Summary
In a fairly grim market, industrial equipment manufacturers must devote greater focus to achieving excellence in their global operations to achieve high performance and gain a share of the opportunities provided by growing emerging markets.
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Monday, August 25, 2008
Achieving High Performance in the Industrial Equipment Industry
industrial equipment companies that now start to replicate some combination of the distinctive capabilities of high performance in this industry will quickly establish a lead over their competitors.
Summary
of the best performers in the huge industrial equipment marketplace are in the industrial and electrical sector, which supplies parts and components to the industry as a whole. Five such companies emerged from our analysis having consistently outperformed their competitors over a significant period of time in this fragmented and highly cyclical industry. Indeed, they have grown three times as fast as their peers over the last five years.
These five high-performance businesses do not simply source and manufacture in new and emerging markets—they leverage all aspects of these markets’ potential, often creating entirely new markets in the process. They do so in the service of global, highly flexible and remarkably efficient operating models that equip them to meet the specific needs of customers in every market they serve. Even more important: Their operating models drive the continuous improvement that generates the free cash flow needed to fuel growth and innovation.
Accenture’s research indicates that the lion’s share of future value in the industrial equipment industry will go to a select group of companies that take full advantage of new and emerging markets—going well beyond the realization of low-cost country sourcing opportunities. These high-performance businesses will have the capabilities, culture and leadership to take on the challenges of a global marketplace—and win.
Summary
of the best performers in the huge industrial equipment marketplace are in the industrial and electrical sector, which supplies parts and components to the industry as a whole. Five such companies emerged from our analysis having consistently outperformed their competitors over a significant period of time in this fragmented and highly cyclical industry. Indeed, they have grown three times as fast as their peers over the last five years.
These five high-performance businesses do not simply source and manufacture in new and emerging markets—they leverage all aspects of these markets’ potential, often creating entirely new markets in the process. They do so in the service of global, highly flexible and remarkably efficient operating models that equip them to meet the specific needs of customers in every market they serve. Even more important: Their operating models drive the continuous improvement that generates the free cash flow needed to fuel growth and innovation.
Accenture’s research indicates that the lion’s share of future value in the industrial equipment industry will go to a select group of companies that take full advantage of new and emerging markets—going well beyond the realization of low-cost country sourcing opportunities. These high-performance businesses will have the capabilities, culture and leadership to take on the challenges of a global marketplace—and win.
Adhesives
An adhesive is a substance that helps to glue or bond two or more objects together. The difference between an industrial grade adhesive and an ordinary adhesive is the degree of cohesiveness and its variety of applications. There are many types of adhesives available including epoxy adhesives, industrial adhesives, acrylic adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, rubber adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, silicone adhesives, thermoset adhesives and specialty adhesives, etc.
Industrial adhesives are generally made of organic and inorganic chemical compounds that are designed for joining components together. Industrial adhesives generally include things such as industrial sealants, which are used to fill in gaps and cracks between seams, or on surfaces. They are also used to contain liquids, prevent leaks, and to help stop the infiltration of unwanted materials.
Industrial adhesives are generally made of organic and inorganic chemical compounds that are designed for joining components together. Industrial adhesives generally include things such as industrial sealants, which are used to fill in gaps and cracks between seams, or on surfaces. They are also used to contain liquids, prevent leaks, and to help stop the infiltration of unwanted materials.
Abrasives
In industrial processing, an abrasive is commonly referred to as a substance that is used for polishing or smoothing other products, by rubbing it against the other and causing friction. Abrasives are also used in blast processing. Abrasives also have a wide array of usage in day-to-day life. Abrasives are used extensively in polishing wooden furniture and metals and for removing surface materials such as metal, ceramics, glass, plastics, and paint. They are also used in operations such as optical lens polishing as well as in the grinding of metal and glass, wet and dry grinding, sanding, cleaning, polishing, lapping, and surface preparation in various of industrial settings, including metalworking, woodworking, ceramics, and semiconductors. They are also ideal to sharpen tools, cut optical components, and finish concrete.
Abrasive materials are naturally available as in the case with minerals as well as being man-made. Some examples of natural abrasives are emery, sand and flint. Manufactured abrasives are obtained by chemically treating certain substances to attain abrasive qualities such as borazon and carborandum. Other examples of abrasives include: aluminum oxide, zirconia alumina, ceramic, garnet, tungsten carbine, silicon carbide, diamond dust, grinding wheels, powdered glass, pumice dust, and sandpaper.
Abrasive materials are naturally available as in the case with minerals as well as being man-made. Some examples of natural abrasives are emery, sand and flint. Manufactured abrasives are obtained by chemically treating certain substances to attain abrasive qualities such as borazon and carborandum. Other examples of abrasives include: aluminum oxide, zirconia alumina, ceramic, garnet, tungsten carbine, silicon carbide, diamond dust, grinding wheels, powdered glass, pumice dust, and sandpaper.
office equipment
about our range of shredders
Strip-Cut
Strip-cut shredders, also known as straight-cut or spaghetti-cut, slice the paper into long, thin strips. Strip-cut shredders generally handle a higher volume of paper with lower maintenance requirements. Shred size may vary from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Narrower strips provide better security. Because the strips dont compress well, youll need a larger basket (or more frequent emptying).
Cross-Cut
Cross-cut shredders provide more security by cutting paper vertically and horizontally into confetti-like pieces. The shredded paper compresses better so the basket holds more cut paper. The trade-off is these shredders may require more maintenance and generally cost more. With patience someone could reconstruct any shredded document. Cross-cut shredders just make the job a lot more tedious.
Volume/Capacity
Its easy to burn out a shredder by overworking it. For low-volume users, personal shredders designed for 100-150 sheets per day are fine. For higher volume look beyond personal shredders. A shred capacity of at least 4-5 sheets is best unless you really want to spend time feeding in paper one piece at a time. In real-world use, most shredders do best at 1-2 sheets less than their stated specs.
Throat
The opening where you feed the paper into the shredder needs to be large enough to accommodate the size of paper you typically shred. An 8.75 or 9 inch throat handles unfolded letter size paper nicely. A smaller throat size requires folding the paper but if most of your shredding is of credit card or ATM receipts, it works fine.
Extra Features
Shredders come with various combinations of features. With Automatic start/stop the shredder detects the presence of paper. Some shredders provide a light or buzzer to alert you to paper jams or a full shredder basket. Reverse Feed is useful for helping to clear out paper jams. A clear basket or window also helps you see when the basket needs emptying.
Integrated Units
Shredders with built-in baskets or racks for plastic bags generally cost a bit more than the stand-alone versions. These shredders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some units might include an extra opening for inserting paper that doesnt need shredding or a see-through window to check the paper level. The main drawback is that you are tied into using a specific size of basket
Strip-Cut
Strip-cut shredders, also known as straight-cut or spaghetti-cut, slice the paper into long, thin strips. Strip-cut shredders generally handle a higher volume of paper with lower maintenance requirements. Shred size may vary from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Narrower strips provide better security. Because the strips dont compress well, youll need a larger basket (or more frequent emptying).
Cross-Cut
Cross-cut shredders provide more security by cutting paper vertically and horizontally into confetti-like pieces. The shredded paper compresses better so the basket holds more cut paper. The trade-off is these shredders may require more maintenance and generally cost more. With patience someone could reconstruct any shredded document. Cross-cut shredders just make the job a lot more tedious.
Volume/Capacity
Its easy to burn out a shredder by overworking it. For low-volume users, personal shredders designed for 100-150 sheets per day are fine. For higher volume look beyond personal shredders. A shred capacity of at least 4-5 sheets is best unless you really want to spend time feeding in paper one piece at a time. In real-world use, most shredders do best at 1-2 sheets less than their stated specs.
Throat
The opening where you feed the paper into the shredder needs to be large enough to accommodate the size of paper you typically shred. An 8.75 or 9 inch throat handles unfolded letter size paper nicely. A smaller throat size requires folding the paper but if most of your shredding is of credit card or ATM receipts, it works fine.
Extra Features
Shredders come with various combinations of features. With Automatic start/stop the shredder detects the presence of paper. Some shredders provide a light or buzzer to alert you to paper jams or a full shredder basket. Reverse Feed is useful for helping to clear out paper jams. A clear basket or window also helps you see when the basket needs emptying.
Integrated Units
Shredders with built-in baskets or racks for plastic bags generally cost a bit more than the stand-alone versions. These shredders come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some units might include an extra opening for inserting paper that doesnt need shredding or a see-through window to check the paper level. The main drawback is that you are tied into using a specific size of basket
Friday, August 22, 2008
Baseball equipment and clothing
Bat
A rounded, solid wooden or hollow aluminum bat. Wooden bats are traditionally made from ash wood, though maple is also sometimes used. Aluminum bats are not permitted in professional leagues, but are frequently used in amateur leagues.
Ball
A cork sphere, tightly wound with layers of yarn or string and covered with a stitched leather coat.
Base
One of four corners of the infield which must be touched by a runner in order to score a run; more specifically, they are canvas bags (at first, second, and third base) and a rubber plate (at home).
Glove
Leather gloves worn by players in the field. Long fingers and a webbed "pocket" between the thumb and first finger allows the fielder to catch the ball more easily.
Catcher's mitt
Leather mitt are worn by catchers. It is much wider than a normal fielder's glove and the four fingers are connected. The mitt is also better-padded than the standard fielder's glove.
First baseman's mitt
Leather mitt worn by first basemen. It is longer and wider than a standard fielder's glove. The four fingers are connected and the glove is rounded like a catcher's mitt. A first baseman's mitt has a bit more padding than a standard fielder's glove
Batting gloves
Gloves often worn on one or both hands by the batter. They offer additional grip and eliminate some of the shock when making contact with the ball.
Batting helmet
Helmet worn by batter to protect the head and the ear facing the pitcher from the ball.
Baseball cap
Hat worn by all players. Designed to shade the eyes from the sun, this hat design has become popular with the general public.
A rounded, solid wooden or hollow aluminum bat. Wooden bats are traditionally made from ash wood, though maple is also sometimes used. Aluminum bats are not permitted in professional leagues, but are frequently used in amateur leagues.
Ball
A cork sphere, tightly wound with layers of yarn or string and covered with a stitched leather coat.
Base
One of four corners of the infield which must be touched by a runner in order to score a run; more specifically, they are canvas bags (at first, second, and third base) and a rubber plate (at home).
Glove
Leather gloves worn by players in the field. Long fingers and a webbed "pocket" between the thumb and first finger allows the fielder to catch the ball more easily.
Catcher's mitt
Leather mitt are worn by catchers. It is much wider than a normal fielder's glove and the four fingers are connected. The mitt is also better-padded than the standard fielder's glove.
First baseman's mitt
Leather mitt worn by first basemen. It is longer and wider than a standard fielder's glove. The four fingers are connected and the glove is rounded like a catcher's mitt. A first baseman's mitt has a bit more padding than a standard fielder's glove
Batting gloves
Gloves often worn on one or both hands by the batter. They offer additional grip and eliminate some of the shock when making contact with the ball.
Batting helmet
Helmet worn by batter to protect the head and the ear facing the pitcher from the ball.
Baseball cap
Hat worn by all players. Designed to shade the eyes from the sun, this hat design has become popular with the general public.
Coal production down for Walter Industries
Walter Industries Inc.’s mining division produced 1.2 million tons of metallurgical coal for the quarter ended June 30. It traditionally produces more than 7 million tons of coal a year in its three mines in Alabama.
Specifically, Mine No. 4 produced less tonnage than its historic quarterly averages, primarily due to a longwall move and reduced
Specifically, Mine No. 4 produced less tonnage than its historic quarterly averages, primarily due to a longwall move and reduced
Sports equipment
Sports equipment includes any object used for sport or exercise.
Examples for sports include balls, goals, sticks for hockey and lacrosse, bats, wickets and bails for cricket, nets for tennis, volleyball and badminton.
Examples for exercise include swiss balls, weights, equipment for the gym.
Examples for sports include balls, goals, sticks for hockey and lacrosse, bats, wickets and bails for cricket, nets for tennis, volleyball and badminton.
Examples for exercise include swiss balls, weights, equipment for the gym.
Medical equipment
Medical equipment is designed to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of medical conditions. These devices are usually designed with rigorous safety standards.
See also the main articles: implant, artificial limbs, corrective lenses, cochlear implants, dental implants, prosthetics (ocular, facial)
There are several basic types:
* Diagnostic equipment includes medical imaging machines, used to aid in diagnosis. Examples are ultrasound and MRI machines, PET and CT scanners, and x-ray machines.
* Therapeutic equipment includes infusion pumps, medical lasers and LASIK surgical machines.
* Life support equipment is used maintain a patient's bodily function. These include medical ventilators, heart-lung machines, ECMO, and dialysis machines.
* Medical monitors allow medical staff to measure a patient's medical state. Monitors may measure patient vital signs and other parameters including ECG, EEG, blood pressure, and dissolved gases in the blood.
* Medical laboratory equipment automates or help analyze blood, urine and genes.
* Diagnostic Medical Equipment may also be used in the home for certain purposes, e.g. for the control of diabetes mellitus
A Biomedical equipment technician or BMET is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed primarily by hospitals, BMETs are the people responsible for maintaining a facility's medical equipment.
See also the main articles: implant, artificial limbs, corrective lenses, cochlear implants, dental implants, prosthetics (ocular, facial)
There are several basic types:
* Diagnostic equipment includes medical imaging machines, used to aid in diagnosis. Examples are ultrasound and MRI machines, PET and CT scanners, and x-ray machines.
* Therapeutic equipment includes infusion pumps, medical lasers and LASIK surgical machines.
* Life support equipment is used maintain a patient's bodily function. These include medical ventilators, heart-lung machines, ECMO, and dialysis machines.
* Medical monitors allow medical staff to measure a patient's medical state. Monitors may measure patient vital signs and other parameters including ECG, EEG, blood pressure, and dissolved gases in the blood.
* Medical laboratory equipment automates or help analyze blood, urine and genes.
* Diagnostic Medical Equipment may also be used in the home for certain purposes, e.g. for the control of diabetes mellitus
A Biomedical equipment technician or BMET is a vital component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed primarily by hospitals, BMETs are the people responsible for maintaining a facility's medical equipment.
How to set up a garden
Progressively people are now prepared to have a garden at home. In truth making a garden at home can have numerous advantages. A maintained garden can function as a reception place for invitee. To be appealing yet the gardens need to be carefully sustained. There are numerous kinds of gardens designs that exist and each one of them has their own proper feeling. If you wish to entrust your landscaping plan in the hands of professional people then you must look for the assistance of a landscape artist that will offer you the necessary results. See also in French: Produit jardinage
Agriculture Equipmen
Agricultural machinery is one of the most revolutionary and impactful applications of modern technology. The truly elemental human need for food has often driven the development of technology and machines. Over the last 250 years, advances in farm equipment have transformed the way people are employed and produce their food worldwide.
Tools & Equipment
Welcome to the B2B directory of Tools & Equipment. The online business directory of Tools & Equipment contains a largest database of manufacturers, suppliers, exporters of various tools & equipment. In this directory you are liberal to view the product catalogs of Indian & international manufactures, suppliers etc. The leading business houses have listed their offerings into different sub categories and some of the sub categories are automation equipment, Carpentry tools, cleaning equipment, coating and finishing equipment, cutting tools, dispensing equipment ,earthmoving equipment, engineering equipment, fluid handling equipment, garden tools, hand tools, heat treating equipment ,hydraulic equipment ,industrial tools, jewelry tools and so on. One can browse through our catalog listing which also contains the list of tools& equipments of every company. This makes it easier for the buyers to decide, which company they want to deal with. Moreover you can post the buy or sell trade leads to the desired party. So find here whatever you want, we have all the products under our same roof and that are offered by global business kings.
Industrial Moving Systems
As the industrial world began to grow new types of equipment and machinery were developed. These tools and equipment were designed to be powered by human and animal power along with such things as electrical, solar, nuclear and water energy. Some devices are operated manually while others such as robotics can be programmed to perform their functions automatically. Some types of equipment such as levers and hammers are simple tools while others such as hydraulic motors are pieces of complex machinery.
While many articles of industrial equipment such as ladders, power tools, hand tools, heaters, generators, and compressors can be used around your home, office, cottage and garden, some devices are built to a much larger scale and are made specifically for use in industrial settings. Some of these articles include industrial heaters, industrial carts, industrial forklifts, industrial vacuum cleaners, industrial presses, industrial boilers, industrial ovens, industrial furnaces and industrial scales etc. However, no matter where you use them, the one thing that all articles of industrial equipment have in common is that they were built and designed to make manual labor become faster and easier.
While many articles of industrial equipment such as ladders, power tools, hand tools, heaters, generators, and compressors can be used around your home, office, cottage and garden, some devices are built to a much larger scale and are made specifically for use in industrial settings. Some of these articles include industrial heaters, industrial carts, industrial forklifts, industrial vacuum cleaners, industrial presses, industrial boilers, industrial ovens, industrial furnaces and industrial scales etc. However, no matter where you use them, the one thing that all articles of industrial equipment have in common is that they were built and designed to make manual labor become faster and easier.
ndustrial Electronics
Industrial electronics is a branch of electronics that deals with power electronic devices such as thyristors, SCRs, AC/DC drives, meters, sensors, analyzers, load cells automatic test equipment, mulitimeters, data recorders, relays, resistors, semiconductors, transistors, waveguides, scopes, amplifiers, radio frequency (RF) circuit boards, timers, counters, etc. It covers all of the methods and facets of: control systems, instrumentation, mechanism and diagnosis, signal processing and automation of various industrial applications. The core research areas of industrial electronics include electrical power machine designs, power conditioning and power semiconductor devices. A lot of consideration is given to power economy and energy management in consumer electronic products.
So to put it simply, industrial electronics refers to equipment, tools and processes that involve electrical equipment in an industrial setting. This could be a laboratory, automotive plant, power plant or construction site etc. Industrial electronics are also used extensively in: chemical processing plants, oil/gas/petroleum plants, mining and metal processing units, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
So to put it simply, industrial electronics refers to equipment, tools and processes that involve electrical equipment in an industrial setting. This could be a laboratory, automotive plant, power plant or construction site etc. Industrial electronics are also used extensively in: chemical processing plants, oil/gas/petroleum plants, mining and metal processing units, electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Industrial Equipment Research & Insights
With our industry insights and global expertise, Accenture has helped dozens of industrial equipment companies emerge from the "value rut" by strengthening their capabilities to drive economic profit.
Industrial equipment and the Internet.
When I was in the auto industry, we used a lot of heavy equipment to bend, machine, and join metals. To keep up with world markets and increase efficiency, we had a capita] program to upgrade machinery and tooling. The equipment that was replaced generally had lots of life left in it, but we typically ended up scrapping good equipment for a lack of a better alternative. If we did sell it, we were lucky to get 20 or 30 cents on the dollar.
The farm equipment industry is back!
And ASAE is moving to revive former industry relationships
Do you remember? The trouble began in 1980, soon after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan and President Carter retaliated by canceling U.S. grain shipments to the USSR.
Until then, agriculture and those who depended on it had been prospering. Crop prices and farm income had been high, enabling farmers to increase the size of their operations. In the resulting competition for land, the price of land had escalated, with eac...
Do you remember? The trouble began in 1980, soon after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan and President Carter retaliated by canceling U.S. grain shipments to the USSR.
Until then, agriculture and those who depended on it had been prospering. Crop prices and farm income had been high, enabling farmers to increase the size of their operations. In the resulting competition for land, the price of land had escalated, with eac...
Equipment & Supplies
Safety equipment clothing are all kinds of protective equipments and clothing which are used to provide physical safety to a person from external hazards and impacts. These objects are particularly necessary for people working in hazardous environments or whose works entail chances of injury and harms.
CB Power and Industrial Products
CB Power and Industrial provides Innovative Engineered Industrial Fan System Solutions to the Industrial, OEM, Utility and Power Markets. Through our expertise and knowledge, we recommend product and service solutions, custom-tailored to your specific application requirements delivered in a timely and cost effective manner.
We offer a range of industrial products and services from a variety of competent vendors, many of whom are profiled below.
We offer a range of industrial products and services from a variety of competent vendors, many of whom are profiled below.
Grasso's industrial refrigeration equipment
Grasso is a Dutch manufacturer of reciprocating and screw compressors, packages, chillers and other components for industrial refrigeration. Their products are distributed worldwide to contractors, distributors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM's).
Grasso is founded by Willem Grasso in 1858. It has its main office in The Netherlands and factories in The Netherlands and Germany, has sales offices all over the world.
Grasso is the leading company of the Refrigeration Division of the multinational GEA Group AG in Bochum, Germany. The GEA Group employs around 17,500 people in approximately 50 countries and consists of more than 250 operating companies. GEA Group sales in 2005 are roughly 4.5 billion Euro.
Grasso is founded by Willem Grasso in 1858. It has its main office in The Netherlands and factories in The Netherlands and Germany, has sales offices all over the world.
Grasso is the leading company of the Refrigeration Division of the multinational GEA Group AG in Bochum, Germany. The GEA Group employs around 17,500 people in approximately 50 countries and consists of more than 250 operating companies. GEA Group sales in 2005 are roughly 4.5 billion Euro.
software and hardware
Hardware :
There is a wide range of hardware that is manufactured today for use in Barcode Systems. The best known brand of handheld scanners and mobile computers is Symbol, which is now a division of Motorola. Other manufacturers include Intermec, HHP (Hand Held Products), Microscan, Unitech, Metrologic and PSC.
Software :
While there is a range of hardware on the market, software is more difficult to find from the hardware manufacturers. Some ERP, MRP, and other inventory management software have built in support for barcode reading and some even allow the software to run directly on a mobile computer. Besides full management software, there are more than a few software on the market that allow the developer to easily produce custom mobile interfaces and that handle the connect to the database. One such software is RFgen. Then there is always the option of developing a custom software solution, using a language such as C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic.NET, and many others. Often developing a custom interface using software such as RFgen or developing new, personalized software is the most effective method since it allows the individual to have a solution that is fitted to their exact needs.
There is a wide range of hardware that is manufactured today for use in Barcode Systems. The best known brand of handheld scanners and mobile computers is Symbol, which is now a division of Motorola. Other manufacturers include Intermec, HHP (Hand Held Products), Microscan, Unitech, Metrologic and PSC.
Software :
While there is a range of hardware on the market, software is more difficult to find from the hardware manufacturers. Some ERP, MRP, and other inventory management software have built in support for barcode reading and some even allow the software to run directly on a mobile computer. Besides full management software, there are more than a few software on the market that allow the developer to easily produce custom mobile interfaces and that handle the connect to the database. One such software is RFgen. Then there is always the option of developing a custom software solution, using a language such as C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic.NET, and many others. Often developing a custom interface using software such as RFgen or developing new, personalized software is the most effective method since it allows the individual to have a solution that is fitted to their exact needs.
Typical Systems
In General
A typical barcode system :
A typical barcode system consist of some infrastructure, either wired or wireless that connects some number of mobile computers, handheld scanners, and printers to one or many databases that store and analyze the data collected by the system. At some level there must be some software to manage the system. The software may be as simple as code that manages the connection between the hardware and the database or as complex as an ERP, MRP, or some other inventory management software.
A Simple Example :
Assume ABC Inc. manufactures widgets and they want to offer online shopping for their customers and they only want their customers to order widgets they have in stock. ABC already uses an ERP system to help manage their inventory and day to day operations at their manufacturing plant but for information to get into the ERP database an employee must enter the data manually using a desktop computer terminal. This method doesn't work well with ABC's plans because the inventory data is nowhere close to real time, in fact in most cases it’s at least 24 hours old and sometime as much as a week old if the data entry person is on vacation. A solution to ABC's problem may be the installation of a barcode system. By installing a barcode system to help track inventory in real time ABC would be able to offer their customers online ordering and the customer could see which widgets were available and could in turn only be allowed to place orders for those widgets which were in stock. To install this barcode system ABC would need to first install a wireless network to cover most if not all of their manufacturing plant and warehouse, unless they planned on using wired barcode scanners. For this example we'll assume ABC chose to go with wireless scanners that communicate on a IEEE 802.11g frequency because ABC doesn't want their employees to be restricted to the limited range of wired scanners. Next ABC would need to either purchase an out of the box software package or have custom software developed to allow the hardware of the barcode system to communicate with their current ERP system. This is assuming ABC's ERP system does not have the ability to directly communicate with the wireless devices. We will assume that the out of the box software vendor or the software developer whichever is chosen will take care of the setup and testing of the software. We are assuming this because the development and/or setup of this software is usually rather complicated and also because the process is different for almost all types of software. Next ABC will have to purchase and setup the hardware (scanners, printers, etc.) that the employees will us on a daily bases to help track ABC's inventory in real time. After the wireless network is setup and the software and hardware is in place ABC will have to start labeling its products with labels containing bar-coded information so the labels can be read by the new barcode system. The final step for ABC is to train its employees on the procedures of use for the barcode system.
Note :
The above example is a grossly over simplified example. If your company is looking to install such a system and you or no one else at your company has any prior experience with such systems, it is very important to note that more research and planning should be done before undertaking such a project as the success of the project will depend greatly on how well you research and plan. It is also important to note that when purchasing hardware and/or software from auction sites such as EBay that one confirm the creditability of the seller before making a purchase because if your purchased hardware or software is stolen the manufacturer may refuse to service or support the item, and service and support is something that will at some point be required. If your experience is limited about systems such as these, often the manufacturers of the hardware and software can guide you during the project or can direct you to a company that can. Also note that the defining of objectives and timelines for your project will greatly improve the project's probability for success.
A typical barcode system :
A typical barcode system consist of some infrastructure, either wired or wireless that connects some number of mobile computers, handheld scanners, and printers to one or many databases that store and analyze the data collected by the system. At some level there must be some software to manage the system. The software may be as simple as code that manages the connection between the hardware and the database or as complex as an ERP, MRP, or some other inventory management software.
A Simple Example :
Assume ABC Inc. manufactures widgets and they want to offer online shopping for their customers and they only want their customers to order widgets they have in stock. ABC already uses an ERP system to help manage their inventory and day to day operations at their manufacturing plant but for information to get into the ERP database an employee must enter the data manually using a desktop computer terminal. This method doesn't work well with ABC's plans because the inventory data is nowhere close to real time, in fact in most cases it’s at least 24 hours old and sometime as much as a week old if the data entry person is on vacation. A solution to ABC's problem may be the installation of a barcode system. By installing a barcode system to help track inventory in real time ABC would be able to offer their customers online ordering and the customer could see which widgets were available and could in turn only be allowed to place orders for those widgets which were in stock. To install this barcode system ABC would need to first install a wireless network to cover most if not all of their manufacturing plant and warehouse, unless they planned on using wired barcode scanners. For this example we'll assume ABC chose to go with wireless scanners that communicate on a IEEE 802.11g frequency because ABC doesn't want their employees to be restricted to the limited range of wired scanners. Next ABC would need to either purchase an out of the box software package or have custom software developed to allow the hardware of the barcode system to communicate with their current ERP system. This is assuming ABC's ERP system does not have the ability to directly communicate with the wireless devices. We will assume that the out of the box software vendor or the software developer whichever is chosen will take care of the setup and testing of the software. We are assuming this because the development and/or setup of this software is usually rather complicated and also because the process is different for almost all types of software. Next ABC will have to purchase and setup the hardware (scanners, printers, etc.) that the employees will us on a daily bases to help track ABC's inventory in real time. After the wireless network is setup and the software and hardware is in place ABC will have to start labeling its products with labels containing bar-coded information so the labels can be read by the new barcode system. The final step for ABC is to train its employees on the procedures of use for the barcode system.
Note :
The above example is a grossly over simplified example. If your company is looking to install such a system and you or no one else at your company has any prior experience with such systems, it is very important to note that more research and planning should be done before undertaking such a project as the success of the project will depend greatly on how well you research and plan. It is also important to note that when purchasing hardware and/or software from auction sites such as EBay that one confirm the creditability of the seller before making a purchase because if your purchased hardware or software is stolen the manufacturer may refuse to service or support the item, and service and support is something that will at some point be required. If your experience is limited about systems such as these, often the manufacturers of the hardware and software can guide you during the project or can direct you to a company that can. Also note that the defining of objectives and timelines for your project will greatly improve the project's probability for success.
History
In 1948, Bernard Silver was a graduate student at Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia. A local food chain store owner had made an inquiry to the Drexel Institute asking about research into a method of automatically reading product information during checkout. Bernard Silver joined together with fellow graduate student Norman Joseph Woodland to work on a solution. Woodland's first idea was to use ultraviolet light sensitive ink. The team built a working prototype but decided that the system was too unstable and expensive. They went back to the drawing board. On October 20, 1949, Woodland and Silver filed their patent application for the "Apparatus and Method", describing their invention as "article classification ... through the medium of identifying patterns".
Bar code was first used commercially in 1966, however, it was soon realized that there would have to be some sort of industry standard set. By 1970, the Universal Grocery Products Identification Code or UGPIC was written by a company called Logicon Inc. The first company to produce bar code equipment for retail trade use (using UGPIC) was the American company Monarch Marking in 1970, and for industrial use, the British company Plessey Telecommunications was also first in 1970. UGPIC evolved into the U.P.C. symbol set or Universal Product Code, which is still used in the United States. George J. Laurer is considered the inventor of U.P.C. or Uniform Product Code, which was invented in 1973. In June 1974, the first U.P.C. scanner was installed at a Marsh's supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The first product to have a bar code included was a packet of Wrigley's Gum.
Bar code was first used commercially in 1966, however, it was soon realized that there would have to be some sort of industry standard set. By 1970, the Universal Grocery Products Identification Code or UGPIC was written by a company called Logicon Inc. The first company to produce bar code equipment for retail trade use (using UGPIC) was the American company Monarch Marking in 1970, and for industrial use, the British company Plessey Telecommunications was also first in 1970. UGPIC evolved into the U.P.C. symbol set or Universal Product Code, which is still used in the United States. George J. Laurer is considered the inventor of U.P.C. or Uniform Product Code, which was invented in 1973. In June 1974, the first U.P.C. scanner was installed at a Marsh's supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The first product to have a bar code included was a packet of Wrigley's Gum.
Barcode system
A barcode system is a network of hardware and software, consisting primarily of mobile computers, printers, handheld scanners, infrastructure, and supporting software. Barcode systems are used to automate data collection where hand recoding is neither timely or cost effective. Barcoding systems are not radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems even though the companies that provide barcode equipment will often also provide RFID equipment and many companies use both technologies as part of larger resource management systems
Industrial Equipment
There are many forms of industrial equipment used in the workplace. Industrial equipment can be large, made of materials such as steel and titanium for optimal strength, and used to lift and move materials which may possibly weigh thousands of pounds. But there are also many types of electronic and electromechanical industrial equipment:
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