What barcoded travelers do for a work order
A traveler is the set of job paperwork that stays with a work order from release through final inspection. It typically includes what is being built, who it is for, quantities, drawings, measurements, dates, and any special instructions.
As the order moves from station to station, operators use the traveler to record progress and labor so the job can be completed and verified.
Travelers as the work order record
In Cetec ERP, the traveler acts as the day to day record for the job. It provides the current operation, requirements for that step, and space to note completion, inspection results, and any issues encountered.
Why barcode the traveler
Cetec ERP prints a barcode tied to the work order number on the traveler license plate, or cover sheet. Scanning that barcode lets you open the job in a browser, clock time to a specific operation, or identify a group of work in process on the floor without hunting for paperwork.
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Paper travelers or digital travelers
You can keep a traditional paper traveler, or move to digital travelers inside Cetec ERP. Version 2.3 added batch printing for multiple jobs and license plates when paper is preferred. For digital use, operators scan the license plate barcode and update the traveler in real time from any web accessible device.
Start a free trial of Cetec ERP if you want to test barcoded and digital travelers in your own workflow.
Key Takeaways
- A traveler is the instruction and record packet that follows a work order through production.
- Barcoding links the traveler to the work order so operators can pull up jobs, log labor, and find work in process quickly.
- Cetec ERP supports both paper travelers with batch printing and digital travelers updated by barcode scan.
Conclusion
Using barcoded travelers gives small manufacturers a simple way to connect shop floor activity to the live work order, whether they run paper packets or go fully digital.