Scanner Barcode and Camera System
Scanner Data Collection and Bill of Material LookupProject Overview
A paper machine company needed to disassemble an entire paper machine and move it to a new plant.
Challenge
Parts needed to be labeled as they were removed from the machine and pictures taken before the part was removed and after it was removed to show what it looked like. Each part also needed to be assigned to a shipping container so it could be found again once it arrived in the new location. Shipping containers could be placed inside larger shipping containers so all parts inside needed to be kept track of so when the outside container was scanned at the receiving end they knew what parts are inside. The size of a paper machine fills an entire building, and since the building was being shut down, there was very limited heat and power.
Solution
StrategyBytes, LLC created a software system using both desktop programming and scanner programming to collect and label all the parts. The desktop system would download bill of material information to the scanner based on machine drawing numbers and section numbers, so a mechanic could select part numbers from a list to print their labels. Wireless printers and battery powered carts were used so labels could be printed right on the floor next to the machine to save time. The scanner also contained an imager, so it could take pictures as well. These pictures were uploaded to the desktop and labels would be generated and sent back out to the floor to the wireless printer.
Container labels would be created and all parts placed into the containers would be scanned. All the data would be updated in the desktop database in real time over the wireless network. A packing list would be printed at the desktop when a container was flagged as complete.
The Results
The paper machine was moved using over 400 truckloads of parts, and was successfully installed in its new location. The information captured by the system was key to a timely and organized move with a successful startup.