Bar Coding

Fire Equipment Barcode Preventative Maintenance Software

Overview

Computerized barcode reader system for tracking inspections and service work done on fire equipment, and other related equipment. Equipment should not be missed being inspected. The barcode reader will prompt the service technician, before leaving the area, about any equipment that was missed being inspected.

The integrated computer / barcode system will track dates of next service. This provides useful reports for what is due either on a detailed or summarized basis. Detailed lists can be installed on a floppy disk or emailed to your site.

The secret of being able to get information into the computer without typing massive amounts of information is the model file. This model file contains most of the available fire equipment information such as size and types, and manufacturers.

Barcodes are also used for invoicing and for inventory control.

Summary

The barcode's usefulness can go beyond the average person's perception of what barcodes are normally used for. They are not as hard to implement as one may imagine either. In the end, the cost savings in labour alone would pay for the system implementation. Budgeting for your next service & re-testing is a large factor for this system once it is in place.

Technical Overview

Easy to use for barcode readers that integrates with software in computers to get accurate equipment reports with inspection, and hydrostatic testing and 6 year status.

Advantages

• Make sure technician at least goes to the equipment for inspection
• Can check before leaving the area if any equipment got missed
• Updates equipment inspection, and service dates in computer with the next date scheduled based on the type of equipment and kind of test
• Can add equipment on the fly based on model, serial number, and location using the barcode reader.
• Size and type will be derived automatically from the model number
• Selective listings in computer for what equipment is due for inspection and/or outside service ie. Hydrostatic testing.
• Consolidated reports based on size and type for quoting purposes of outside service for the next year.
• Model number information may be purchase optionally. This file contains model number, size, type, manufacturer, and category information.
• Easy to find exact model number spelling if not shown on the equipment based on size, type, manufacturer, and/or category as well as partial spelling of model number if it is known.
• Sequentially numbered barcode labels available. This is an advantage because; in case the barcode gets vandalized any other barcode can be stuck to equipment and re-linked to the real equipment’s serial number. From then on when that equipment’s new barcode gets scanned the information will come up and the dates will be updated as normal.
• Intrinsically safe barcode readers available. This is absolutely necessary in certain areas of some plants.
• Versatile of all types of equipment.
• Year 2000 compliant
• We are developing the program in a language that is compatible with the new barcode readers. It is programmed in JobGen which make "C" source code which should be ready and tested in 4 to 6 weeks.
• It is useful for tracking all kinds of equipment including flow meters.

Importance of the Model File

Wheat is needed for proper searching and consolidating of information is consistent spelling of category, size, and type in the equipment master file. What keeps this on track is the already developed model file. This is the core of the ability to keep information consistent, and to save time in entering data.

Sample Report