By
Jyoti Tejpal
Leading non-intrusive tracking inventory asset management software Intuitive interface for audits checkouts designing asset labels Tag Manage items thru locations Scan QR Code Barcode RFID tags Integrate with external scanners or mobile app
Enables organizations Helps Safety security efficient compliance Creates automating labels barcodes RFID tags Plastic cards Helps Production chemicals health food & beverage Critical labeling process integrates with virtually data source & Windows printer
Cloud-based barcoding Inventory software for small business Integrated with QuickBooks Online Access track & manage inventory at multiple locations thru phone or tab on the go remotely Track sales Receive money Issue invoices Verify shipmentsÂ
Barcode software utilizes the same technology to provide for warehouses and distribution centers for keeping track of each inventory item which comes in or dashes out the doors.
The little scannable squares which are used to show up on t-shirts, product labels, posters, street signs are everywhere. They are basically barcodes which customers who had downloaded the much needed iPhone or Android app may use to scan to access other useful information about the product, event or business which was getting advertised.
Barcode systems generally have two components: hardware and software. The hardware consists of every physical tools like printers, scanners, computers required to read the barcodes. The software is a bit more involved, as it utilizes technologies which can do things like create the barcodes which machine-readable codes typically expressed in parallel lines with patterns and tracking the items in a designated inventory management software.
Barcode systems usually contain two elements: hardware and software. When searching for a barcoding software, user will wish to consider how sellers package the hardware and software and what features you are getting. You can definitely procure the hardware and software separately, but the thing leaves you with the responsibility of connecting two different products or coding your own software system to match your hardware. A better option for the money would be an integrated system including both of them.
User will also require to figure out whether the business would have advantage more from a stand-alone barcoding system or from the one which is included in a broader supply chain management (SCM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), or warehouse management product.
Barcode software functionality will change according to the seller and the user’s requirements, but here are the most common features to search for while buying barcode systems:
Barcode generation : Technology that helps in creating unique barcodes which tie to a specific product or products to decrease faults with tracking inventory.
Barcode scanning : Technology which offers a computer to read barcodes and interpreting the information they consist.
Custom label creation : Permits users for creating labels for products which consists whatever information the user needs, like sizes, colors, dates etc.
Label templates : Pre-created labels which users can set as default to if no specialized information required to be conveyed in labels.
Receiving labels : Can be processed to alert warehouses of upcoming pertinent information before workers go for scanning or unpacking the product like any easily-breakable product may contain a receiving label which reads “fragile” for ensuring unpacking with utmost care.
Shipping labels : Like receiving labels, shipping labels allows transporters and recipients to some special instructions for carrying or unpacking of a product.
Inventory management : Connecting to a system which helps in tracking things like product locations, stock levels, raw materials etc.
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) : Small devices which are attached to the product and consist of identification information can be retrieved thru scanner.
Serial number tracking : Permits users for assigning specific serial numbers to products and tracking them.
While weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a barcoding software, it might be helpful to consider the following benefits this type of software can offer:
No human error. Elimination of manual data entry and then automation of the inventory tracking procedure, barcode system can help in creation of clearer lines of communication and help in ensuring no mistakes are made due to things like illegible handwriting or tired workers.
Time saved training employees. People know how to scan things. The software has self-checkout lanes and ubiquitous QR codes, therefore it’s not unreasonable in expecting the average person to know
From there, it’s just a matter of learning the software.
More data gets conveyed. The difference between a label and a barcode is pretty substantial. User can only fit information in a form label, but barcodes are able to represent more data without taking up space. So no need to choose between stock levels, expiration dates, pricing information, or item attributes—you can have them in one barcode.
Everything happens faster. While scanning a barcode, the information is translated and put into inventory software right away, therefore data is available quickly unlike done by hand. This helps in saving valuable time of the user and helps in minimizing confusion over stock and inventory levels.
Decision making gets easier. While figuring out what to do, nothing is more useful than hard data. With accurate and instantaneous barcoding systems, decision-makers have access over an abundant data to help determine the best course of action. Like exact inventory tracking can help managers calibrate inventory levels and save money on storage or better get the customer demand met.
RFID integration. It is really critical to be aware of barcoding software which is not the same thing like a radio-frequency identification (RFID) software. As many barcode software have a feature, you should not pre-assume as a product providing RFID without finding out for sure.
Cost. Barcode systems have a wide range for pricing, and which gets even wider while you throw in ERP or SCM tools with barcoding abilities. User will also wish to be crystal clear on hidden charges before committing to a seller, and it is a good idea to make a budget for software training so user can ensure the employees learn the new system in the best possible way.
Installation. Barcoding software does wonder by speeding up the various processes once it’s placed perfectly in the system, but user should be prepared to deal with lag or delays of installation and deployment. It takes some time to generate barcodes for each and every product in the organisation, and this is the part where some confusion always happens and can be overcome. Planning for it and willing to be able to make quick decision and adjustments will help a lot.
