TAX-Right.com

1. What is Tax-Right?
Tax-Right is a combination of computer software and hardware that scans product bar codes and confirms that the scanned product is part of a specific product list, such as an order. The present application of Tax-Right is to scan cigarette cartons and perform the order checking function as the cartons are flowing into a cigarette stamping machine. There are numerous other applications for the Tax-Right system.

2. How does Tax-Right work?
Tax-Right is provided with data from the host computer order file. As each carton’s bar code is scanned the bar code is compared to the data that Tax-Right received from the host. If the item is on the order list and does not exceed the quantity needed, the stamping process continues and Tax-Right looks for the next item. If Tax-Right finds a discrepancy in either the brand or the quantity, it stops the stamping machine before the tax stamp is affixed to the carton.

3. Is Tax-Right a Patented process?
Yes. On December 23, 2003 the Tax-Right patent application was approved. Tax-Right has been awarded patent number 6,704,614.

4. Does Tax-Right work in a Post Stamp operation?
Tax-Right performs exceptionally well in a post stamp environment. There are no process changes required for Tax-Right to be installed in a post stamping operation. As orders are fed into the stamping machine Tax-Right confirms each carton’s accuracy. The need to check orders is eliminated and Tax-Right captures information about each carton as it is stamped for value added reporting.

5. Does Tax-Right work in a Pre Stamp operation?
Tax-Right will work in a pre stamp operation as well. There are some process changes that need to be implemented for pre stamp operations to get a benefit from Tax-Right. The cartons need to be picked then scanned and then packed into the shipping boxes. The net result is an improved pick rate and 100% accurate customer orders.

6. Does Tax-Right slow down the stamping operation?
The rate of any stamping operation is largely determined by the skill level of the stamping machine operator. Tax-Right operations consistently stamp between 2,200 and 2,800 cartons per machine hour.

7. Does Tax-Right work with both Meyercord and Red Stamp stamping equipment?
Yes. The system operates on Meyercord equipment and Red Stamp equipment.

8. Will Tax-Right ever cause my stamping operation to stop? What happens if Tax-Right stops working?
Tax-Right has a built in bypass switch. If for some reason one of the Tax-Right electronic components fails, the operator can turn the Tax-Right control switch to “bypass”. This will electronically disconnect Tax-Right from the stamping equipment. Orders would need to be manually checked for that shift.

9. Does Tax-Right control the changing of tax stamp rolls?
Yes. Every time a new order is scanned into Tax-Right, Tax-Right checks to see if the tax jurisdiction is the same as the jurisdiction on the last order. If the jurisdiction is different, a message window pops up on the stamping screen. The stamping machine will not allow cartons to feed into the machine until the operator confirms that the stamps have been changed.

10. What happens when a mispicked carton is found by Tax-Right?
When Tax-Right reads a bar code that is not on the product list it is currently processing, it stops the stamping machine so the carton does not get a stamp affixed to it. Tax-Right also puts a message on the stamping screen telling the operator that a mispick has been discovered.

11. How does Tax-Right know if a carton is missing from an order?
At the end of each order the operator needs to signal Tax-Right that the order is complete. This is done by a simple touch of the Tax-Right touch screen. If Tax-Right has not completed the list of products it will not allow the order to be ended. The operator activates the complete stamping screen and Tax-Right lists any products that have not yet been processed.

12. How are hand stamped cartons handled by Tax-Right?
In most stamping operations, hand stamped cartons are picked with the order and then passed around the stamping machine. With Tax-Right, any cartons that are not to be stamped by the stamping machine are scanned by the Tax-Right hand scanner. This insures the accuracy of the hand stamped products and keeps the Tax-Right data accurate.

13. How are returns and pre stamped cartons handled by Tax-Right?
In most stamping operations, returns and pre stamped cartons are picked with the order and then passed around the stamping machine. With Tax-Right, any cartons that are not to be stamped by the stamping machine are scanned by the Tax-Right hand scanner. This insures the accuracy of all the products on the order and keeps the Tax-Right data accurate.

14. How are damaged cartons handled by Tax-Right?
When a carton is damaged by the stamping machine it is given to the operator who accesses the Tax-Right damaged carton screen. The carton is scanned by the hand scanner. This causes the damaged carton to be added back to the order so Tax-Right is still expecting the carton to be stamped. A list of all damaged cartons is accumulated through the stamping shift. At the end of the stamping shift, a report listing all cartons that were damaged during the shift is printed at a designated printer.

15. What happens with cartons that do not have a bar code?
Cartons with no bar codes are handled in the complete stamping unit screen at the end of each order.

16. Can the next order be stamped while a mistake from an order is being fixed?
Yes. Tax-Right has an “On Hold” feature that allows orders to be placed on hold, while a mistake is being fixed. The system prompts the operator to reactivate the on hold order every time a new order is selected for stamping.

17. What reporting is available from Tax-Right?
Tax-Right produces a daily log that is a detailed record of every carton that was scanned during the 24 hour day. This daily log is designed to be exported to MS Excel. Data in the Excel spread sheet provides valuable information about productivity, picking errors, and stamping machine down time. Additionally, this data can support monthly state tax reporting.

18. Will Tax-Right help productivity?
By giving immediate feedback to pickers, Tax-Right improves picking quality. By eliminating checking labor and the labor involved in correcting mistakes, Tax-Right will improve overall cigarette operation productivity.