Advancing Inventory Management at the Arizona State University Print and Imaging Lab

The Arizona State University Print and Imaging Lab (PIL) processes hundreds of jobs on a monthly basis for entities inside and outside of the university. Using stock in order to satisfy these orders, it is crucial to be able to keep track of stock in order to maintain an accurate inventory records. This paper documents the process in troubleshooting and determining ways to further improve the PIL’s usage of Tharstern’s management information system (MIS) in order to allow the PIL to continue to expand. Briefly touching on the utilization of consignment stock (CS) within the lab, the paper largely focuses on ensuring inventory movement within Tharstern. From customer service representatives (CSRs) initial job creation, to purchase orders (PO), milestones, and final productions, the paper will follow the determination of the problem, the different approaches in attempted fixes, the found solution, and conclude by describing the continued efforts with newfound knowledge and integration of the Shopfloor manufacturing execution system (MES) at the PIL.