The information gathered by barcode scanners throughout a warehouse results in a wealth of individual data points. How much value they bring depends on the interpretation of the data once it is gathered. By coupling barcode data with warehouse management software, managers have access to the facts and figures they need to make data-driven decisions that optimize operations.
Key takeaways:
Barcodes printed on paperwork like pick tickets, posted on storage racks, and of course affixed to the products themselves all tell managers the who, what, when, and where of their inventory.
Let’s take a look at some examples as a barcoded product moves through the warehouse:
Barcode scanning offers useful data points for managers such as:
Barcode scanning is a quick and convenient way to count inventory. But by itself, that’s all it is. True, simply by automating the counting, a warehouse can be more efficient. Counts are faster and more accurate. But there are many more ways the raw data collected on the warehouse floor can produce valuable information.
When barcode data is captured in real-time and integrated with a WMS, it gives managers a clear picture of what is going on with their inventory—not only last week or yesterday but right now. Products are typically scanned at strategic points along their journey through the warehouse. This way, managers know the quantity, location, and status of everything at any given time—even if spread across several different warehouses.
Scanner data can also tell a manager how long it takes an item to get from one scan to the next. Tracking this data might uncover bottlenecks or other inefficiencies that are affecting operations.
For example, what if there is a significant increase in the time between scanning items as they are dropped off in the packing department, and when the package is complete and moves to shipping? Something is slowing down the packers. It could be inadequate packing supplies, a slow label printer, or the addition of a new task like including sales flyers in each box. Once they find the issue, managers can work on a solution.
Making things more efficient saves money. So does keeping inventory levels in the sweet spot between overstocking and running out.
Too much inventory on the shelves wastes money by increasing carrying costs, while insufficient stock results in backorders and unhappy customers. Barcode scanning helps managers keep an eye on quantities in real time. For example, it can tell the WMS precisely when stock reaches the preset quantity that triggers an alert for reordering.
Replacing manual tasks with scanning also means more accurate fulfillment. There is less chance of pickers grabbing the wrong item off the shelf, resulting in fewer costly returns.
The concept of comparing metrics and measuring key performance indicators for strategic decision-making is familiar to warehouse managers. Managers can set various benchmarks that serve as a comparison of their analytics to past performance and industry standards. Barcode scanning provides the data points that go into the KPIs that are most meaningful for the company.
Barcode scanning automatically compiles this data and presents it in real-time to warehouse managers so they can solve issues as they arise. Managers also have a bird’s eye view of long-term trends from the collected data to make slower changes over time, which can have a big impact on a warehouse’s operations and efficiency.
Warehouse managers base the metrics and KPIs they follow on the company’s strategic goals. These often align with and address the pain points felt by the operation itself and its customers.
Below are some examples of common goals and pain points and the corresponding data that can provide solutions. The data that informs these is collected, in part, from barcode scanning:
Item fill rate → measures how much of each order the warehouse is able to fulfill.
Order cycle time → shows how long it takes for a customer to receive their order after placing it.
Returns due to incorrect orders → shows where accuracy is lacking.
Order fulfillment time → tracks each employee’s productivity.
Put-away time → is important to track, as pickers can’t pick what is in the warehouse but not yet on the shelf.
Days on hand → can show several things, such as when a product is no longer in demand. It is also important for products with expiration dates. The amount of time spent on the shelf can result in higher carrying costs too.
Product velocity → when viewed historically, can indicate seasonal highs and lows.
Tracking metrics like the ones above gives managers the information they need to make decisions about the workflow, space, and staffing needs in their warehouse.
For example, if the barcode data shows an increase in demand for a certain product or a slowdown in the supply chain, it can help them tighten up their replenishment processes. When linking these data points with WMS information, managers can spot anomalies, connect to their supply chain partners, or manage the workflow over more than one sales channel.
Managers can use scanned barcode data to ensure that their warehouse layout is optimized for efficient fulfillment. When order fulfillment lags due to bottlenecks, they can rearrange pick paths, processes, or locations for better accessibility. Sales velocity will show what needs to be in forward picking areas. On the flip side, it can indicate what is out of season or not selling well, and can therefore be stored in an out-of-the-way place—or even discontinued.
In the case of a company with multiple warehouse locations, real-time inventory data can drive the decisions to move inventory from one location to another.
Barcode scanning reduces clerical and data entry tasks, freeing up staff for other work. Beyond that, scanning data can play an important role in scheduling. For example, if unloading and put-away is not done in a timely manner, picking could finish for the day leaving orders unfulfilled. The manager may decide to add personnel in receiving, authorize overtime for the pickers, adjust orders from vendors so shipments arrive earlier, or any number of other solutions.
Using barcodes to automate the inventory counting process is a great first step. But barcode scanning does much more for a warehouse than that. Data points from scanners throughout the warehouse offer a wealth of information about the inventory, the workers, and the processes in place. Managers can leverage that data to measure the metrics and KPIs. This practice will help managers reach their goals for a more efficient and profitable warehouse.
Infoplus products provide useful tools like alerts when a KPI misses its mark. Managers can track goals automatically, while viewing all of the relevant data points arranged on an easy-to-read dashboard. Contact us today for a demonstration.