Fujifilm Case Study

The Background

Fujifilm has a very precise film making procedure in which the raw materials needed to manufacturer film go through a specific process. At one step in the process, the film must be stored in a chamber to let the chemicals on the film react with one another. The chambers are numbered and  Fujifilm uses a computer system to direct the employees to place film in the correct storage chamber. The previous process required that the workers bring the film to a computer and type in the work in process (WIP) number. Then the data would flow from the computer via a serial connection to a “black box” that would then light a bulb over the appropriate chamber. The system was not efficient because workers had to walk a considerable distance to the computer over and over again. Only intrinsically safe computing devices could be used because of chemicals in the area.

How Barcoding Inc. helped Fuji Films

Barcoding was able to write a custom application that resided on both the i-safe Intermec 730 and the client’s host PC.  After the barcode was scanned, the custom application wirelessly transferred the data from the Intermec 730 back to the PC and automatically transferred the data via serial output to the "black box," turning on the appropriate light.   What used to take a few minutes can now be done in a matter of seconds with minimal movement.  Barcoding provided Fujifilm with the wireless network installation and integration, application design and support, and hardware.

The Results

The most direct benefit to Fujifilm’s new wireless system is the mobility the workers have in not having to take the barcode to the scanner; rather, they have the scanner with them at all times.  They can access the system no matter where they are within the facility’s wireless network.  The reduction of movement leads to more efficient work and less time per transaction.

Big Idea

Radio Frequency (RF) technology allows mobile computer as well as computers and printers to communicate with each other wirelessly within a Local Area Network (LAN).  This technology has gained acceptance in almost every section of society, from the business world (warehouses, distribution centers, and retail outlets) to the public sector (airports, parks, and educational campuses) to the private sector (homes, apartment buildings, and condos).  Companies that invest in a wireless system see a significant and immediate return on their investment in the form of greater responsiveness to customers; better, more accurate control of information; increased productivity; and lower operational costs.

To learn more about custom software and intrinsically safe mobile computers, please contact Barcoding Inc.

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