Using Technology to
Streamline the
Inventory Process
Sean Pugatch, AssetWorks
Sean.Pugatch@assetworks.com
1-512-347-7400 ext. 1865
Introduction
Various
Methods for
Conducting
Inventory
Using
Technology
to
Streamline
the Process
Questions &
Discussion
Introduction:
Have an Inventory Plan
Who?
What?
Where?
How?
Why?
When?
Methods of Conducting
an Inventory
• Wall-to-Wall Inventory
• Inventory by Exception
• Inventory by Random Sample
Wall-to-Wall Inventory
• An inventory of ALL
items in a given
location.
• Systematic approach
• Time-consuming
• More accurate than
some methods
(especially if automated).
Inventory by Exception
• Counts items that
have been “touched”
recently as already
inventoried.
• Saves time and effort
• Can miss new items
• May still need to supplement with wallto-wall inventory.
Inventory by Random Sample
• Inventory a subset of
assets, identified by a
statistically valid and
random sample.
All Assets
• Greatest opportunity for
saving time / $$
• May be less accurate than desired
Sample
Using Technology in the
Inventory Process
• Scanners and Tablets
• Barcodes and RFID
• Overall Benefits
Scanners and Tablets
• Both effective ways
to automate inventory
• Can increase accuracy
and accountability
• Provide real-time results
when synced w/database
• Can improve processes for
all types of inventory
Scanners and Tablets:
Additional Considerations
•
•
•
•
•
Does the device need to work offline?
Will there be good lighting in all areas?
How much battery life will I need?
What is the read range for the device?
What accessories are available?
Barcode Tags and RFID:
Some Common Misconceptions of
RFID
• 1. RFID will eliminate the need for
physical asset verification
• 2. RFID will allow me to inventory assets
from a long distance
• 3. RFID will eliminate the search for
assets in the field
Barcode Tags and RFID:
Understanding Types of RFID
Active RFID ($$$$)
• Continuous internal battery
• Larger in size
• Store up to 128 kb of data
• Read/Write capability
• Applications: vehicles, military, livestock, pharmaceuticals
Passive RFID ($$)
• No internal battery – powered by energy emitted from reader
• Smaller in size
• Store up to 128 kb of data
• Read/Write capability
• Applications: consumer goods, inventory, books, smart cards
Which is best for inventory?
• Battery: Tag only needs to emit frequency when prompted by
a reader.
• Size: Though human readable capability is required, the
smaller the better.
• Data Storage: Asset ID ties all current asset details to a
master profile. Storage size becomes a non-issue.
• Read/Write:Tags will be used simply for asset identification
purposes. Write capabilities are not necessary.
• $: Cost can make RFID implementations unattainable.
Passive RFID Tags
Barcode Tags and RFID:
Understanding Types of RFID
High Frequency RFID ($)
• Store large amounts of data
• Very short read range
• Secure communication
• Applications: libraries, textiles, documents, healthcare
Ultra High Frequency RFID ($$)
• Store small amounts of data
• Longer read range
• No secure communication
• Applications: warehouse management, pallet identification,
inventory, healthcare
Which is best for inventory?
• Data: Only record asset ID. No need for large amount of coded
data.
• Read Range: The longer the read range the better.
• Data Security: Sensitive data will not be stored in the RFID
tag, therefore secure communications is not an issue.
• $: Cost is a major consideration, but read range is necessary.
Ultra High Frequency RFID Tags
Barcode Tags and RFID:
Use Both for Exceptional Results
• RFID
–
–
–
–
Difficult to reach assets
Difficult to reach asset tags (hidden, high)
Assets that should not be handled
Assets that are highly mobile
• Barcode Tag
– All other equipment
Benefits to using Technology
in the Inventory Process
•
•
•
•
Save time and $$
Increase accuracy
Increase accountability
Simplify reconciliation
Thank you!
Any Questions?
_______________________
Contact Information:
Sean.Pugatch@assetworks.com
1-512-347-7400 ext. 1865