Material tracking is important. We all know that. This part of internal logistics is key when quoting jobs but is essential when working the job. Nobody wants to be the reason for lost time, and if the reason is they can’t find the material, that is unforgivable. Ensure you know what material you have and where to find it when it is needed.
While material tracking is important, of growing concern is the proper identification of the material. PMI (Positive Material Identification) and MTR’s (Material Test Requirements) are becoming necessities from companies to be part of the job package to properly identify the materials used for the job. PMI uses a tool shaped like a gun and when aimed at any material, the trigger is pulled and the screen on the gun tells what material it is. Simple? Not hardly as training is required before you can use it. Cost effective? Possibly. That depends on the size of your company and how much material goes through it’s doors. The PMI tool costs upwards of $50,000, so this is not for the small business that is trying to get by in this economy. The more cost effective method of material identification is the utilization of MTR’s. MTR’s are copies of the paperwork telling where material comes from, it’s heat number, chemical composition, physical dimensions, and other details. You can have your material supplier provide this paperwork when you order your material. When you receive your material, be sure to verify the heat numbers on the material with the heat numbers on the MTR’s. It doesn’t help to have an MTR if it does not match the material you have. While not as quick as using the PMI tool, MTR’s will do the trick as long as you use some diligence, keep your paperwork up to date and ensure the heat number is prominent on material, even after it is cut.
Precision Pipe and Vessel 