International Timber has implemented an advanced radio frequency (RF) barcode system to track timber shipments and monitor stock levels. Supplied by Barcoding.co.uk, the system provides wireless data collection across an 18 acre site at Grangemouth in Scotland.  International Timber is part of the multi-national Saint Gobain and is a market leader in the import and distribution of superior quality hardwoods and softwoods.

International Timber import wood from all over the world supplying to everyone from house builders to furniture manufacturers.  The company operates from 5 locations to give UK coverage and in Scotland around 3000 packs or 12,000 cubic metres of timber arrive through the Port of Grangemouth every month. The packs are barcode labelled and scanned in order to update International Timber's inventory of stock when transferred to the Grangemouth site.

Rugged Hand Held Products 7400 mobile data scanners are employed and the RF network collects data for transfers and goods receceipting directly across the ADP Kerridge Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.  A key part of the system is the wireless network and Barcoding.co.uk installed 18 Wi-Fi Access Points with 2 lamp post structures to ensure complete coverage across the large site. Barcoding.co.uk also supplied a RF to Ethernet bridge to connect wireless Zebra printers allowing barcode labels to be printed at remote locations.

The wireless barcode system provides International Timber with accurate and up-to-date information of goods received, timber stocks and their location. This has resolved problems of missing or lost stock and allows improved service with instant checks on the amount, type and location of all timber.

"Timber is traditionally a very low tech industry but Barcoding.co.uk has been instrumental in building what we believe is the most advanced system of its type in the industry.  The wireless and automated data collection gives us an instant check on all timber stock and movements into the site so we can manage the business better, more effectively with minimum errors whilst saving on time" says Alan Mullarkey, IT Support Manager of International Timber.

Barcoding.co.uk has been established within the automatic identification sector for 15 years as an industry leader in barcode and wireless technology.  Specialising is the provision of end-to-end solutions, Barcoding.co.uk supplies to an extensive blue chip client base including Nissan, Avery Dennison, Corus, Procter & Gamble and Grattans.