Bar Code Technology, A Means to Improve Operational Efficiency and Internal Control.
Abstract
In the early 1960's, supermarkets and their suppliers began to utilize bar codes for item identification and bar code readers for in-store automatic check-out and inventory control. Since that time, bar codes and other machine readable symbols have been appearing on material components, finished goods, shipping containers, warehouse bins, bills of lading and other distribution documentation. Optical scanners are being used at an ever-increasing rate to track the movement of goods in factories and warehouses. This technology can and is being applied by Government agencies in a variety of operations. However, there does not appear to be, at the moment, any Governmentwide policy, standards or focal point for expertise on the use of electronic markings by Federal agencies. Consequently, except in the Department of Defense, our impression was that systems are being developed independently within agencies with some guidance from outside contractors, but with very little awareness of substantial and related efforts going on in other agencies. Our study covered ten different agencies with bar code systems in place, either in a test status or fully operational.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA116816