When I first started working in the receiving dept. I noticed that they were still using the traditional paper receiving log sheets. This was not acceptable to me because this was just an archaic way of doing business and very time consuming, not to mention, can one even read the entries made the day before.

The best way of keeping track of the daily entries was to use a database. I looked at many programs to try and find one that would meet our needs but most of them were very expensive and difficult to navigate. I thought to myself there must be a better way. I had to create my own database placing the needed information fields, queries and reports in a manor that works for us. In my database I allow for a report that will print for each purchase order delivery to obtain a signature for each delivery.

I was never so surprised that my database was all that special until a software salesman came by to try and sell me receiving software and looked at my database and said congratulations your the first that I have seen that made their own database that works!". After looking at what mine would do he then said, I have nothing to sell you, mine does the same thing.

Sometimes if your needs are unique that the generic way of doing things just doesn’t work, you have to build your own way of doing it. I continually take software programming classes, APPA institute classes and other learning tools to provide the best service that I can for our campus.

I also had to find equipment that would scan the barcode on the various packages for tracking purposes. I found that a simple pen wand would suffice and be least expensive to procure for basic package receiving. Using these unique tools I have increased the reliability and credibility of our department by being able to know the nature and disposition of every package that arrives on campus. I will soon be able to use the signature capture ability from a CE device instead of having so much paper to file for proof of delivery. Then I can just e-mail back the proof of delivery when a question arises about who signed for a product rather than look in the paper files and fax it over. I am also working on web integration so that folks can look up the same information themselves.