Seeking efficient method to manage install base data

[silentmonkey]

I work at a medical device company. Our device is a reprocessing device.

I was tasked with developing a report that analyses the occurrence of a particular device field issue that has had a huge impact on our operations.

This task took over half a month to complete and I was able to identify big weaknesses in our data management practices. We had difficulties accurately and efficiently identifying which devices had been installed, which devices had gone through what deviations, and how long they were in our facilities for.

Does anyone have any advice on how to implement an efficient install base management process?

I'm thinking of barcode scanning (like with parcel tracking) to keep track of the product.