BarControl Systems and Services has recently completed an implementation of several modules of their BarControl Enterprise Manager (BEM) software at Hewlett Packard's Nashville, TN site.

The system, designed to expedite the handling of returned products, is a continuation of an existing system in California. Hewlett Packard, through a third party logistics company (3PL), began using BarControl's system in 1998 to handle one product area. Due to the success of the system, it was determined that while the existing 3PL would be replaced, BarControl would be contracted to duplicate and expand the system at the new Tennessee facility, and would begin processing all returns for HP's product lines.

HP is utilizing the I-Mate Inventory module, Reverse Logistics module, Radio Frequency Bar Code module, and EdiXfer module. This allows HP to receive items at their facility, immediately verify that the items are authorized by their SAP system, and disposition and stage them for transfer to the appropriate depot. This allows for a smaller area required for storing products, quicker credit to customers for their products, and the elimination of fraudulent return claims. Callise Robertson of HP states "When we saw the success we had with the existing system, and decided to expand to encompass all product lines, one item remained constant - BarControl. We change course quite frequently to adapt to market changes, and the system has always been dependable and flexible enough to change with us quickly. The staff is very responsive. We were able to begin receiving product at our new facility within 4 weeks of decision to implement."

Future considerations for the system include the BEM Web Visualization Module, which allows remote data entry and viewing of data via a web browser. BEM is comprised of 26 integrated modules that can be used in conjunction with each other or easily disabled, dependent on user requirements.