Continental Conveyer Inventory Tracking System

Company Profile

Continental Conveyor, a manufacturer of bulk material handling equipment and undercarriage components, was founded in 1936 and continues to be one of the world’s leaders in conveyor technology.

Situation

Concerned about the efficiency of its inventory tracking system for finished goods, Continental Conveyor contacted the Alabama Productivity Center (APC) to examine the situation and identify vendors that could provide a bar code solution for the facility.

Solution

The process of identifying and selecting possible vendors began by considering the constraints and requirements specified by Continental Conveyor. The most notable constraint was Continental Conveyor’s need to upgrade their materials management module, MAPICS. The company specified that the bar code system must reduce shipping department errors, reduce time spent during physical inventory, reduce time spent searching for finished idlers, and use MAPICS generated route sheets to update the information system.

The APC generated bar code operation procedures to maximize the efforts of inspectors and other personnel. Next, the Center identified vendors that could provide a value-added bar code solution, given the constraints and requirements. High Jump Software and Data Net Corporation were selected as the vendors that would provide proposals to Continental Conveyor. The scope of the proposals included radio frequency capabilities, fixed station equipment, and the ability to easily build users into the system whenever needed. Both companies conducted demonstrations on site.

After reviewing the proposals and demonstrations, Continental Conveyor decided that Data Net Corporation would handle all phases of the implementation. The process will begin with a Radio Frequency (RF) site survey, installation of the bar code system, training, parallel operation, and then “turn-key” operation.

Results

As a result of the Center’s services, the company expects an enhancement in overall performance. Continental Conveyor anticipates an improved profit margin and a cost savings of more than 2 percent of annual sales. Management foresees significant improvements in employee skills and work environment, as well an increase in throughput. In addition, the firm anticipates greater integration with customer and supplier information systems, improved e-commerce capabilities, and improved use of information systems. Continental Conveyor Materials Manager Jack Cash affirmed that he anticipates that his company will possess a more competitive position in its marketplace.