No one enjoys hunting down misplaced items. Just think of the panic and terror that travels throughout our minds when we misplace our wallet or car keys. For logistics managers, this state of panic is taken to a whole new level when key assets or inventory items vanish from the stockroom or in transit from point A to point B.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a solid inventory control or asset tracking system in place within your business. If you don’t believe us, then you’ll want to continue reading, but be warned, you may be in for a scare. We’ve listed some of the worst inventory nightmares that may just make you think twice about tracking your important business items.
The Missing Radioactive Container
Back in 2010, FedEx was given the responsibility of delivering a highly sensitive package. No, we’re not talking about your 52” LED television. FedEx was to move a package containing radioactive rods used in CT scans. What happened next was most unfortunate. The shipment of radioactive material was lost somewhere in transit to its destination. Radioactive material doesn’t vanish on its own, does it? Thankfully, before widespread panic sunk in, the package was finally recovered and no one was exposed to the container’s toxins. However, we’re sure FedEx re-examined its tracking methods after the close call.
Vanishing Military Weapons
A few missing ink cartridges are nothing to worry about in comparison to our next story. Last year, a massive hunt took place to track down thousands of military issued rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The weapons were to be provided for the Afghan National Police, but mysteriously vanished. A breakdown in communication and logistics was to blame for the missing items. At this time, the whereabouts of the missing weapons is still unknown.
The Forgotten Medical Supply
Each year, medical errors in surgical procedures cost the healthcare industry nearly two billion dollars. The most common surgical error is accidentally leaving surgical sponges inside of patients, which can lead to serious infections and sometimes death. Such items are easily overlooked as they can blend into their surroundings during medical procedures. To further prevent such medical nightmares, barcode technologies are being implemented into hospitals to better track medical sponges as well as other surgical tools.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to have a solid inventory control or asset tracking system in place within your business. If you don’t believe us, then you’ll want to continue reading, but be warned, you may be in for a scare. We’ve listed some of the worst inventory nightmares that may just make you think twice about tracking your important business items.
The Missing Radioactive Container
Back in 2010, FedEx was given the responsibility of delivering a highly sensitive package. No, we’re not talking about your 52” LED television. FedEx was to move a package containing radioactive rods used in CT scans. What happened next was most unfortunate. The shipment of radioactive material was lost somewhere in transit to its destination. Radioactive material doesn’t vanish on its own, does it? Thankfully, before widespread panic sunk in, the package was finally recovered and no one was exposed to the container’s toxins. However, we’re sure FedEx re-examined its tracking methods after the close call.
Vanishing Military Weapons
A few missing ink cartridges are nothing to worry about in comparison to our next story. Last year, a massive hunt took place to track down thousands of military issued rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers. The weapons were to be provided for the Afghan National Police, but mysteriously vanished. A breakdown in communication and logistics was to blame for the missing items. At this time, the whereabouts of the missing weapons is still unknown.
The Forgotten Medical Supply
Each year, medical errors in surgical procedures cost the healthcare industry nearly two billion dollars. The most common surgical error is accidentally leaving surgical sponges inside of patients, which can lead to serious infections and sometimes death. Such items are easily overlooked as they can blend into their surroundings during medical procedures. To further prevent such medical nightmares, barcode technologies are being implemented into hospitals to better track medical sponges as well as other surgical tools.
