Work In Process (WIP) Tracking
From Raw Material to Finished Product
Work in Process (WIP) tracking refers to tracking each item in production throughout the entire manufacturing process to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and traceability.
In many facilities, WIP tracking is still completed by hand, using spreadsheets and manual data entry; however, automated WIP tracking not only saves times and reduces errors, but it also provides real-time visibility into the flow of materials throughout production.
The foundation for automated WIP tracking is reliable barcode reading. Keep reading to learn about code reading solutions for WIP tracking or contact us to discuss your specific application.
Visibility into Every Step of the Process
Tracking items from raw materials to finished products provides a wide variety of benefits including enabling manufacturers to:
- Know the location and status of customer orders during production to ensure on-time shipment and delivery.
- Track availability of raw materials inventory in real time to facilitate restocking and keep production levels on target.
- Accurately track scrapped or reworked parts to identify areas for process improvement.
- Track finished products back to the original materials for quick and accurate recall of defective products.
These, among other capabilities, enable manufacturers to increase profitability and remain competitive in their industries by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and allowing for accurate, real-time identification of defects and bottlenecks.
Track Inventory and Origin of Materials
- A product's quality depends on the integrity of its parts, so tracking raw materials is critical.
- Scanning and tracking received goods and raw materials provides manufacturers with valuable data that can be used in case an issue is discovered during quality inspections or product recall.
- If a defect is identified with a particular part on a product, insight into the origin of the defective materials can help manufacturers isolate affected batches and prevent future defects.
- In addition to facilitating quality control and recalls, tracking incoming goods also enables better inventory management to ensure necessary parts are restocked in a timely manner.
Improve Efficiency and Reduce Waste
- Tracking individual components throughout product helps manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve lean manufacturing goals.
- For example, manufacturers can easily determine which parts are scrapped most often and where the waste is occurring. This allows manufacturers to identify solutions to reduce waste and analyze the success of those solutions over time.
- Scanning components and products at each stage of production also enables manufacturers to track the time between each stage to identify and reduce bottlenecks in production and facilitate staffing and resource allocation.
Ensure Accurate, Timely Order Fulfillment
- Accurate and timely shipments are critical. Missed ship dates, incorrect, or incomplete orders can cause delays throughout the supply chain and decrease customer satisfaction.
- Order, shipping, and tracking information is embedded in separate 1D and 2D barcodes printed every box in a shipment. This information must be verified before the boxes are loaded onto a pallet and the shipment leaves the facility.
- As packages travel at high speeds on the line to the palletizer, an ABR 7000 barcode reader with a liquid lens autofocus verifies each barcode printed on the label.
- Algorithms programmed into the barcode reader locate each barcode, extract the data, and verify that the barcodes match the criteria established during inspection setup.
- This information is then sent over an Ethernet connection to the management system which records the data.
Imager-Based 1D and 2D Barcode Reader
The iVu BCR offers advanced 1D and 2D barcode reading capabilities for traceability in a rugged package.
- Program through an integrated touch screen, remote touch screen or PC interface
- Reads a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes including DataMatrix (ECC 200), Linear Bar Codes, Code 128, Code 39, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN 13, EAN 8, UPC-E, POSTNET, IMB, and Pharmacode
- Ethernet (EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP, and PROFINET) and Serial RS-232 communications
- Read multiple barcodes in any orientation with one device
- Rugged IP67 housing for factory environments
- Available with a variety of lens and integrated light options – red, blue, green, white, UV or infrared
TCNM Series
Laser-Based 1D Barcode Scanner
Able to decode over a dozen commonly used linear barcode symbols, the TCNM sensor provides fast read rates, broad depth of field, and high resolution.
- Reads more than a dozen common linear barcode symbols
- Completes 500 to 1,000 scans per second
- Essential setup and diagnostic operations using SMART-TEACH push button and LED indicators
- Code rebuilding algorithm combines multiple scans to reconstruct damaged code information
- GeniusPlus software and proprietary intra-sensor communication protocol eliminate the need for external multiplexer in multi-sensor setup
- Rugged IP65 housing
