Inventory management is the process of overseeing and controlling the ordering, storage, and use of a company’s inventory. It ensures that the right quantity of supplies is available at the right time to meet customer demand, minimize holding costs, and prevent stockouts or excess stock. Effective mobile devices for inventory operations play a crucial role in this process by streamlining data collection, enhancing accuracy, and improving overall efficiency.

Effective inventory management optimizes operational efficiency, improves cash flow, and enhances customer satisfaction by maintaining a balance between supply and demand. This blog sheds light on some of the popular use cases of inventory management, the challenges faced in managing inventory effectively, and the criteria that determine the selection of appropriate mobile devices for inventory operations.

Overview:

Typical Use Cases of Inventory Management

Inventory management involves tracking and managing inventory levels, orders, and stock locations. Here are some of the popular use cases in Inventory management:

Receive and inspect goods with or without quality plans and then put them away (done by material handlers)
Perform physical and cycle inventory counting.
Manage receipts, issue and return items for work orders.
Pick, pack, ship sales orders, and process transfer orders.
Inquire about items, serials, lots, and locators.
Print labels such as receipts, item labels, QR codes, and shipping labels.
Handle any other miscellaneous issues.

Typical challenges in Effective Inventory Management

Ensuring accurate tracking and updating of inventory data.
Efficiently scanning and logging product movements.
Providing rapid barcode scanning for various types, including 1D, 2D (GS1, QR, GTIN/GSTIN).
Seamlessly integrating with inventory management systems like Oracle EBS, Oracle Fusion Cloud, and SAP S/4 HANA.
Minimizing interruptions to material handlers’ workflows in fast-paced environments.

Top criteria for effective device selection

1. Barcode Scanning Capabilities

When selecting equipment, prioritize devices that offer robust barcode scanning capabilities. These devices should support a range of barcode types, including 1D and 2D formats to accommodate various labeling systems. High-quality barcode scanning ensures accurate and efficient data capture, streamlining inventory management processes.

Additionally, consider devices with features such as rapid scanning speeds and long-range scanning abilities to enhance productivity and reduce operational delays. Investing in advanced barcode scanning technology can significantly improve inventory accuracy and overall efficiency.

2. Real-time Synchronization with Central Inventory ERP systems

Ensure that the devices you choose offer real-time synchronization with central inventory ERP systems, such as Oracle EBS, Oracle Fusion Cloud, and SAP S/4 HANA. This capability is crucial for maintaining accurate and up-to-date inventory records across your organization.

Real-time synchronization enables seamless data flow between your on-site operations and central ERP systems, allowing for immediate updates on stock levels, orders, and other inventory metrics. This integration helps to minimize discrepancies, improve decision-making, and enhance overall operational efficiency by providing a unified and current view of inventory data.

3. Effective Label Printing, Asset Tagging and RFID Scanning

Incorporate capabilities for printing labels, tagging assets, and RFID scanning into your inventory management processes. Printing labels ensures that each item is clearly identified with essential information, such as barcodes or QR codes, facilitating easy tracking and retrieval.

Tagging assets provides a straightforward method for tracking and managing inventory, helping to maintain accurate records of asset locations and statuses.

Additionally, integrating RFID scanning technology enhances these processes by enabling quick and accurate identification of assets without the need for direct line-of-sight scanning. Together, these features streamline inventory management, improve data accuracy, and boost overall operational efficiency.

4. Robust Data Security Features

Ensure that your devices and systems are equipped with robust data security features to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and potential breaches. This includes implementing strong encryption methods to safeguard data during transmission and storage, as well as utilizing secure authentication protocols to control user access.

Regular software updates and vulnerability patches are also essential to defend against emerging threats. By prioritizing these security measures, you can maintain the integrity and confidentiality of your inventory data, ensuring that both your business operations and customer information are well-protected against potential risks.

5. Rugged Mobile Computers

Look for rugged mobile devices that can withstand dust, high temperature and other extreme climatic conditions. Most popular devices for this use case are rugged mobile computers such as Zebra TC57 and Zebra MC8300. These devices are perfect when material handlers do not need a larger screen or review a lot of information.

Moreover, for forklift operators, a rugged tablet device is also popular. But you must use an external scanner for long-range or faster scanning needs. In this context, Honeywell RT10 is a popular rugged tablet for customers with forklifts.

Mobile ERP Solution in Effective Inventory Management

The power of mobility in industrial operations cannot be underestimated. A company that is already leveraging the power of a centralized ERP system like SAP or Oracle in optimizing its inventory operations can further accentuate its efficiency by adopting a good mobile inventory management solution. This solution is a boon for inventory and warehouse personnel who work remotely with little or no access to the latest ERP data to process transactions, leading to a complete disconnect between the head office and their warehouses.

To bridge this gap, Propel Apps, a leading digital transformation company has developed a mobile inventory management solution that streamlines complex supply chain processes for Oracle EBS, Oracle SCM Cloud, and SAP S/4 HANA while efficiently capturing and maintaining your barcode inventory data. To know more about this solution and how it can positively impact your inventory and warehouse operations, schedule a call with us for a free demo.

Final Thoughts

Effective inventory management is crucial for balancing supply and demand, minimizing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. By understanding popular use cases and addressing common challenges, businesses can better navigate their inventory processes. Selecting the right mobile devices, with features like robust barcode scanning, real-time ERP synchronization, and secure data handling, is essential for optimizing efficiency.

Additionally, leveraging advanced mobile inventory solutions can bridge gaps between on-site operations and central systems. Propel Apps offers a tailored mobile inventory management solution to further enhance your inventory practices.

Stay tuned to explore our next blog: Top parameters for choosing mobile devices for warehouse operations.