The value of bar coding

...to the health care supply chain

Bar coding is the key to automated materials management. By using the HIBC coding system, the whole health care supply chain can benefit not only from easy, accurate and prompt handling of materials, but also from a readibly available, simply assembled source of valuable data.

But bar coding products every part of the supply chain can take advantage of easier and more accurate systems for:

• Ordering and re-ordering
• Article packing and packing
• Goods-in management

Inventory management can also be improved by better:

• Stock control
• Consumption monotoring

All these processes can benefit from increased labour efficiency and greater accuracy and lead to lower inventory requirements and reduced costs.

Extra benefits of bar coding to manufacturers

Initially manufacturers may implement bar coding as a way of offering their customers a valuable new service.
They can also expect return on their investment by improved efficiency in:

• Product traceability
• Warehouse management
• Administration
• Quality assurance
• Article picking and packing
• Export documentation