Digital Transformation – The Evolution from Paper Travelers to Digital
Inventory Control in 2024
As technological advances rapidly develop the innovation among IoT products and manufacturing/warehousing systems, the need for paper-based processes is depleting. The rapid influx of orders that has recently bombarded all industries that move and store inventory has created various issues for companies. The inaccurate tracking of on-hand inventory and inefficient control of asset management processes are only some of the many problems organizations are facing.
Oddly enough, however, more than half of companies in the U.S. still use spreadsheets or even the dated paper travelers.
The Problem with Paper Travelers
Honestly, there really is nothing wrong with the ease-of-use and universal compatibility of paper travelers as it has been the industry standard for decades. However, remaining in a paper-based inventory system dismisses the opportunity of exponentially improving an organization’s inventory tracking efficiency, traceability, and security.
Tracking inventory via paper enables tons of room for human-made errors. The lack of immortalized digital back-ups is dangerous especially when such crucial information is stored on something as fragile as paper that can be easily mishandled or lost. Scans or photos can be created in hopes of solidifying the security of paper orders, however, the time spent manually creating backups can negatively affect the overall efficiency of your organization.
On top of that, paper orders do not scale particularly well. There is only so much room on a piece of paper let alone the storage needed for all the notebooks/binders. When that space is at its limit, organizing all the necessary information can get very messy and chaotic. Moreover, there is no efficient methodology for reporting across the organization. The type of bottlenecks that occur when using a paper traveler can rapidly build up especially when you are catching stride and finding success in your business.
The Struggle with Spreadsheets
The utilization of spreadsheets is a huge step forward from paper orders. The integration from paper to digital can drastically improve the systems and processes of an organization. Unlike paper orders, spreadsheets are highly scalable with the ability to embed automated formulas and have the benefit of not being limited to a tangible storage space. Although going digital is a huge improvement from paper-only processes, there are still issues that remain when companies primarily rely on spreadsheets.
For one, spreadsheets are prone to human error. The mixture of complex formulas, various users, and multiple oversight opportunities can create a very messy spreadsheet. According to MarketWatch, 88% of all spreadsheets have errors (Source: MarketWatch). Also, data is exceedingly difficult to find in the sea of spreadsheets that companies use. The lack of clear presentation of data makes it hard for employees to see the overall picture of their work, making their workflow less efficient and the company less scalable.
Even though the integration of spreadsheets is a huge step forward for paper travelers, there are more viable and effective solutions that will provide your organization with the visibility and control you need over your processes.
Traceability Made Easy®
The shift from paper travelers to a digital platform can drastically improve an organization's operations. MASS Group's Traceability Made Easy® (TME®) software transforms the way users manage assets, inventory, and production processes. Designed to provide real-time traceability, visibility, and control, TME® integrates seamlessly into any workflow.
For manufacturers, the TME® Manufacturing Execution System (MES) streamlines every stage of production, from order initiation to completion. The e-traveler feature follows each lot through its production cycle, with operators verifying their work at every station, and automated sequences triggering the next stage. This results in increased accuracy, improved production quality, and detailed tracking of every aspect of the production process.
MES integration within TME® further enhances this by offering real-time production tracking, quality control, and the ability to make data-driven decisions based on up-to-the-minute information. MES eliminates manual data entry errors, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures compliance with industry regulations—improving overall efficiency and output.
TME® CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) provides real-time updates on equipment performance and maintenance tasks. Managers can assign tasks, track progress via notifications, and record repair time, ensuring no task goes unnoticed or overdue. This comprehensive system also stores key contact information for employees, customers, vendors, and suppliers.
TME® WMS (Warehouse Management System) offers real-time visibility into the location, quantity, and lifecycle of inventory. Integrated with barcode or RFID technology, TME® simplifies receiving, transferring, and cycle counting, while automatic notifications prevent stock shortages or overages. Managers can generate comprehensive reports on all warehouse activities, from ordering to scrapping, for total workflow visibility.
For a more in-depth information on our solutions, check out our brochures with the link here. By integrating MES, WMS, and EAM/CMMS capabilities into one platform, TME® empowers organizations to track and manage their most valued items, streamline their workflows, and increase efficiency.
If you're ready to transform your paper-based processes into a cloud-based automated solution, schedule a demo with us today. Call 1-800-842-2790 or email us at sales@massgroup.com.