As more organizations turn to enterprise-wide software to keep their supply chains running efficiently, there is a significant opportunity to enhance these systems by adding barcoding applications throughout manufacturing facilities and distribution operations.
The technology has been around for decades (it was first patented in 1952), and it’s made great strides over the years to become more mobile and real-time to benefit the needs of the modern manufacturer.
So, what can barcode technology do for your business? Let’s break down the benefits.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency
Without barcodes, manufacturers must rely on employees to enter and track inventory, which can lead to human error. The typical accuracy rate for human data entry is 1 error per 300 characters while barcode scanners can boost the accuracy rate to as incredible as 1 error in 36 trillion characters. Instead of a warehouse worker typing in an inventory number and rekeying it, (potentially entering the wrong number on accident), they just scan a barcode for greater than 99.9 percent data accuracy. And better accuracy leads to a more efficient warehouse.
Barcode systems can also improve the efficiency of your workforce. Rather than spending hours training new employees on an entire inventory or pricing procedure, they can be trained on mastering the scanner’s functions in just minutes, making training time faster, more efficient, and less expensive.
Real-time Traceability
As inventory moves throughout the supply chain, it’s important for companies to be able to keep track of its whereabouts. Barcoding makes this process easy and accurate. One scan of a barcode and you get access to real-time information, such as who was logged in when scanning the inventory, in some cases. Being able to track the entire journey of a product also makes it less likely that someone will misplace it—which can be a costly mistake.
Increasing Speed
Today’s consumers expect deliveries to be at their front door in two days or less, meaning manufacturers must eliminate any unnecessary steps. With barcode scanners, a worker no longer needs to read and process information on a product. Barcoding increases order and shipping accuracy, ensuring that products ship complete, error-free, and on time, all of which improve customer satisfaction.
Optimized Process Leads to Bigger Profits
While there will be a cost to implement a barcoding system and train employees to use this technology, the long-term savings are substantial. Barcodes increase return on investment (ROI) by reducing required data entry, manual errors, and processing time. Barcodes can increase production by taking a process that would usually take minutes down to seconds—and all that time adds up. Time saved through barcoding technology can then be used to grow the business in new ways or find other areas to improve processes.
Speed and efficiency are a must for any organization to stay competitive in today’s world, and technology is the key to achieving it. When it comes to barcodes, the bottom line results are clear: reduced costs, leaner production, and higher profitability. Barcodes don’t just help the organization in a couple of different areas; they can completely transform the manufacturing process and help you achieve supply chain visibility.
Surety Systems has worked with many manufacturing companies to improve their processes and organizations with digital transformation. If you’re ready to optimize your supply chain, contact one of our JD Edwards Supply Chain consultants today.
You can find more information on the JD Edwards system on our blog—JD Edwards Insights. Need more hands-on help? We have an extensive network of JD Edwards consultants that can help you with any type of project. Contact us to learn more and get started with one of our experts.
