Accu-Sort Systems announced that it has installed new bar code systems that are helping snack food maker Herr Foods operate more efficiently. For production and inventory, the installation includes Axiom laser bar code scanners and Fast Count software, a real-time production counting system. For ordering and shipping, Herr Foods uses Model 22 Series II laser bar code scanners and Accu-Sort order management software. 

Herr Foods, Inc, in Nottingham PA, ships its products directly to stores and more than 38 distributors. As products ship, the bar code system captures the production information encoded on a label placed on each product case at the time of manufacture. The software then supplies that information to the production department. 

The new technology is 15 to 20% more accurate than Herr Foods’ previous systems, which enables operators to easily determine if they need to run more products to fill a given order. For example, specialty products such as ketchup flavored potato chips are ordered infrequently, and often special production runs are required. Prior to this installation, operators did not know the exact inventory of specialty products, and they needed to perform a daily manual inventory to determine if a production run was required. This new system eliminates the need for manual counts. 

The order management software ensures orders are filled properly, substitutes are recorded, and exceptions are approved by the shipping manager. 

“Accu-Sort technology provides the information we need to efficiently manage our production,” said Steven Moran, vice president of engineering for Herr Foods. “The improvement in accuracy, combined with the immediate availability of production data via Accu-Sort’s Fast Count software, has allowed us to save time and improve productivity.” 

Beyond improvements to production, the higher read rate of the new bar code readers allows for a smoother ordering process with fewer manual adjustments, and a faster ship rate.