Use of Bar Coding in the Performance of Physical Inventories on United States Air Force Medical Equipment Management Office (MEMO) Controlled Property.
Abstract
This thesis examined the times and techniques necessary for individuals responsible for property accountability within USAF medical facilities to conduct physical inventories on medical and nonmedical equipment. Because this property accountability normally is an additional duty and their primary mission is that of patient care, the amount of time required to conduct these inventories should not be excessive. This is especially true when there are more advanced techniques available that would improve the efficiency and decrease the time required to conduct these inventories. The examination included a review of how the present physical inventories are being accomplished and the advanced techniques available that would expedite this process. Trial physical inventories were performed on two accounts using both the present physical inventory method and the technique of bar coding. In addition, a simulation model for each method was developed using the results from the trial inventories. The results of the trial inventories and the output from the simulation models were analyzed and compared. The conclusions reached as a result of the comparison are that the present method of conducting physical inventories is inefficient and the use of bar coding would dramatically decrease physical inventory times and improve efficiency. Keywords: inventory control, automatic tracking.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174651
Entities
People
- Terence W. Beckwith
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology