Measuring and test equipment control through bar-code technology
J.D. Crockett, C.C. Carr · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society · 1993
Over the past several years, the use, tracking, and documentation of measuring and test equipment (M TE) has become a major issue. New regulations are forcing companies to develop new policies for providing use history, traceability, and accountability of M TE. This paper discusses how the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), operated by Westinghouse Hanford Company and located at the Hanford site in Rich- land, Washington, overcame these obstacles by using a computerized system exercising bar-code technology. A data base was developed to identify M TE containing 33 separate fields, such as manufacturer, model, range, bar-code number, and other pertinent information. A bar-code label was attached to each piece of M TE. A second data base was created to identify the employee using the M TE. The fields contained pertinent user information such as name, location, and payroll number. Each employee's payroll number was bar coded and attached to the back of their identification badge. A computer program was developed to automate certain tasks previously performed and tracked by hand. Bar-code technology was combined with this computer program to control the input and distribution of information, eliminate common mistakes, electronically store information, and reduce the time required to check outmore » the M TE for use.« less