| By Joe DeCarlo |
| In today's economy, cost-cutting has emerged as the survival strategy for many companies. We're tightening our belts, eliminating waste and reducing headcount. In most areas of our business, we have to "make do" with less. How many of us see this as an opportunity? |
| In some cases it's not the workload that's shrunk, just the resources available to do the job. How will you deliver the same results in less time, and with less money? Smart investments in technology, automation and integration can cut time and dollars, and pay for themselves quickly. |
| Perhaps your company is in the midst of a slowdown. Rest assured, it will end eventually, and I urge you not to let uncertainty stand in the way of progress. The best companies are using this sluggish period to examine their operations, make improvements, and ready themselves for the upturn that we all know is coming. |
| No matter your situation, strive to get the most out of your existing resources, and maximize the benefit of your past investments. Are you getting the most out of your people? Your capital? Your Expandable system? |
| When Less Is More |
| There are times when we all could do with a little less: |
- Take less time
- Make fewer mistakes
- Spend less money
|
| Bar coding is just one of the ways that companies can do more with less. Scanning is faster, cheaper, easier and more accurate than writing or typing. Handhelds can put the power of your information systems on the front lines, eliminating mistakes before they happen. But it's not about the gadgets. It's all about making things work together in a way that fits your business, makes your people better, improves your operation and saves you money. |
| And it doesn't have to be costly. Bar code is a scalable technology, and in the right hands a small and inexpensive system can offer great benefits. |
| Energizing Expandable |
| Data is the fuel that makes Expandable go. Imagine data flowing into your Expandable system automatically, straight from the source, accurate every time. What will this do for your people? Your processes? Your bottom line? |
| Expandable is a great platform for bar coding, and not just for inventory. There are opportunities for gains in almost any area where data is captured as part of doing work: WIP tracking, quality control, order fulfillment, asset management, field service...the list goes on. |
| A Buyer's Market |
| Here's a little secret: Solution providers with the expertise to help streamline your operation...are living in the same economy as you! It's a buyer's market, and there has never been a better time to take action. |
- Ask for a no-charge evaluation.
- Start with low-cost proof-of-concept projects and pilot programs, and make them demonstrate the benefits of their solutions.
- Focus on fast payback and measurable results.
- Consider pay-as-you-go alternatives whenever possible. You'll conserve capital, and it gives your vendors the incentive to be "always excellent."
|
| This economy sucks lemons. Let's go make some lemonade. |
| Joe DeCarlo is CEO of Purple Oak, a bar code, RFID, and data collection solutions company in Morton Grove, Illinois. Visit www.PurpleOak.com or call 847-699-9630. |
|
|
  |
|