the nationally recognized leader in data-capture solutions, and SNC-Lavalin have created a new Material Handling System that utilizes barcodes and handheld computers to track equipment and inventory at construction projects. SNC-Lavalin companies provide engineering, procurement, construction, project management and project financing to industries worldwide, including: agriculture/foods, biopharmaceuticals, chemicals and petroleum, environment, heavy construction, mass transit, mining and metallurgy, power and water management.

Software and hardware components provided by Barcoding, in conjunction with the consulting and procurement services of SNC, are now available as the SLAI Material Handling System™. The new system has been implemented at several sites, including Nova Chemicals and Duquesne Lighting.

The material handling system that SNC was using previously was very basic. Staff would spend countless hours tracking everything from raw materials to finished goods. Throughout the manufacturing process materials were being tracked by hand. SNC required a system that could efficiently track every item from the time it was ordered until the time it was shipped to the customer.

For example, when an order is placed with a manufacture for a custom pipe, SNC needs to know where that pipe is at all times. The pipe must be tracked when it leaves the manufacturer's site, during shipment to the construction site, when the construction site receives it, while it is kept at the construction site, when it is picked for installation, and finally, when installation is completed. Barcoding developed a software application to track inventory as it moves through the manufacturing process. From the time of ordering until installation, inventory is tracked with barcode labels and Symbol PDT8100 portable data terminals.

Information entered on the portable data terminals is transmitted via wireless network to the main database. The data can then be viewed via a web interface, in real time, subject to user authorization. It used to take SNC a week to generate the certain monthly reports. Those reports are now constantly updated and can be generated in seconds.

Barcoding helped us to provide a solution that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. We are on the cutting edge of technology and that allows us to offer the latest, and greatest products and services to our customers,” said Mark Nemeth, a project manager at SNC-Lavalin. "With this system, the construction site manager is able to immediately see if everything was available for the next phase of the construction. In the past they would run around spending countless hours to track everything down. This solution significantly helps SNC keep projects on track, on budget, and on time."

Posted 11th April 2006