Category Archives: Attendance Tracking

Your Guide To Badge Scanners

There are many uses for barcode scanners and related technology. One of the more popular uses, and one that – unfortunately – many people are unfamiliar with, is badge scanning. Badge scanning allows you to track attendance, along with other data, for employees and attendees. There are actually several very important functions that you can perform with a badge scanner—in a variety of settings. If you are curious to know more about the uses of a badge scanner, and how they can best be utilized, read further. This article will serve as a handy guide to all things related to badge scanners.

 

Using Badge Scanners At Tradeshows

 

stand-alone-barcode-readers

 

There is often a huge need for badge scanners at tradeshows. A tradeshow badge scanner is able to collect useful data on who actually attended your tradeshow! This data-collection method relies on sophisticated software that would be programmed by the barcode vendor. While badge scanners can be used to track overall tradeshow attendance, they can also serve a more specified function: they allow individual exhibitors to scan badges and collect leads. These leads can then be downloaded onto a computer, so that the exhibitor can easily follow up on them. For this reason, it is recommended that you acquire multiple badge scanners for your tradeshow.

 

Using Badge Scanners To Track Employee Attendance

 

Companies (large and small) often use badge scanners as well. Badge scanners allow companies to track employee attendance, taking the place of the outdated “punch card.” Badge scanners are able to record employee clock in/clock out time with accuracy and precision, so that nothing is left for debate. On top of that, data that the scanner records is automatically loaded into a database, so that management can easily track employee attendance. Companies that have switched from manual time clocks to automated badge scanners have found the latter to be much more accurate and convenient.

 

Badge Scanner Software

 

As mentioned before, this automated method of data collection is possible thanks to some very sophisticated software. Badge scanner software is provided by the vendor itself, and is often included in the pricing package. Many vendors will give you the option of buying standard, pre-packaged software, or customizing that software to meet your specific needs. If you are looking to use your badge scanners in a unique and creative way, then the customizable option is likely the one for you. When buying a barcode scanner, look for a vendor that provides this option, and be sure to ask the vendor what customization would best suit your purposes.

 

To Buy Or To Rent

 

In most cases, renting a badge scanner is an option. In fact, it is an especially useful option if you are only using your badge scanner for a short period of time (as with tradeshows).  In order to determine if you should buy or rent, think about how long you would need your badge scanner for, how often you would need to rent it, and what the cost comparison between buying and renting would be.

What To Know When Renting Barcode Equipment

Do you have a pressing need for barcode equipment? Perhaps you only need a barcode for a short period of time, coinciding with an event or exhibition? If this is the case, then you might not need to actually purchase barcode equipment: renting barcode equipment is likely the solution for you. Barcode rental equipment can be found online, and renting is a great way to get the equipment you need, when you need it, without having to pay full-price for a purchase. If this solution sounds like one that might work for you, read further. This article will highlight some things that you should know when renting barcode equipment.

 

barcode-rental

 

Situations Where You Would Likely Want To Rent Barcode Equipment

 

There are several situations where it might make more sense to rent barcode equipment, rather than own. One situation where people often rent barcode equipment is tradeshows. Tradeshow organizers and exhibitors often use badge scanners to track attendance and generate leads. Given that these events typically only last a few days, many organizers choose to rent this equipment, rather than buy. That being said, if you are planning multiple shows a year, purchasing the equipment would likely be more cost-effective.

Similarly, organizers of concerts and festivals often rely on barcode equipment for a number of functions. These functions include scanning tickets, printing tickets if necessary, and even selling merchandise and concessions (many of the more innovative music festivals allow attendees to pay for concessions and merchandise using money that has been pre-loaded onto a badge or wristband). Since these events don’t typically last for more than a couple of days, organizers often choose to rent barcode equipment.

 

Servicing Options For Your Rental Equipment

 

Even though you are just renting your barcode equipment, you will likely have access to all of the services that would have been provided to you, had you bought your barcode equipment. In most cases, barcode equipment would still be delivered to your facility, for convenience sake.  You would also have access to all of the accessories that help the barcode equipment perform their necessary functions. These accessories include batteries, battery chargers, cables, and ink and ribbons (if you are renting barcode equipment that has a printing function).

You will also have access to two very important services: technical support and on-site support. If you have ever called a helpline when you have trouble with your computer, you are familiar with the concept of technical support.  Just like your personal computer, barcode equipment runs on very sophisticated hardware and software, and technical support is sometimes needed. Most barcode equipment vendors (the best ones, anyway) will have customer service representatives on standby to troubleshoot any problems that may arise with your rental equipment. The best barcode equipment rental companies will also provide on-site support, which is where an expert comes out to your facility and helps you figure out how you can get the most out of your equipment.  Setting up such a consultation is highly recommended.

 

Your Handy Guide To Barcode Software

While most people do not give much thought to the barcode equipment that scans their items at the grocery store, or scans their tickets at the movie theater, the truth is that these are very sophisticated devices that run on cutting-edge software. While the world of barcode software may be an uncharted one for many people, this wonderful software makes so many aspects of our lives more convenient. If you are curious about this amazing technology, and would like to know more about how it can make your life more convenient, read further.  This article will serve as a handy guide to barcode software.

 

The Uses Of Barcode Software

 

Barcode software can be written – and used – for a wide variety of purposes. To name a few: barcode software is used to track inventory, manage assets, track attendance (an important function for tradeshows and exhibitions), and scan tickets. The preceding list is certainly not comprehensive; there are many other functions that barcode software can be used for, and creative minds are coming up with new uses for barcode software every day.

 

How Does It Work?

 

At this point, you might be thinking, “OK, all of this sounds really cool, but how does this stuff actually work?”  Great question! Like other software, barcode software needs to be programmed into a device—in this case a barcode reader or scanner. A good barcode equipment vendor will likely have a team of data gurus who can program this software for you. The amazing this is that this programming can often be customized to meet your specific needs: you are not limited to a “one size fits all” program.  That being said, you can purchase a pre-packaged software program, if that meets your functional requirements.

 

Renting Barcode Software

 

wifi-badge-setup

 

One important thing to note is that you are not necessarily required to purchase barcode software in every case. Barcode software rentals are an increasingly popular choice for people who need the software on a temporary basis. This includes event planners and organizers. In most cases, renting barcode software does not mean that you have to sacrifice the customization and programming expertise mentioned above: barcode software can still be set up and customized for rentals. The actual equipment – such as barcode scanners and readers – that the software runs on can be rented as well.

 

Technical And On-Site Support For Your Barcode Software

 

For those of us who are unfamiliar with a given program or software, expert guidance is often needed. Fortunately, when purchasing or renting software, you have the opportunity to take advantage of customer support—both technical and on-site. Technical support is where a customer service representative helps you troubleshoot issues with your barcode software (or correct user errors), so that everything can run smoothly again. On-site support is where a representative from the software vendor provides expert guidance on how to best use the product. Take full advantage of these opportunities: they can help you get the most out of your barcode software and equipment.

Tips For Using Barcode Equipment At Tradeshows

Tradeshows and barcode equipment go hand-in-hand. Many of the essential administrative functions that are performed at tradeshows – such as attendance tracking, data collection, and ticket scanning – can be automated using barcode software and equipment. Automating these processes can save time and prevent bottlenecks.  For this reason, the tradeshow scanner has become an essential tool for exhibitors and event planners alike.  If you are considering utilizing barcode equipment for your next tradeshow or expo, there are many factors that you need to consider, and tips that you should be aware of. Below is a helpful guide for making the most out of barcode equipment at your next event.

 

tradeshow-scanners

 

Know What Your Needs Are

 

There are many different types of barcode equipment, and the equipment that you will need depends on the functions that you wish to carry out at your tradeshow. For this reason, it is a good idea to sit down and think about the tasks that you would like to automate, before shopping around. This will help you focus and zero in on the products that are right for you. For instance, there are barcode readers and software that are specifically designed for attendance tracking. On the other hand, if there will be any ticketed events at your tradeshow, you will want to invest in ticket scanning equipment. You can also obtain equipment to print tickets, if that is required.

 

Know That Help Is Available

 

Barcode software and equipment can run the gamut from the relatively simple to the highly-sophisticated. Again, the type of equipment that you purchase will depend on the scale of your event, as well as the automated functions that you wish to perform. Whatever type of equipment you purchase from your vendor, you should rest assured that help will be available to you. Barcode equipment vendors often provide customer service and technical support, so that any issues that arise with your software and equipment can be quickly and easily resolved.

Taking that concept one step further, some vendors even offer on-site support. On-site support involves more than just troubleshooting and repairing issues: it involves a technician who works directly with you and your event staff to ensure that you are getting the most out of your technology.  Such services might include helping you download leads and emails for exhibitors, badge printing, generation of attendance reports, conference tracking assistance, as well as data collection and scanner maintenance. Take advantage of these services: using this support effectively will help take your event to the next level.

 

Renting Is An Option Too

 

Many people don’t realize this, but you actually have the option of renting barcode equipment as well. This is a great option, if you only need barcode equipment in the short-term. In most cases, the customer service and technical support that is available to you when you purchase equipment will be available when you rent as well. You will likely also have access to the accessories that come with barcode equipment, such as batteries, chargers, docks, and download cables.

How To Save Big Money On Your Barcode Scanner

Many organizations have a big need for barcode scanners: businesses, non-profits, government organizations, and trade shows all find that barcode scanners are crucial for their day-to-day operations. If you are a manager for one of these organizations or events, chances are you often utilize barcode scanners – and other similar technology – as well. If you are wondering how you can obtain the barcode technology you need in the most cost-effective way, read further. Barcode scanners do not have to break the bank—the important thing is to find the barcode scanners that meet your particular needs, and fit your particular budget.

 

tradeshow-scanners

 

Buying Online

 

One great way to find a barcode scanner that fits your budget is to shop online. There are many websites that provide one-stop shopping for all of your barcode equipment needs. The prices on these sites are often much better than what you will find in stores. That being said, the best online vendors provide a level of customer service that meets or exceeds what you would expect from a store. For example, many of the best online vendors will provide technical support, in case you are having issues with your barcode scanner.  Some vendors also provide on-site support, in case you are purchasing barcodes for a large event or exhibition.  Also, buying barcode scanners online does not mean that you can’t return your equipment or have it repaired in case it malfunctions. Many online barcode dealers offer this option, and consumers actually find it more convenient than having to take their barcode equipment to a physical store.  Most websites give you a variety of ways that you can place your order—either over the phone, through fax or email, through physical mail, or on the website itself.

 

Renting A Barcode Scanner

 

If you manage an event – such as a convention or trade show – then your need for barcode scanners will likely fluctuate throughout the year. You will likely only need barcode scanners during the actual event itself—especially during the registration phase (barcode scanners are great for scanning ID badges, after all). If this is the case, then a barcode scanner rental would be the best bet for you. This option gives you access to barcode scanners on an as-needed basis, so that you do not have to pay full-price to own a barcode scanner.

You have many options when it comes to renting barcode scanners. One of the cheapest and most popular options is to take care of your barcode rental needs online.  There are many websites that offer rentals of barcode scanners, readers, and printers, along with other similar equipment. You do not have to sacrifice any convenience, just because you are renting. The best companies will deliver the materials to you, along with any accessories you might need, such as batteries and chargers. They can also help with things like setup and programming, so that you are not left wondering how to operate the equipment you are renting.  You have the convenience of being able to customize your rental according to your specific needs.

More Creative Barcoding

There applications of barcoding in the business world are seemingly innumerable, especially as advances in data analytics tools and software give more value to the information barcodes can provide. More organizations than ever are deciding to buy or rent barcode scanners, as well as other equipment like barcode readers, barcode printers and tablets, and invest in barcode software that can help with key organizational processes like asset tracking, attendance tracking, inventory control and labeling. The right combination of barcode hardware and barcode software has been a boon to businesses of all sizes operating in a diverse set of industries.

 

barcode-printers

 

The applications of barcoding, interestingly, are also beginning to extend beyond the insular world of businesses, governments and non-profit organizations. More organizations and even individuals are starting to broaden the horizons of the barcode to see how it can improve the efficiency of everyday life for customers and for the general public. Thus far, some of these creative barcoding endeavors have proven to change the way we do things in ways that were unimaginable only decades ago. Here is a look at some ways barcodes have become entrenched in our daily lives.

 

Traveling

 

Anyone who has traveled recently is familiar with how online booking systems have changed the way we travel. When people travel now they can print their own boarding pass or even bypass the use of a physical document altogether by simply presenting their ticket on a smartphone. Of course, all of this wouldn’t be possible without barcodes. It is the barcode on the physical boarding pass and the mobile barcode on the smartphone boarding pass that is scanned by airports and airlines to help you get to your destination as smoothly as possible. It was innovations in the world of barcoding, accompanied by innovations in the broader world of technology and computers that made this new way of traveling possible. Beyond the airport, ticketing in general has been affected in the same way. You can now print your own tickets or show a ticket on a mobile screen to be admitted to movie theaters or nearly any other place requiring an admission ticket.

 

Advertising

 

Prior to barcodes, advertising was strictly a one-way street of communication. Advertisers actively presented their message to customers who passively interpreted the message, whether it was an image, a group of words, a jingle or some other form of advertising. Barcodes, however, are starting to change the dynamic of the relationship between advertisers and potential customers. By placing a barcode within an advertisement, a special type of barcode known as a QR code that viewers can scan with their smartphones, advertisers are now able to provide customers with an interactive advertising experience. Smartphone apps can read the barcodes and take the customer to a page where they can learn more information about a product or be given access to a special offer, among other things. These barcodes are also being placed in print newspapers as a way to bridge the divide between print and online news and in a variety of other ways that are only getting started creating a more active consumer experience.

Creative Uses For Barcodes

Most barcode discussions focus on how the black and white striped codes can improve the efficiency of a variety of different business processes. Basically, businesses are able to better manage, track and adjust their inventory by assigning a unique barcode to each of its products (or services, or assets or some other aspect of its business). Businesses have been tracking inventory using barcodes in this way for decades, ever since the barcode went mainstream in the mid 1970s. Since then, the value of barcodes has only risen, thanks largely to the advances in data analysis software that can glean important sales, marketing, advertising and other business insights based on the business process snapshot that barcode data provides. More and more companies and organizations of all types are choosing to buy or rent barcode readers for inventory management—as well as for other functions like tracking attendance.

 

In addition to an even more pervasive presence in the management world, barcodes have also come to occupy a major part of the culture at large. The capacity for barcodes to improve business efficiency was apparent from the start, but the barcode’s ability to improve our daily lives in other ways was less obvious. In fact, we’re just beginning to scratch the surface of other uses for barcodes. Here is a look at some of the more creative uses people have recently found for barcodes.

 

Diet & Nutrition

 

barcode-rentals

 

Barcodes have been placed on the packages and containers of food and beverages for decades, and ever since nutrition labels have been placed on these packages and containers, folks have been reading the labels to learn about the ingredients and the nutritional content in what they’re consuming. Now, consumers are able to quickly and conveniently combine the barcode labels and nutrition labels and access the nutritional information of a product on a mobile device just by scanning the product’s barcode. Scanning the barcode to record nutritional information allows people to more easily track their nutrient intake over the course of a day, week, month or longer—a process that used to require a notebook, a pen and way too much math. Thanks to barcodes, people can write their food diaries and track their food logs all on their mobile device.

 

Games

 

Anyone who has ever actually used a barcode scanner, such as those who have worked as a cashier at the checkout counter of a retail store or supermarket, understands that there is a certain satisfaction that comes with scanning a barcode label. Game manufacturers have seized on this feeling and created games based around the same concept of scanning a barcode label. These barcode scanning games, which sometimes are downloaded as smartphone apps and sometimes involve a stand-alone game console, incorporate tasks and storylines that involve the player scanning barcodes.

 

Art

 

Ever since they were first used in manufacturing and at checkout counters, barcodes have captured the cultural imagination in a unique way. The image of the barcode quickly became symbolic of business and of modern society in general; as such, artists, architects and other visionaries are continuing to incorporate the barcode into their art and design work. As an example, barcodes were featured on car license plates in the 1980s movie Back to the Future.

 

 

Trade Show Badge Essentials

Most business sales and marketing, these days, takes place without any face-to-face interaction. One of the last stands of in-person business networking is the trade show. Of course, like everything else, even the face-to-face, in-person sales and marketing aspects of a trade show have been automated in recent years. The trade show transition online, however, is perhaps a little more subtle than in other areas of business. In fact, a lot of trade show modernization is found in an unlikely little place: the trade show badge. Trade show badges were once an afterthought of the trade show experience, a way to introduce oneself before getting on with the real business. Now, the trade show badge is a more integral part of the experience. This is because trade show badges can now be barcoded with vital data and information; they can then be scanned using a tradeshow badge scanner and have this vital data and information stored for later use and follow up. The value of data makes this data collection and follow-up process a more crucial aspect of a successful trade show than it has been in the past. So, exactly what are the key elements of a trade show badge that makes it such a great tool for businesses? Here is a look at the essentials.

 

tradeshow-scanner

 

Contact Information

 

Contact information relayed by trade show badges isn’t just limited to name and company. They also frequently display the wearer’s status at the event, whether they are an exhibitor, attendee, buyer, member of the press, speaker, student or have some other designation that can be useful for sales, marketing and/or networking purposes. Not only does this allow businesses to be more selective in speaking with their target audience on the day of the trade show, it also allows the follow-up process to be more efficient and effective as follow-up communication can be customized and tailored based on different groups of people engaged with at the show. Of course, the individual’s name and company are also displayed on the badge.  Attendance tracking, which is keeping track of names, titles, locations and company affiliation, also streamlines the follow-up process and helps businesses remember each interaction they had at the trade show and maximize its potential.

 

Barcode

 

What makes storing all of this information possible is the barcode on the badge. This may be a standard barcode but may also be a QR code. It is usually located in the center of a trade show badge. These barcoded badges are only possible at a well-organized event that pre-registers attendees, solicits their contact information and assigns it to a specific barcode. Often times, trade shows are businesses in and of themselves, so it behooves them to be as organized as possible to be more conducive to conducting business both at the show and in the future.

 

Equipment

 

The missing link between the barcoded badge at the event itself and the valuable data it stores that can be accessed and used later is the tradeshow badge scanner. A highly-organized event with lots of motivated buyers isn’t as useful as it could be if the vendor doesn’t have a scanner to collect the information on the barcoded badges. After it’s collected, trade show vendors also need the right software to store and transfer the information. Scanning a badge might seem like a silly process at first, but any vendor who has experienced a successful trade show follow-up campaign understands that the scans bring serious value.

 

Pros And Cons Of Barcode Scanners

More industries than ever before are learning about and reaping the benefits of barcode technology. As the science of data analysis evolves, so does the value of fast, accurate data collection. Though barcode technology has been around and has been used successfully in certain industries for decades, the revolution in the way we think about and use data has afforded new respect to barcode technology. Professionals in industries from manufacturing to healthcare now see barcode technology as the conduit between their professions and the data necessary to improve the efficiency and success of their missions.

 

As anyone who has scanned a QR code understands, smartphones and tablets are beginning to offer apps that scan barcodes; the advantages that come with scanning barcodes from a smartphone or tablet are considerable because it allows the data to be quickly stored, transferred and acted upon. While these apps will continue to develop, barcode scanners are still the most effective hardware for mining the valuable data stored in those black-and-white barcodes. For companies who understand how to use data to improve their operations, barcode scanners are one of their most valuable tools. As more people use barcodes, more people are learning about barcode scanners. They’re learning about what can go right with the devices as well as about what can go wrong. Here is a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of barcode scanners, regardless of the industry in which they’re used.

 

Pros

 

The main benefit of barcode scanners is going to be different from person to person and from business to business. Each of the main benefits of barcode scanners, though, work together synergistically to improve the efficiency of business operations. The main general benefits are error reduction, inventory control and times savings. Barcode scanners have been proven to reduce the human error that is inherent in any data collection process. Inventory control is another benefit, as barcode scanners help provide real-time information about the current status of a company’s overall inventory or the specific inventory of certain items at certain stages of a business process. Not only are barcode scanners more accurate than manual entry, they are a quicker alternative as well—limiting the amount of time a business must devote to this process and freeing up time for other areas.

 

rental-inventory-scanner

 

Cons

 

Obviously, barcode scanners cost money. For small businesses especially, a barcode scanner and the accompanying software that may be necessary for success can represent a significant investment. This is why a careful cost-benefit analysis must be conducted that considers the above benefits of barcode scanners and the value that those benefits will bring to a particular business. To mitigate the cost factor, many companies and organizations see leasing barcode scanners as an option either on a trial or temporary basis in order to get a better sense of their potential benefits. Like any piece of equipment, a barcode scanner may be subject to breakdowns and repair costs, and this should be factored into any potential cost-benefit analysis.

Why Trade Shows Matter

A greater proportion of business growth and sales than ever before happens online. Though these online sales usually happen without any face-to-face interaction between a customer and a representative of the business, the need to make connections with customers hasn’t diminished. Like sales, more business marketing than ever takes place online as companies invest significant amounts of money into learning how to create customer loyalty and develop a brand exclusively online. The primary factor in this shift toward online sales and customer acquisition is cost. Businesses are able to significantly cut down on their operating costs by operating partially, primarily or exclusively online; just think about the cost savings associated with not having to operate from a brick-and-mortar location. While this isn’t ideal for all businesses, many businesses that thrive online would find it difficult to exist without the internet.

 

One exception to the exodus away from in-person business toward online business has been trade shows. Trade shows have managed to maintain relevance and even grow in importance as the business landscape changes. The reason for this is that they offer businesses access to a large pool of customers who have already demonstrated interest in their product or service just by attending the trade show. The continued existence and relevance of trade shows is interesting because success at a trade show demands the traditional, in-person sales and marketing skills that are otherwise diminishing. As a result, businesses often need to shift their mindset prior to a trade show. As a way to begin doing just that, here is a closer look at some reasons why trade shows still matter.

 

tradeshow-scanners

 

Sales

 

One of the most difficult parts of selling business to business, either in person or over the phone, is simply making contact with a person who has purchasing authority. Prior to the internet, most of a salesperson’s time was spent trying to get in touch with the right people. Trade shows have remained relevant partly because they reduce a business’s dependence on jumping through these hoops. Recent statistics show that over 80% of trade show attendees have buying authority. To a salesperson whom is used to spending only 10% of their time communicating with someone with purchasing authority, a trade show is obviously an incredible opportunity.

 

Marketing

 

Greater percentages of marketing budgets, more than ever before, are allocated to online marketing strategies. At a trade show, businesses often have to shift gears and focus on in-person marketing strategies. Making an effective, memorable presentation is one skill that trade show attendees should hone prior to attending. Listening and follow-up skills are also important, as are choosing strategic giveaways or “party favors” that help leave an impression on those who check out a particular product at a trade show. All of these skills help to build a business’s brand with customers and within a particular industry.

 

Networking

 

Traditional networking skills are also important at a trade show. In fact, more sales happen after a trade show, as a result of interactions at the show, than they do at the trade show itself. There is modern hardware and software available now, though, that can help with this face-to-face networking. Tradeshow scanner rentals allow a business to scan the barcoded badges that attendees at trade shows often have. This scanning records and stores their information and makes the process of following up, building a relationship and making a sale a much easier process going forward.