Printer and apply systems are integrated with barcode systems to improve accuracy, reduce errors associated with manual processing, and reduce labor costs. The use of bar-code label printer/applicators expands on the benefits that material handling equipment provides. While printer/ applicators are by no means a new technology, advances have been made that allow this automation to generate and apply larger labels with more data at higher throughput rates over a wider range of package sizes.
As vendors begin using print and apply systems, the distribution center takes on a new look. Product is placed on a conveyor at the receiving dock, the barcode is scanned, and the product is electronically assigned to an outbound order/shipment. A shipping label is automatically printed and applied to the carton. The material handling system routes the carton to a sortation system where the product is sorted by shipment and routed directly to the shipping dock, where it is taken from the conveyor and loaded onto the truck.
The carton is handled once at the receiving dock and once at the shipping dock. Except for cartons which are rejected for some reason, the carton/order/shipment does not require any operator intervention within the distribution center. This is essentially an unattended scanning and sortation system. In addition to minimizing handling, the inventory is never waiting for processing in the distribution center. Instead it is on its way to the retail outlets where it will be available for sale.
These are just a few examples of how barcode systems are integrated with automated material handling systems to improve productivity, reduce costs, and reduce errors.
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