Construction Firm Invests in a Barcode Tracking

End user: Construction company
System: Barcoded clocking in and out of workers and inventory tracking
Benefits: Easier, more accurate tracking of individual work hours. Reduced tool losses.

Overview

One of the biggest construction companies in Singapore handles as many as 20 big construction projects at any one time. The company use a range of employees, some of whom are contract, many of whom are taken on a casual basis. In addition, not all the workforce start at the same time - some come in late morning or mid afternoon, whenever they are needed.

Issues: Hourly Rates

The company urgently needed a reliable tracking system so that they could accurately pay the employees for the hours worked. They also needed to keep better track of the tools and equipment issued. Regardless of how much they purchase, they never seem to have enough, as workers tended to misplace the tools or take them home with them. The construction firm were desperate for a solution to track both workers and their tools.

Solution: Scanning on Site

Barcodes are the driving force behind the solution. Each worker is now issued with an employee card with a unique barcode printed on it, using a SATO thermal transfer printer. When a supervisor picks their workers, he/she scans the employee's card as a way of clocking-in. By scanning the barcode the workers name, ID number as well as the time of scanning are recorded and stored in the terminal until the supervisor scans the card again at the end of the day. The clock-in-clock-out times are then uploaded to the computer in the Human Resources department. They are automatically entered into a database where more information on each employee is held, such as payroll number, job description, personal details etc. The HR staff then counter-checks whether the worker is contract based, or paid by the hour and the salaries are calculated. SATO printers were chosen for the job as they are able to print on thicker card, have a very good maintenance record and print a very clear, high quality barcodes.

To address the inventory tracking system issues, it was proposed to the construction company that they place a small barcode printer, a CT 400, at each worksite. The tools that the workers take with them are then recorded in a terminal and printed out in a barcode format on a special water-proof label, which is then stuck on their helmets. When signing out, the supervisor scans the tool-list label on the worker's helmet to ensure the worker has returned all that he/she has taken. The system forces workers to be more responsible for their equipment. If tools on the list are not returned, workers face a fine.

Benefits

The SATO solution has allowed the construction company to keep track of their workers and their tools. Their pay roll system is now much more efficient, ensuring they pay the correct salaries and far less queries come in questioning the amount paid, allowing the HR department to work on other tasks. The inventory tracking system has also been an investment, saving the company a lot of money. Tool replacement purchases have been dramatically reduced as tools are now closely tracked and workers have been made responsible for their return.

For more information on our CT 400 click here