Mobile Device Barcode Scanning for Warehouse Item Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
In warehouse and manufacturing environments, identifying the origin and status of items can be challenging due to the proximity of various items, leading to misplacement and inefficiencies in retrieving information about them.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device system that communicates with an ERP system to quickly retrieve item information using barcode or QR code scanning, allowing users to access item data without needing to return to a computer workstation, facilitating immediate action and reducing time spent on data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If employees use computer workstations to retrieve item information, then accurate item data can be obtained, but time is lost due to traveling to and from workstations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the information retrieval system from a fixed spatial location (computer workstation in office) to a mobile dimension (handheld device that moves with the employee through the warehouse). This dimensional change allows employees to access item information at the point of need without traveling to centralized workstations, directly resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a handheld device as an intermediary between the central database system and the employee. This intermediary device receives item identifiers (barcodes/QR codes) directly at the workspace and communicates with the database system, eliminating the need for employees to physically travel to workstations while maintaining accurate data retrieval through the intermediary communication channel.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple items are stored in close proximity for efficient space utilization, then warehouse space is optimized, but item identification and tracking become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual identifiers (barcodes and QR codes) as copies or representations of item information that can be easily scanned and processed. Instead of requiring employees to visually inspect and manually identify items among closely stored goods, the system captures images of these identifier copies using the handheld device's camera, automatically retrieves the corresponding item data from the database, and displays it for verification. This copying approach maintains efficient space utilization while eliminating identification difficulties.
3Loss of information
If manual writing down of item identifiers is required, then information can be recorded, but productivity is reduced due to additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service information capture where the handheld device's camera automatically captures the barcode or QR code image, and the system automatically processes this image to retrieve and display item information. This eliminates the need for manual writing down of identifiers, as the device performs the identification and information retrieval functions autonomously, directly improving productivity while ensuring accurate information recording.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods of mobile access to information for items or objects, such as, for example, product and inventory items found in a warehouse or on a shop floor, are presented. In one example, an identifier is received at a mobile communication device. A search request including the identifier is transmitted from the mobile communication device to an enterprise resource planning system. Information descriptive of at least one item is received at the mobile communication device from the enterprise resource planning system in response to the search request. The information is presented to a user of the mobile communication device.