Wasp Barcode Technologies: The Barcode Solution People

Tracking Nightmares – The Case of the Vanishing Business Items

No one enjoys hunting down misplaced items. Just think of the panic that ensues when you misplace your wallet or car keys (when you’re already five minutes late, of course).  For business owners, this state of panic is taken to a whole new level when key items vanish from stockrooms or in transit from Point A to Point B. We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a solid inventory control or asset tracking system in place at your small business. If you don’t believe us, continue reading, but be warned: you may be in for a scare. We’ve listed some of the worse inventory and asset tracking nightmares that may just make you think twice about keeping a closer eye on your business’ most important items. The Missing Radioactive Container Back in 2010, FedEx was given the responsibility of delivering a highly sensitive package. No, we’re not talking about your 52” LED television. FedEx was tapped to move a package containing radioactive rods used in CT scans. What happened next was unfortunate, to say the least. The shipment of radioactive material was lost somewhere in transit to its destination. Radioactive material doesn’t vanish on its own, does it? Thankfully, before widespread panic sunk in, the package was finally recovered and no one was exposed to the container’s toxins. However, we’re sure FedEx re-examined their tracking methods after that close call. Vanishing Military Weapons A few missing ink cartridges are nothing to worry about in comparison to this next story. Last year, a massive hunt took place to track down thousands of military-issued rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The weapons were to be provided for the Afghan National Police, but mysteriously vanished. A breakdown in communication and logistics was to blame for the missing items. At this time, the whereabouts of the missing weapons is still unknown. The Forgotten Medical Supply Each year, medical errors in surgical procedures cost the healthcare industry nearly two billion dollars. The most common surgical error is accidentally leaving surgical sponges inside of patients, which can lead to serious infections and sometimes death. Items like this are easily overlooked, as they can blend into their surroundings during medical procedures. To further prevent similar medical nightmares, barcode-based tracking systems are being implemented into hospitals to better control medical sponges as well as other surgical tools. Don’t let a disaster like the ones above haunt you and your small business. Invest in an inventory control system  or asset tracking solution that will help you track important items in your business. Have you experienced an inventory or asset tracking nightmare of your own? Share you haunting story with us in the comments below!