Parker Tracking System Speeds Hydraulic Hose Replacement

The Parker Tracking System (PTS) manages millions of uniquely identified hydraulic hose assemblies within its global database—with the aim of reducing equipment downtime by increasing the speed and accuracy of acquiring hydraulic hose assembly replacements. Key components in the PTS, says the company, include uniquely encoded tracking labels that incorporate visual data, barcodes and optional RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. The labels are generated by thermal printers and are affixed to hose assemblies at the time of manufacturer. Each tracking label code is permanently stored in the PTS database. The unique code identifies where and when the hose was made, hose type, fittings and accessories, and the length. A second system component is a web-based PTS software system that can be accessed through any computer with an Internet connection. PTS expedites the hose-replacement process, says Parker, “by making ‘call ahead’ or ‘site delivery’ service possible.