How Does Cylinder Tracking Work?

Whether used for welding or food production, keeping track of all the gas cylinders that enter and exit a business’s operations can be difficult. Once gas cylinders are delivered, teams need a reliable system to log and track their activity — if a cylinder rental is lost or returned without a record, that could mean paying an unexpected late fee.

As a result, any company requiring gas cylinders must have a strategy for tracking them. An effective tracking system helps your business improve safety and reduce waste while keeping gases replenished on schedule.

What Is Cylinder Tracking?

Cylinder tracking involves monitoring gas cylinders through their life cycle. Companies use bar codes or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to track unit location, use and fill status. It’s a highly efficient strategy for maintaining accurate inventory records and adjusting operations as needed to meet demand.

How Cylinder Tracking Works Step by Step

Gas cylinder tracking uses technology to improve inventory management accuracy and regulation compliance. Once you have a system established, you should follow it consistently to make it effective. The tracking process generally involves:

1. Cylinder tagging: Each unit is assigned an identifier with a barcode or RFID tag. Each step in the tracking process involves scanning this code to keep the cylinder visible.
2. Scanning: When users return, fill or deliver cylinders, they’re scanned. The database logs the data for record-keeping purposes.
3. Monitoring: As the cylinder travels through its life cycle, the system may provide real-time monitoring data. Instead of periodic check-ins, real-time tracking constantly reports on cylinder locations and status. This information makes finding and replacing units easier.
4. Use and maintenance tracking: After being tagged and delivered, the cylinders are scanned to record fill level, gas type and maintenance. Businesses can keep cylinders in good condition and avoid overuse with maintenance tracking.
5. Reporting: Finally, all the data is automatically sent for report generation. Reports record cylinder use, expiration dates and compliance to keep businesses safe and efficient.

Technologies for Cylinder Tracking

The two primary methods for tracking cylinders are RFID tags and barcodes.

RFID uses radio waves to transmit data from a tag attached to the cylinder. The data goes to a reader, which records all the relevant information. RFID tagging is quick and contactless. Tags record data automatically, even if cylinders are stacked or in transit. It eliminates manual scanning errors and improves inventory accuracy.

Barcoding is another common tracking method. It’s slower and more labor-intensive than RFID, but it’s also cheaper. Cylinders have a unique barcode on the unit. During transportation and use, the barcode is scanned to provide a record of cylinder movement. Barcoding works well, but it lacks the real-time monitoring RFID tags offer.

For best results, look to solutions that combine barcode and RFID monitoring. With both tools, you can gain a comprehensive overview of cylinder movements and conditions. If one tracking area is skipped, the other technology will close the gap. A combined solution gives you the strengths of both technologies so you can maximize cylinder management efficiency.

Benefits of Effective Cylinder Management and Tracking

A cylinder tracking system is essential for any business working with compressed gas. With advanced tracking tools, your company can improve inventory accuracy and optimize your supply chain. When all cylinders are accounted for and monitored, you can reduce waste costs and increase overall efficiency.

1. Improved Inventory Accuracy

Inconsistent tracking methods can quickly lead to errors and supply challenges. If your business is working off of manual logs, it’s easy to misplace cylinders or experience shortages and overstocking. You need to know cylinder inventory numbers at all times to make the best calls for business demands. An automated tracking system eliminates these issues by making it easier to record and track gas cylinder data.

RFID and barcoding technology can help your business maintain precise inventory records, reducing discrepancies. With barcode or tagging systems, you minimize manual errors. Additionally, leaving manual processes behind means your team can monitor cylinder patterns to optimize cylinder ordering. You can make sure your team has the right gases on hand when needed with cylinder tracking tools.

2. Gas Cylinder Compliance and Safety Protocols

Many industries must follow safety regulations set by OSHA, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For example, cylinders used in welding must not be tampered with and should be handled carefully according to OSHA guidelines. Failing to follow relevant regulations can lead to safety violations and fines that put your business at risk. Gas cylinders are no exception to these standards.

Cylinder tracking systems help your operation meet relevant regulations by providing:

• Automated records: Digital tracking systems log serial numbers, gas types, expiration dates and other critical information. Businesses can use accurate records to prove compliance during audits.
• Maintenance alerts: Regular maintenance and inspections are critical for preventing safety hazards. Tracking systems make it easier for businesses to schedule maintenance. They can also set maintenance reminders, preventing issues before they lead to downtime.
• Hazard monitoring: More advanced tracking tools can monitor environmental conditions, like temperature and pressure, to prevent dangerous situations and alert employees before they become hazards.

3. Supply Chain Optimization

Gas cylinder management also influences your supply chain efficiency. Lost cylinders can delay production, increase costs and affect overall productivity. Investing in a reliable tracking system smooths out these bumps so your operation can move along efficiently.

If you’re using an RFID system, your business gets real-time cylinder visibility. Track gas units from the moment they leave the supplier’s facility to arrival at their final destination. Whether you need to improve cylinder return rates or inventory tracking, real-time monitoring can help.

Real-time information and barcode scanning also help optimize delivery routes. Monitor your cylinder usage patterns to make sure you’re scheduling deliveries as needed without overstocking. You’ll cut wasted expenses and ensure everyone gets their gas supply on time.

Part of optimizing your supply chain is reducing waste and expenses. Over-ordering drives up costs while wasting units. In comparison, losing cylinders raises rental fees unnecessarily. Your business can use tracking technology to monitor all your cylinders and avoid wasting resources.

Optimize Stock Monitoring With Gas Cylinder Tracking From Meritus Gas Partners

You need reliable gas cylinder management to keep your operation safe, compliant and profitable. Meritus Gas Partners offers businesses advanced cylinder tracking solutions. We provide real-time visibility, so you always have the right gases where you need them. Our system integrates barcode and RFID tracking for more accurate inventory and waste reduction.

Choose us for expert support and local services across the country. Meritus Gas Partners combines the capabilities of a national supplier with the personalized service of independent distributors. Our expertise, advanced solutions and commitment to customer support ensure reliable, efficient gas management and supply. Find a Meritus Gas Partner near you to start elevating your tracking capabilities!