Category: Logistics

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Logistics

The Ultimate Guide to Automating Asset Identification in Warehouse and Logistics Operations

Scanflow mobile scanning app for logistics with barcode and QR code features, shown in a warehouse setting.

Introduction

In today’s complex supply chains, AI-powered asset identification capturing barcodes, serial numbers, or QR codes is critical. Traditional manual scanning and entry are slow, error-prone, and costly. Scanflow’s AI-based Asset Identification SDK eliminates these constraints, enabling rapid, accurate, and automated asset identification via mobile and stationary devices.

Challenges in Modern Warehousing & Logistics

  • Manual entry errors lead to miscounted and incorrectly logged inventory.
  • Weak real-time tracking delays reconciliation and fulfilment.
  • Poor label readability – damaged, rotated, or obscured codes hinder accuracy.
  • Operational inefficiencies escalate costs and disrupt workflows.
  • Compliance risks due to misrouting or missing asset data.

Scanflow’s Asset Identification Solution Can Scan

Scanflow’s AI-powered Asset Identification SDK supports a wide range of use cases tailored to various industry needs:

  • Tire Sidewall Scanning: Identify and trace tires by reading TINs and embossed data.
  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Scanning: For automotive logistics and inventory tracking.
  • License Plate Recognition (LPR): Monitor dock entries, yards, and fleet movements.
  • Shelf Scanning: Retail shelf-level inventory validation and stockout prevention.
  • Label Scanning: Reads printed or handwritten labels.
  • Barcode & QR Code Scanning: Supports 1D/2D codes, even when damaged or rotated.
  • Serial Number Scanning: Extracts alphanumeric IDs for asset tracking.

Core Use Cases & Workflows

  • Inbound & Receiving: Verifies shipment labels at docks, reducing misroute error rates and enhancing real-time asset tracking.
  • Sorting & Cross‑Docking: Scans packages swiftly in high-throughput zones, supported by warehouse automation tools.
  • Inventory Management & Reconciliation: Accurate cycle counts, put-away, and real-time WMS updates enhance warehouse inventory scanning.
  • Exception Handling & Safety: Detects duplicates, misplaced assets, or missing tags for quick corrective action, boosting automated asset identification accuracy.

Technical Advantages of Scanflow’s SDK

  • 98%+ accuracy in varied conditions makes it one of the most reliable AI for logistics and supply chain operations.
  • Seamless integration with ERP/WMS/CRM platforms: SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, D365.
  • Enables offline scanning on mobile, tablet, fixed stations, drones, and cameras making it ideal for dynamic logistics environments.

Real‑World Impact & KPIs

  • Up to 75% reduction in misrouting and verification delays.
  • 98%+ scan success in poor lighting; 30–50% faster reads than legacy scanners.
  • Cost savings and minimized regulatory fines for pharma and industrial sectors real gains through real-time asset tracking.

Industry Applications

  • Pharma & regulated industries: Automates batch number and expiration date scanning with full traceability.
  • Automotive & industrial: Captures VINs, tire TINs, component codes on-the-fly, supporting automated asset identification.
  • Retail & e‑commerce: Enables shelf scanning, POS verification, and counterfeit detection for logistics barcode scanning.
  • Manufacturing: Integrates serial/OCR scanning into production lines for quality control and traceability using AI-powered asset identification.

Best Practices for Adoption

  • Choose deployment: mobile SDK for flexible use cases or fixed stations for high-throughput zones.
  • Train AI with facility-specific labels for accuracy.
  • Use seamless integrations into ERP/WMS for real-time sync and better warehouse automation tools.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Scanflow’s Asset Identification SDK transforms warehousing and logistics by significantly improving speed, accuracy, traceability, and cost efficiency. If you’re looking to elevate your operations to a higher standard of automation and reliability, consider reaching out to Scanflow for a demo.

FAQs

Q1: How does AI improve accuracy in asset identification?
AI enables real-time recognition of barcodes, serial numbers, and printed text even in tough conditions like poor lighting, low print quality, or curved surfaces. It reduces manual errors and ensures consistent, high-accuracy scanning across operations.

Q2: What types of assets can Scanflow identify?
Scanflow supports a wide range of asset types including barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, license plates, VINs, tire sidewalls, product labels, and shelf inventory all processed through a unified AI scanning engine.

Q3: Can AI handle damaged or rotated labels effectively?
Yes Scanflow reads damaged, rotated, or low-light barcodes with over 98% success.

Q4: What integrations are available?
Compatibility with SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Dynamics 365, and can be deployed via mobile SDK, IoT cameras, or edge devices.

Categories
Text Scanning Barcode scanning Manufacture Retail Logistics label capture

Top 5 Ways Asset Identification Transforms Pharma Pick and Pack Operations

AI asset identification in pharma warehouse: workers using mobile scanning for accurate picking and packing with Scanflow technology

Pharmaceutical companies today face real problems with manual tracking systems that just don’t cut it anymore. Workers spend hours manually entering batch numbers, checking labels, and verifying products  all while dealing with tight deadlines and zero tolerance for mistakes. One wrong batch number can trigger a costly recall. Scanflow’s asset identification SDK changes this completely by using AI mobile scanning to read and verify product information straight from the packaging, making pharma distribution operations faster and more reliable.

How Scanflow Transforms Pharma Operations

1. Batch Number Capture

Manual batch tracking is where most pharma operations lose time and money. Workers squint at tiny printed numbers, type them into systems, and hope they got it right. With thousands of products moving through facilities daily, human error is inevitable.

Scanflow’s system reads batch numbers directly from packages using AI technology. It achieves 98% accuracy rates, which beats manual entry by a wide margin. The system works even when batch numbers are printed on difficult surfaces like curved bottles or glossy labels. No more transcription errors, no more having to double-check every entry, and no more recalls caused by tracking mistakes.

2. Real-Time Inventory Control

Most pharma distribution centers still rely on outdated tracking methods that update inventory hours or even days after products move. This creates blind spots where nobody knows exactly what’s in stock or where specific batches are located.

Scanflow optimizes asset tracking and inventory management, automating barcode processing and improving in pharma distribution and warehouses. The asset identification solution provides real-time visibility into pharmaceutical inventory levels, locations, and movement throughout the pharma distribution supply chain. When products move, the system updates immediately. Integration with existing WMS and ERP systems means inventory records stay current without extra work from warehouse staff.

3. Complete Label Verification in One Scan

Current label checking processes require workers to manually verify multiple data points – expiration dates, lot numbers, NDC codes, dosage information. This takes time and creates opportunities for oversight, especially during busy periods.

Scanflow’s system reads and validates different data fields from pharmaceutical labels in a single scan. This eliminates the tedious manual checking process while ensuring every package meets specifications.

4. Faster Operations With Better Accuracy

Traditional pick and pack operations in pharmaceutical facilities and pharma distribution centers often involve time consuming manual verification processes. Scanflow’s asset identification solution improves operational efficiency by automating multiple verification steps simultaneously. Workers can scan, verify, and process products 70% faster than manual methods.

The system handles product codes, batch numbers, expiration dates, and quality checks all at once. This speed increase means facilities can process more orders per day without adding staff. Workers focus on handling products and solving problems instead of data entry and verification tasks.

5. Complete Product Traceability from Start to Finish

Tracking products through the entire supply chain is mandatory in pharma, but most companies struggle with gaps in their traceability records. When regulators ask for complete product history or when recalls happen, teams scramble to piece together information from multiple systems and paper records.

Scanflow creates an unbroken chain of custody for every product that passes through your facility. Every scan captures location, timestamp, operator ID, and product details automatically. The system tracks products from receiving through storage, picking, packing, and shipping without requiring extra data entry from workers.

When you need traceability information whether for a routine audit, customer inquiry, or recall situation – everything is already documented and searchable. The system shows exactly where each batch has been, who handled it, and when each step occurred. This complete visibility helps companies respond faster to regulatory requests and reduces the time spent investigating product history issues.

Scanflow’s Mobile SDK Technology

Scanflow’s asset identification solution is built on a mobile SDK that works with existing pharmaceutical operations. The platform uses computer vision algorithms trained specifically for pharmaceutical packaging, handling different box sizes, label formats, and printing styles commonly found in pharma distribution.

The scanning technology adapts to various lighting conditions and package orientations that occur in real warehouse environments. The AI learns from each facility’s specific products and improves recognition over time. The mobile SDK works on handheld devices, tablets, and fixed scanning stations, giving companies flexibility in how they deploy the technology.

Business Impact and Measurable Results

Companies using Scanflow’s asset identification solution see results within months of implementation. Labor costs drop significantly when workers stop spending time on manual data entry. Error rates decrease, which means fewer returns, recalls, and compliance issues. Processing speed increases allow facilities to handle more volume without expanding staff.

The system scales across multiple facilities and product lines as companies grow. The technology integrates with existing warehouse management systems without disrupting current workflows. For pharmaceutical operations dealing with increasing volume and tighter regulations, automated asset identification isn’t just helpful it’s becoming necessary for staying competitive.

Categories
Barcode scanning Logistics label capture Text Scanning

Inventory Management and Data Traceability in Pharma Distribution

In today’s rapidly evolving pharmaceutical distribution landscape, maintaining accuracy and efficiency in inventory management is crucial, especially for organizations working in mission-critical sectors such as humanitarian aid and global healthcare. However, many organizations continue to rely on manual workflows, which are prone to errors, inefficiencies, and compliance risks.

Manual data entry, especially in pharmaceutical packaging, can lead to costly mistakes, including incorrect labeling, missed batch numbers, and missing expiry dates, resulting in delays, stock discrepancies, and non-compliance with regulatory standards. These inefficiencies not only affect the timely delivery of vital medicines but also undermine the integrity of the entire supply chain. Without automation, organizations may face:

  • Inaccurate data capture: Errors in batch number entries, expiration dates, and labeling inconsistencies.
  • Compliance risks: Regulatory requirements are not met, leading to potential penalties and product recalls.
  • Inventory discrepancies: Mismanaged stock levels due to incorrect data tracking, resulting in overstock or stockouts.

Scanflow provides an advanced, offline-capable AI solution that transforms manual data entry into an automated process for seamless inventory management. By leveraging Barcode/QR code recognition, OCR for text extraction, and accurate capture of batch numbers, Scanflow ensures that pharmaceutical distribution is streamlined, error-free, and compliant with regulatory standards.

Here’s how Scanflow enhances inventory management in pharmaceutical distribution:

  • Barcode/QR Code Recognition: Automated scanning of barcodes and QR codes provides real-time, accurate tracking of product inventory. This ensures that batch numbers, manufacturing, and expiry dates are captured effortlessly, ensuring that all items are traceable and compliant with industry regulations.
  • OCR for Text Extraction: Scanflow uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to capture and validate essential details like batch numbers, expiry dates, and product information from labels, ensuring no vital information is overlooked.
  • Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows: Scanflow can integrate with a variety of existing systems and platforms, ensuring smooth data flow from warehouse management systems (WMS) to inventory tracking platforms without disruption.
  • Offline Functionality: Even in areas with poor connectivity, Scanflow’s offline capabilities allow users to continue scanning and updating inventory data, which is then synced with the central system when connectivity is restored.

A leading humanitarian NGO involved in the global distribution of medical supplies faced challenges in their inventory management. The organization required a solution that would ensure real-time tracking of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, while ensuring compliance with international regulations. Scanflow provided the perfect solution, using AI scanning to automate processes across multiple stages:

  • Barcode Serialization: Ensures traceability and data integrity for every product distributed.
  • 2D Barcode and QR Code Scanning: Facilitates efficient parcel tracking during transport.
  • Datamatrix Scanning on Packing Lists: Accurately identifies key product information even on space-constrained packaging lists.
  • OCR for Shelf-Stored Items: Extracts critical data from medical supplies stored on shelves, enabling seamless inventory tracking.

With Scanflow’s automated data capture solution, the organization significantly improved its inventory accuracy, reduced manual workload, and enhanced regulatory compliance across its global operations. This led to more efficient supply chain management, reduced errors, and improved healthcare outcomes in the field.

In today’s fast-paced pharmaceutical distribution industry, leveraging automation is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Scanflow’s visual AI solution helps organizations streamline their workflows, enhance inventory accuracy, and improve compliance. Whether it’s in pharma packaging, warehouse management, or distribution, Scanflow ensures that the right product gets to the right place on time, every time, with complete traceability and data integrity.

Explore the benefits of Scanflow for your operations and see how it can help you streamline your pharma logistics and improve your inventory management.

Interested in improving your pharmaceutical distribution with streamlined inventory management?

Discover how Scanflow’s automated data capture can ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency. Request a Demo or Get in Touch with Our Experts to learn more.

Categories
Logistics

Container Scanning for Seamless Shipments: How Scanflow enhances efficiency of operations?

Scanflow - shipping container scanners sdk, Logistics Scanner SDK, OCR Serial Number Scanner

Freight containers are generally used to transport raw materials and products across different locations or countries. These containers need to be verified before the shipment and after reaching the destined locations.

During the shipment process, large containers are identified by their container numbers, which are the most crucial information needed to manage the process. These container numbers are usually alphanumeric texts that are displayed on the container. Predominantly, shipping workers rely on manual entry of container numbers and maintaining records of them. However, manual data entry is time-consuming and prone to errors. These manual errors may result in containers being delivered to the incorrect location, causing the shipping process to be delayed.

Scanflow Intelligent text capture helps cargo workers to scan container identification numbers accurately from their smart devices.

Scanflow is an AI scanner on smart devices for data capture and workflow automation. It captures any form of data from Texts, IDs, Numbers, Barcodes, and QR codes. Scanflow Intelligent text capture efficiently scans long serial numbers from containers at any external condition. It can capture any form of alphanumeric text from containers where workers can choose to scan specific frames of serial numbers or scan the whole container to get the data.

By implementing AI-based technologies in workflows, logistics companies can improve their container tracking process more efficiently helping workers to quickly scan and identify containers. Scanflow accurately captures container numbers from any orientation at any external environment be it- low light damaged texts & numbers, or light glares without any errors.

Scanflow technology works with smart devices such as smartphones, wearables, and drones that can be used even offline. The SDK can be integrated into any existing application and is compatible with Android, iOS, and development frameworks like Xamarin, React Native, etc. The data captured from the container is encrypted and securely stored offline. As a result, safety concerns and container fraud can be avoided thereby enhancing the efficiency of the shipping process.

Categories
Logistics

Enhancing Logistics Operations with Cost Reduction & workforce engagement with Scanflow!

In today’s evolving business landscape, optimizing logistics efficiency is paramount for organizations looking to stay competitive. By harnessing the power of Scanflow, businesses can empower workforce engagement, enhance logistics efficiency, and achieve significant cost reductions.

The logistics industry plays a vital role in the efficient movement of goods and materials across various supply chains. By integrating the Scanflow into their backend systems, logistics companies can automate workflows, enhance operational efficiency.

The integration of Scanflow in warehouse management system can greatly contribute to automating various processes within inventory management, stock control, and shipment & dispatch where scanning can be carried out from workers smart devices such as — smart phones, drones, wearables, tablets etc.

Improved Speed and Accuracy: Scanflow leverage cutting-edge technology, such as AI powered barcode scanning and Text scanning from smart devices, to provide fast and accurate data capture capabilities. Workers can use smartphones or any smart devices like drones, wearables with built-in cameras to scan barcodes, texts, labels, or documents, eliminating the need for separate scanning device. This streamlines processes, reduces manual errors, and accelerates data capture, improving the speed and accuracy of logistics operations.

Real-Time Visibility and Tracking: One of the key benefits of Scanflow data capture solutions is the ability to capture and process data in real time. By scanning barcodes or text, logistics workers gain immediate visibility into shipment details, inventory levels, and order statuses. This enables proactive decision-making, allowing logistics teams to respond quickly to changes, address potential issues, and optimize routes or delivery schedules.

Streamlined Inventory Management: Scanflow data capture solutions simplify and streamline inventory management processes. With the ability to scan barcodes or text to read product information, workers can efficiently track and manage stock levels and automate replenishment processes. Real-time visibility into inventory helps prevent stockouts or overstocking, optimize storage space, and reduce carrying costs. The seamless integration of Scanflow solutions with existing inventory management systems enables seamless data synchronization and eliminates manual data entry, minimizing errors and saving time.

Tracking Shipment & Dispatch operations: Scanflow enables real-time tracking of shipment containers and automates dispatch operations. It scans and captures package information during the loading process, ensuring accurate documentation and package identification. Scanflow updates the backend system with this information, allowing dispatchers to track the progress of shipments and make real-time decisions based on their status. It also helps streamline communication between drivers, dispatchers, and customers, leading to improved coordination.

Scanflow is a transformative platform for industries seeking cost reductions, improving inventory management, and minimizing errors, reducing operational costs associated with delays and inefficiencies. Moreover, the rapid deployment, user-friendly interfaces, and flexibility ensures a quick return on investment, making it a cost-effective choice for industries aiming to enhance efficiency and drive savings. Scanflow is a strategic step towards unlocking the full potential of logistics operations in the modern business landscape.

Categories
Logistics

Enhancing warehouse management with Scanflow Intelligent Data capture!

Intelligent data capture is revolutionizing warehouse management by leveraging advanced technologies to automate the collection, processing, and analysis of data within the warehouse environment. This innovative approach streamlines inventory management, enhances accuracy, and improves operational efficiency.

By incorporating Scanflow in smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, drones the products can be easily tracked and monitored throughout the facility. When items arrive at the warehouse, they are assigned unique codes that contain essential information such as item details, quantities, and locations.

Warehouse workers can simply scan the barcodes to capture this information, eliminating the need for manual data entry and significantly reducing the risk of errors. Scanflow not only speeds up data capture but also enhances accuracy, enabling faster and more reliable inventory management.

Scanflow allows for rapid and simultaneous data capture of multiple items with batch scanning facility. This real-time visibility enables warehouse workers to track and locate inventory as it moves throughout the facility. Scanflow has various advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and efficiency, particularly in large-scale warehouse environments when compared to dedicated scanners.

Scanflow is powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, computer vision, that identifies and captures product information and extract details such as product labels, serial numbers, or SKU codes.

This technology offers automated data capture, reducing reliance on manual processes and minimizing human errors. Furthermore, Scanflow can detect anomalies or discrepancies, such as damaged goods or misplaced items, and promptly alert warehouse personnel, improving inventory accuracy and reducing losses.

Scanflow can be seamlessly integrated with any ERP or Warehouse Management Software for a simplified warehouse operation, enabling efficient data exchange and real-time insights. This provides comprehensive inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and demand forecasting capabilities. By capturing and analyzing data, businesses can identify patterns, optimize storage layouts, and streamline workflows. Moreover, the captured data can be used for data-driven decision-making, allowing businesses to respond quickly to changing market demands, optimize inventory levels, and improve overall operational efficiency.

  • Streamline inventory management processes.
  • Higher accuracy, reduce errors, and improve operational efficiency.
  • Real-time visibility of inventory enables faster decision-making.
  • Improved order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
  • Drive cost savings and enhance productivity.

Scanflow intelligent data capture solutions transform the way warehouse operates. It automates data collection, enhances accuracy, and optimizes operational processes, resulting in improved inventory management and operational efficiency.

By leveraging intelligent data capture systems, businesses can achieve real-time visibility, reduce errors, and make data-driven decisions for efficient warehouse operations.

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