Distribution centers receive large quantities of products to be redistributed to retailers, to wholesalers, or directly to consumers, as well as to provide long and short term storage of goods. Distribution centers are highly active locations with requirements to be able to react quickly when required to ship goods on-demand. Datalogic products can help perfect processes by increasing efficiency and accuracy in all distribution channel applications, allowing information to be transferred in real-time and ensuring uptime with dependable data collection products.
The efficiency of a distribution center's operation can impact the final price of the goods sold. Efficient processing not only directly impacts the cost of goods through reduced labor, but it also indirectly impacts the cost of goods through reduced inventory. Reducing the time of order processing can directly reduce the amount of inventory necessary to be stocked in the operation.
In addition to supporting everyday distribution channel applications, bar code scanning technology can also assist with tracking employee hours, shift-changes, quality control, and preventative maintenance. Datalogic's superior quality and reliability is especially important in demanding distribution channel applications.

	Warehouse Management Systems Warehouses are the central component to businesses receiving goods and distributing them further into the supply chain or to the end customer. A proper Warehouse Management System (WMS) helps to track inventory operations both within the facility and in outdoor stockyards for better shipping and receiving, inventory control and order fulfillment processes. Properly identified and labeled inventory from suppliers and manufacturers are well on their way to creating a secure WMS that provides more efficiency, accuracy and visibility throughout the movement of goods. Ruggedized scanners or mobile computers that can withstand rough handling, accidental drops, wide temperature ranges, dirt and moisture are ideal for this application. Vehicle mounted computers with handheld scanners bring additional mobility to warehouse management activities.
	Shipping & Receiving Shipping and receiving is part of the overall Warehouse Management System (WMS) where incoming materials are received and outgoing goods are shipped to customers or additional storage facilities. Reading barcodes at receiving confirms receipt of goods against the bill of lading. This first scan enable the WMS to adjust inventory levels and later direct material storage. Mobile computers and bar code scanners can also call attention to items at low stock levels, reducing the chance of stock-outs. The use of bar codes improves productivity and reduces errors in the picking process ensuring orders are properly packed and shipped to the correct destination on the correct date.
	Inventory Management Using mobile computers or bar code scanners, a cost-saving inventory management system can be created to track important supplies, materials and equipment. A reliable and accurate database for complete and partial inventory levels can be maintained by simply scanning items when used and when new materials are received. The collected data can be uploaded to a central computer system in regular batches or in real time. This allows for better forecasting, reducing the chance of stock-outs, overstocks, and emergency shipments.
	Labor Tracking Bar code scanning allows employers to track each activity related to the distribution centers operations. This capability is valuable for measuring labor content and employee productivity, when comparing completed work with the expected output. For example, management will be able to determine exactly how long it takes an employee to complete order fulfillment or to receive goods providing a means to understand where inefficiencies or ‘bottlenecks' within processes are occurring so that corrective action can be taken. This data has many uses for product costing, establishment of labor standards, as well as measuring employee performance which can all drastically reduce labor costs.
	Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Vehicle fleets and automation equipment are used day in and day out, requiring frequent servicing and maintenance to ensure a lasting investment. Automatic data capture can be used at service stations to track repairs, maintenance intervals, work performed and improve inventory management. Implementing an effective scanning solution will help keep the fleet in service by optimizing and automating activities that improve employee productivity and reduce errors.
	Document Handling Bar code scanners are replacing common document handling activities by automatically tracking the movement, filing, location, archival, maintenance and destruction of important documents. This system allows employees to identify documents by reading a unique label on the document to reduce errors and enhance productivity. Eliminating manual processes can account for significant reduction in errors which is critical for successful business practices.