Ordering with barcode scanners

We use the old hand held integrator to order non-stock supplies in our surgery area at one facility. We will probably roll it out to other facilities in the future.

You mean apart from MSCM? We set up a couple of methods of doing this a few years ago at my old company (I don't know if they're still using them). For one we had a stationary scanner in Dietary and when someone needed an item from dry goods they scanned the bar code and an Access database tracked the items and sent IC500 files to Lawson throughout the day. For our SPD area we set up wireless bar code readers and an Access database and when picking a case the user scanned the items out (Lawson item number bar codes on the shelves). This would send an IC500 file to Lawson throughout the day as well. [For a small department we set up a touch screen computer for the user to pick the items they used.] This was pre-MSCM so I doubt these are still in place.

We utilize MSCM to complete par counts on all the floors. This will decrement inventory as well as generate requisitions for PO's if necessary.

Holly
Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Omaha

Holly,

Over the last year, we converted numerous Par Locations (about 50 - 60) over to (about 25) inventory locations, on which we do cycle counting through the hand held units. The users love the automation behind this process.

Of the remaining pars, we started converting many of those (about 25 - 30 so far) to utilize a triogger system, by which a bar coded trigger card is placed on in the bin and when it rotates to the front, the users know to scan and order that item. I believe the input of the quantity is still manually done. However, by using the trigger/bar code card, it eliminates the need to scroll through every item on the par location to get to those that need to be ordered.