Whether it's via keyboard entry or a barcode reader, the Ricoh SC-10 can accept and check string data.
This can be used to check for parts that have no visually distinguishable features, such as hard disks with different capacities. The part number can be checked to ensure the right one has been fitted.
This data can also be logged as part of the digital audit trail, so it can simply be used just to log the serial number of the part being assembled.