any changes can be logged locally and made instantly available to anyone checking the system.
Processes
For this type of tag, ensuring that the barcode remains clear and legible is crucial for the success of the system.
Choosing a marking process and material which aligns with the durability requirements for your application is an important step.
The photo anodization process is typically the go-to solution for durable barcoding. It offers 20+ year durability with very clear and easy to scan imaging.
This process allows for any type of information including barcodes to be added to equipment, without fear of the code wearing away.
For less harsh conditions, a printed label on a polyester backing may provide a simpler solution. This is often used for more temporary identification purposes as well.
Wrap-Up
Integrating an enterprise asset management system may seem like a daunting task. However, once the system is in place it provides a simple but effective method for managing assets.
Utilizing barcode tags and labels with the platform offers the highest level of benefit and ease.
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