Smartphone-Based Barcode Scanning: Tracking Parts and Quality Assurance in Manufacturing

| Manufacturing , Products & Solutions

Smartphone-Based Barcode Scanning: Tracking Parts and Quality Assurance in Manufacturing

Today we’re happy to present another usage scenario which explores how smartphone-based barcode scanning is being used in the enterprise.  To continue the discussion, today we’ll look at how the manufacturing industry can leverage smartphone-based barcode scanning in parts tracking apps for quality assurance or assembly.

Tracking Parts in a Manufacturing Plant: Past and Future

Manufacturing plants manage all of little parts and pieces required to put together everything from computers to automobiles. To keep track of all these parts, from the moment they’re received to the moment they leave the assembly line, barcodes are often used. Barcode Scanning is also commonly used to assure quality as parts make their way through these plants and warehouses. Using mobile computers and handheld barcode scanners, manufacturing plant employees can identify a part, its specs, history, destination and more. In today’s world, smartphones have become more powerful and versatile than expensive mobile computers, reducing the need to carry secondary and bulky external hardware. To address durability concerns, companies can include IP68 environmentally sealed and MIL-STD-810G drop-protected casing with their smartphones like that provided by Lifeproof or Seidio. These cases not only ensure the devices are waterproof, dirtproof and dustproof, but also that they can be dropped repeatedly without damage. Using a durable smartphone-based solution, manufacturers can replace expensive peripheral hardware with a simple parts tracking app utilizing Scandit’s unique enterprise-grade barcode scanning technology.

Here are some typical uses for a parts tracking app:

  • – Check in to identify the part’s location and user
  • – Identify part details and specs
  • – Identify past users who worked with the part
  • – Request changes to part
  • – Accessing log notes
  • – Reporting bugs

Leveraging the Bring-Your-Own-Device Trend

Manufacturers can capitalize on the BYOD (bring-your-own-device) trend by providing their entire workforce with an app that can downloaded to their personal devices. Such an app can enable “occasional scanner,” those employees in your workforce who wouldn’t have otherwise have access to barcode scanner but still could use one from time to time to access information.

Adding Scandit’s Barcode Scanner SDK to a Parts Tracking App

Many parts and components can be very small, and contain very small barcodes such as micro-Datamatrix codes used to identify electronic components. Scandit’s unique Barcode Scanner SDK can scan extremely small barcodes with ease (as small as 4x4mm). The Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK also delivers the speed and accuracy required to bring true enterprise-grade barcode scanning to smartphones and tablets.  For those companies capitalizing on the BYOD trend, Scandit’s cross-platform capabilities and ability to capture accurate readings even on devices lacking autofocus make it an indispensable addition to any parts tracking app.  Watch the video to get a sense of the user experience.

Developing a Parts Tracking App

So you’re convinced, it’s time to build app what needs to happen next?

1)      Decide if you want to build the app in house or hire a solution provider to build one.

2)      Decided which platforms you’d like the app to run on. If you are considering implementing a BYOD ecosystem plan on having your app support both the Android and iOS platforms.

3)      Assess which systems you need the app to work with. Do you use an IT asset management system? How will the app connect to your database?

4)      Identify the features you need, and find the best software components for the job.
(Our Barcode Scanner SDK is perfect for providing enterprise-grade barcode scanning).

5)      Build and test your app (or watch it being built).

6)      Deploy and Enjoy.

Need help making a decision? Our sales staff is here to help. Contact us for more information.

Stay tuned for more usage scenarios including consumer empowerment and healthcare coming soon!