The impact of real-time data communication on inventory management

Many current and future distribution systems cannot tolerate data capture d elays found in periodic batch processing and reporting of inventory quantit ies, their locations and movement. The increased inventory accuracy and tim eliness of real-time data permits the whole spectrum of activities of suppl iers, sales and distribution personnel and customers to be performed with c onfidence and improved profitability. One method of real-time data collecti on is via bar-coding, scanning and two-way radio frequency (RF) transmissio n. This provides a "wireless connector" to the host computer no matter what type of items are being manufactured and/or distributed. RF systems integr ate the technologies of automatic identification systems (AIS), bar-coding, automatic data capture (ADC) and enhance electronic data interchange (EDI) and quick response (QR) systems. Together with other subsystems, manufactu ring and distribution firms are better able to control inventory operations and compete more effectively in servicing domestic and international custo mers. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.