DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED INVENTORY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MANUFACTURING ORGANISATION

INTRODUCTION: Inventory management and asset tracking need to record all the durable assets of an institute. Many organizations, i.e. construction companies, are still using manual-tracking systems to manage their inventories, which is very time-consuming. Implementing an automated system would cut down the time of checking and tracking of assets, which will make services more efficient. This project studies the algorithm and framework of an automated system for large quantities of inventory control, particularly those facilities whose assets and inventories have the features of geographically-widely located facility and heterogeneous assets. The automated inventory system used by large warehouse or stores could not satisfy the users’ needs of those large facilities. The authors deliberated two major asset-tracking practices: manual or barcode inventory management system versus automated inventory management system. The objectives of the research are to investigate the current situations and problems in inventory management, examine the algorithms and structures of an automated inventory management system for those facilities, and suggest a design for such a system to track assets.

It is quite inefficient and labor-intensive for operation managers or project managers to track missing items or check inventories manually or using the barcode technology. The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) network system seems to be a practical solution for this problem. RFID technology helps to make sure that the right assets are located at the right place with no discrepancies and errors. The outcome of this research will help to increase the efficiency of inventory management, improve the accuracy and quality of the asset tracking process, and reduce human errors.

An inventory control system contains a list of orders to be filled and then prompts workers to pick the necessary items, and provides them with packaging and shipping information. Inventory control may be used to automate sales order fulfilment process and also manage in and outward material of hardware. Automation is the replacement of human workers by technology. For optimal sales and inventory management process, robust functionality is needed for managing logistics facilities. Warehouse management functions for inventory control cover internal warehouse movements and storage and its support helps in the recording and tracking of materials on basis of both quantity and value.

This application takes care of all supply orders reducing cost for warehousing, transportation while improving customer service. It significantly improves inventory turns, optimizes flow of goods. It also improves cash flow, visibility and decision making providing efficient execution of tasks using this fast and reliable computerised method.