One of the most effective ways to increase profits is to decrease costs, and a practical way to decrease costs is to implement lean manufacturing principles. The theory of lean manufacturing was developed by Toyota’s Chief Engineer, Taiichi Ohno. Some of the biggest wastes in manufacturing revolve around unnecessary transportation, excessive inventory, and undue employee motion. Implementing a long range scanning system can help eliminate wasteful processes and manage inventory levels.
Reduce Unnecessary Transportation
Transporting goods – whether work-in-progress or finished – is a costly task that doesn’t add any value to the products. For this reason, it is important to ensure that all transportation is conducted efficiently and minimally using lean manufacturing principles. Long range scanning systems enable you to know exactly where an item is, even from a distance.
Installing a vehicle mount computer like the Thor CV31 enables employees to receive an assignment to move an item, find the item location, scan the item, and see the item’s destination. This prevents employees from wasting time searching for products, accidently moving the wrong item, or taking it to the improper destination. This confidence translates into improved efficiency. Employees can be more productive, so you’ll require less staff to be tied up moving products.
Manage Inventory Levels
Another aspect of lean manufacturing principles is to reduce excessive inventory. A more manageable level of inventory will free up valuable space in the warehouse, require less handling equipment, and presents fewer opportunities for damage. To best understand your inventory levels, you’ll need a way to monitor levels and track the location of items with sure-fire accuracy.
The solution? Long range barcode scanners. A system of barcodes will enable you to enter new inventory into your system, set a location for it, and remove it from your inventory when it exits the facility. This automated inventory management will give you full control of the products in your warehouse, so you can accurately assess your inventory levels and plan your production schedules accordingly. Using a tool like the EX25 Near-Far Area Imager, your employees are capable of scanning items from six inches to 50 feet. They’ll also be able to capture images to document delivery or damage. This documentation will provide a complete view of your inventory.
Decrease Employee Motion
Achieving lean manufacturing principles also impacts how employees move through your organization. Ideally, you want to minimize the time it takes for employees to accomplish a task. Long range barcode scanners can also help with this concern. Once you install a barcode system, you’ll want to ensure your technology makes scanning a breeze. The SR61XR is your hassle-free solution. The laser spot aimer and omni-directional scanning makes it simple to target barcodes, even at long distances. Employees won’t have to waste time getting a read, so you can improve productivity.
Similarly, having a tool that performs multiple tasks will prevent employees from having to waste time acquiring a different device every time they change assignments. Using a rugged mobile computer like the versatile CK71 allows employees to complete tasks like near or far scanning, speech, voice, and image capture – all in one device!
Lean manufacturing principles can save time, costs, and improve productivity and efficiency. By implementing a long range barcode scanning system, you’ll be able to reduce unnecessary transportation, manage inventory levels, and decrease employee motion.
