Sep
23
Written by:
Pam Burnham
9/23/2008
Bar code data entry is faster and more accurate than key entry. For 12 characters, key entry takes 6 seconds versus .5 seconds to scan a bar code. For someone with excellent data entry skills, expect 1 error in every 300 characters. Bar code error rates depends on the barcode and varies between 15,000 to 36 trillion characters. Often we are asked what information should be bar coded to take advantage of the technology.
To maximize efficiency, consider asking your vendors to bar code information on their packing lists or shipping labels. This may include the purchase order, a reference number, and the item number. If items you are receiving have bar coded manufacturer item number label already, take advantage of this and store them in Dynamics as the cross reference. (See my blog on manufacturer item numbers.) Serial and lot numbers are often already bar coded unless you are adding this level of tracking internally. In that case, consider purchasing pre-printed serial number labels to assign to your items during the receiving process. The receiving process is the best time to make sure you inventory is bar code labeled. Consider the details you will need to capture during other inventory transactions to determine what needs to be on your item label and what should be bar coded. At a minimum, the item number and any serial or lot numbers. If you have different units of measure, this might be something you also want to include on the item label and bar code.
You can also consider incorporating bar codes as part of printed forms and reports. Add a bar code for the purchase order, sales order, reference numbers and even items on your internally-printed purchase orders, sales orders, picking lists, etc. You simply need to purchase and add a bar code font. Bar code TrueType font files are added just like any type font. Be aware that you will need to increase your font size to properly print and read the bar code font. For a 300 dpi printer, the point size should not be less than 24 point. If you are using Code 39, you will need to put an "*" at the beginning and end of the data for the start and stop characters. Note that it is our recommendation that items are scanned from an label on the item itself as a best practice to eliminate scanning the item from a form only to still pick the wrong item off the shelf.
Speaking of items, depending on what type of items you carry in your inventory, you may consider shelf or bin labeling. This works well for very small "bulk" items that are not practical to label individually. A box or case label may also work well in this case.
Other information that may be practical to bar code may include sites, bin locations, and network printers. Our PanatrackerGP solutions provides the ability to set a default for a site, but if you use "virtual" sites (or even bin locations), you may want to consider a scan sheet that includes a bar code for each site and/or bin that can easily be accessed to scan during capturing inventory transactions.
Hopefully this will provide you some initial guidance. If you still have questions or have any comments, please feel free to comment on this blog or contact me to discuss your specific situation.