With a computer engineering and robotics background, I love to
stay abreast of technology for manufacturing companies and small
companies participating in the manufacturing value chain. At
TwinEngines, I'm particularly interested in manufacturing
technology that integrates to information systems we build for
manufacturers in Georgia and the Southeast. I recently
read about bluetooth technology in the warehouse and
distribution centers, that can integrates easily into our
shop-floor production software systems. Most of us have
experienced bluetooth technology with our cell phones and keyboards
and mouses for our PCs. The benefit is we are not tied
to one location, and we can free up our hands to do other
things.
Now there are bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners, a great
example of manufacturing technology in the warehouse improving
productivity. The LXE Bluetooth Ring Scanner fits on a finger
so loaders can still use both hands to load products. The
scanner on the finger transmits the data to a computer located on
the forklift or a central location. There has been reported
time-savings in the 20-30% range vs. mobile hand-held
scanners. Other benefits are the ability to track
products moving through the warehouse and the ability to easily
load different parts or products quicker in one
crate.
Read the article here at "Manufacturing Business
Technology".