The pallet tracking system has become an essential part of pallet handling and storage, serving as a critical component for warehouse management. The features of the pallet tracking system determine its helpfulness in managing your pallets in today's complex environment.
Commercially, pallets are available in three forms: as palletized goods (standard pallets), as bulk pallets (used for odd-sized items), and as non palletized skids. The selection of the right pallet tracking system will manage these pallets. Below are the factors to consider before purchasing a pallet tracking system.
User Friendly
Pallets are needed to be carried and maneuvered in a fast-paced environment, able to quickly identify pallet location or condition can lead to time efficiency. Pallet Tracking Systems must have easy navigation that allows the pallet handler/user to move from screen to screen with a minimum number of steps possible. Moreover, it should offer easy reporting and analytic tools for decision-makers to analyze productivity and speed up the working process. Once it is user-friendly, it increases employee morale as they find their job easy with the aid of the system.
Accurate
Accuracy is an essential factor to consider when selecting a pallet tracking system. As pallets are used and handled by people assigned in a warehouse, there must be a clear identification for pallets so that they can easily be located or identified by authorized personnel only. When pallets are scanned, accurate results help prevent mishandling errors, reduce theft risk and inventory shrinkage, increase productivity, and improve customer service.
Ability to Share Information
Another essential feature to consider is the pallet tracking system's ability to share information. In today's world and very complex environment, different warehouses and planners handle multiple pallets. Some pallets may be going through a third-party supplier. These require a pallet tracker that can handle all situations and allows real-time pallet sharing information for faster decision-making and improved responsiveness to unexpected events.
Ability to work with Asset Management Systems
The pallet trackers are usually paired with asset management systems or business software in pallet handling and storage. It should allow sharing or transmitting of data between the pallet tracking system and the other systems easily. The ability to integrate with existing software is vital as well. It must communicate seamlessly with other systems and provide accurate data.
Additionally, the pallet tracker should be lightweight and ergonomically designed so that it is easily mountable on forklifts and other pallet handling equipment to track pallets throughout their life cycle. It should also allow easy installation and provide immediate readouts for quick pallet identification.
Cost-Effectiveness
A pallet tracking system costs thousands of dollars. It must offer the best value for money. Different types of pallet trackers are available in the market that may vary based on their functionality, alert generation methods, geofence pallet tracker, GPS pallet tracker, etc. The pallet tracker should function for a considerate period without requiring heavy maintenance or much servicing as one factor in considering a pallet tracker. It should provide accurate and reliable data consistently during its useful life. Moreover, depending on the company requirements, it should meet the optimum performance for warehouse management at low expense.
High Quality
Uses of pallets on a much larger scale derives from the increase of pallet manufacturing and processing facilities. Usually, pallets are handled more than 100 times a day by forklifts, pallet jacks, and other equipment. This wear and tear can lead to pallet failure. The pallet tracking system should be out of high-quality materials which are durable and easy to maintain given the stress and strain of pallet movement. Companies must consider the quality of pallet tracking systems to prevent early replacement costs and uphold operational productivity and safety standards.
Return of Investment
Surprisingly, pallets are the least considered assets when it comes to investment planning. Pallet users need to realize that purchasing a low-quality pallet tracking system can lead to a high replacement cost. Businesses should choose the pallet tracking system that will meet their company's specific requirements and could help maximize the bottom line at a projected target period.
The pallet tracking system is the greatest choice for businesses seeking to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced industry. As a result, choosing the proper pallet tracking solution has an impact on supply chain efficiency, production speed and accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Whatever criteria a company may choose from the list of above variables, it should ultimately prioritize the objective of how to maximize profits.
