ImagesMagUK_Digital-Edition_Dec17

www.images-magazine.com DECEMBER 2017 images 19 The automation of workflow should include linking to barcodes Barcode reading Increasing production throughput means that the garment picking area can also become labour intensive and a bottleneck waiting to happen. The automation of workflow should include linking to barcodes, where a barcode is produced for each job with all the aforementioned coding parameters linked to it. The barcode can then be printed on a label and attached to the garment at the picking stage. Once the bulk orders arrive at the print department, the barcode is read at the machine and the graphic preview with all print parameters is pulled from the hot folder and entered into the print queue on the machine. Automated feedback from the reading of the barcode can be sent to the client to confirm that their order is being printed. The barcode can remain on the garment throughout the drying and packing process, providing ‘print complete’ and dispatch notices to the customer when read at each stage. I have seen various automated workflow systems that operate with some honed areas that suit individual requirements for workload, throughput, garment and job variants. One aspect that often changes is the way the jobs are handled after the print and dry process is complete. Some will dispatch straight from the end of the dryer and others will stack garments after drying in job batches. This way, orders that have multiple garment types can be gathered in a final job completion area and dispatched together as one order. In addition to job workflow, these automated systems will also handle stock re-ordering and enable remote access to follow and manage order intake, progress and completion to provide total control over your production even when you are away. When deciding to operate an automated workflow system there is always involvement required to ensure the system operates according to your specific needs, whether you have opted for a bespoke system or a more generic one. It is undoubtedly worth the effort in the long run, as the rewards from efficiency and resulting reduction in unit costs are significant. www.adelco.co.uk