Monthly Archives: August 2017

Inventory Software And Different Types Of Inventory

For a business just setting out on an endeavor to improve the efficiency of its inventory processes, there are a variety of factors to consider. Chief among these concerns, however, is implementing an effective barcode system. A barcode system is about more than just the barcodes themselves, although of course those barcodes are necessary. A barcode system that tracks inventory effectively is able to seamlessly integrate the barcodes with barcode hardware like a barcode scanner or a barcode reader, as well as with the latest barcode software. Today, there are more barcode software options than ever before, many of which are specifically designed to track inventory.

 

The options provided by the latest inventory tracking software are numerous. Businesses are now able to grant inventory database access to all of their employees, allowing for significantly improved synergy, workflow and productivity between employees and departments. The increased interconnectedness provided by greater access to inventory tracking software also increases efficiencies from business to business. Inventory fluctuations can now be communicated in real time to the manufacturing and shipping sectors, allowing for optimizations to be made throughout the supply chain. There has never been more real-time data available than there currently is thanks to cloud-based software and other recent innovations in the world of inventory tracking software. With all of these benefits, many of which require a complex process of implementation and systemization before they are fully realized, it can be easy for businesses to jump the gun and neglect the basics. Before a business or organization considers inventory tracking software, it needs to consider the unique nature of its inventory. This begins by determining whether it is a periodic inventory or a perpetual inventory.

 

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Periodic Inventory

 

In a periodic inventory, updates to the inventory are made on a regular or “periodic” basis. In these cases, a business or organization makes decisions about its inventory through the framework of a fixed period of time. Many assess their inventory on an annual basis, a biannual basis or by financial quarter. Businesses that take a periodic inventory, at the end of each fiscal year for example, often require only a very basic version of inventory tracking software. Though the software needed for periodic inventory may be simple by industry standards, it is important for businesses to identify a comprehensive set of functions that the software needs to be able to perform and ensure that any prospective software program can perform these functions. Periodic inventory software is usually able to intake barcode scans and allow users to input quantity numbers. Other fields that this basic software is able to collect include location, bin, room and other item descriptions. The software can also synch with a database and allow users to look up information on an item based on its attributes like price or color.

 

Perpetual Inventory

Perpetual inventories require software that allows users to track inventory on an ongoing or continual basis. The major feature of this software is its ability to allow users to make real-time adjustments to an inventory. This ability to adjust inventory as items are received and shipped is a major advantage for businesses. Perpetual inventory tracking software also uses to conduct audits that compare the inventory data with the actual inventory. Perpetual inventory requires software that allows for more factors to be analyzed and adjusted by users, including things like Item Code, SKU number, minimum/maximum quantity allowed and quantity on hand. Whatever an organization’s type of inventory, there is a software program to help manage it

Barcode Scanner Tips For Retail

Barcode scanners are useful across a diverse spectrum of industries. The tools are so ubiquitous, in fact, that the particular industry that one associates with barcodes and barcode scanners usually has a lot to with the particular industry that one works in or is most familiar with. Anyone who has worked at a grocery store is intimately familiar with the usefulness of a barcode scanner in quickly scanning food items at the supermarket checkout counter. Anyone who has worked in the manufacturing sector understands the usefulness of barcodes in tracking inventory and tracking various warehouse processes—identifying any efficiencies in these areas or anywhere along the supply chain can lead to significant advantages for a business in the manufacturing sector.

 

The examples of the grocery store and the warehouse illustrate the diverse applications of barcode scanners. Those aforementioned examples also reveal the diversity of the barcode scanners themselves. Barcode readers in a supermarket are usually operated by a single person, and while this is sometimes true in a warehouse as well, the latter environment often utilizes a system of mounting several scanners on one piece of automated equipment to allow for more items to be scanned more quickly. A wide variety of types of scanners and readers for different purposes are available from top brands like Honeywell and Intermec.

 

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Outside of these examples, however, is one industry that also relies on the barcode scanner is the retail industry. Barcode scanners have such a longstanding tradition of use in the retail industry that it can be all too easy for a retail business to rest on its laurels and refuse to optimize its use of a barcode scanner. While many shy away from examining business practices out of fear that increased investment will be required—a brand new, high-tech barcode scanner may be needed, for example—a review of a retail barcode reader system often reveals many areas in which money can be saved as well. Here are some tips for using barcode readers effectively in a retail setting.

 

Customized Barcode Labels

 

Many retail stores utilize customized barcode labels for the purpose of aligning the store’s inventory with its barcode readers and barcode software system. Retail stores who have never considered this practice may want to look into the possibility that it is the right choice for their situation. Other retailers, however, may want to consider dropping the practice if they are doing so currently and instead finding barcode readers and a barcode software system that fits with the existing barcode labels that come with the items. Which is the best option is dependent on a number of factors unique to the individual business. Money may be saved either way.

 

Other Money-Saving Tips

 

Many barcode software companies offer used and/or refurbished barcode scanners. These scanners can be purchased at a discounted rate and are often still able to perform well in a retail environment. Companies also offer barcode reader rentals that allow a store to try out a new model or a new style of barcode reader on a temporary basis to assess whether it is the right option for a particular retail business before a more significant investment is made. A final tip is to make sure that there is a system in place to ensure the care and maintenance of barcode readers; this saves money by avoiding the purchase of new equipment and costly repair bills.

 

 

What To Look For In A Barcode Scanner

Barcodes serve as a link between people and information; the barcode has proven to be such an important innovation because it serves as a highly-useful physical tool that, when scanned, grants people access to the more abstract world of data. For businesses, this abstract data is so important because it provides real information about how a product or service moves through the physical world.

 

With the exciting recent advances in the world of data science, advancements that have skyrocketed the value of data to new heights, most discussion of the importance of barcodes today is focused on the data they can provide. And this focus is certainly understandable. After all, this data can help identify inefficiencies, streamline operations and fine-tune procedures to a very particular degree. Even small improvements in any of these areas can give businesses in a wide variety of industries a slight competitive edge that can be the difference between success and failure, especially for small businesses. For these reasons, the data from barcodes, and the barcode software programs that utilize them, receive more attention and investment than ever before.

 

But what about the physical barcodes themselves? More importantly, what about the barcode scanners that allow users to scan the barcodes and transfer the barcode data onto computers and software programs that can most effectively harvest their value? It can be all too easy to lose track of the importance of barcode scanners as a business ventures into the world of improving its barcode processes. There are several different types of barcode scanners, and each one may be best suited to a particular business or a particular industry.

 

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Pen Barcode Readers

 

Pen barcode readers look like a small pen (sometimes referred to as a stick or a wand). The user moves the pen over the barcode to scan the code. These scanners are effective but may take some time for the user to get the hang of using quickly.

 

Laser Barcode Readers

 

These advanced barcode readers use a laser to achieve highly accurate readings relative to other types of barcode readers. Laser barcode readers have the added advantage of being able to be mounted in a unit that allows for multiple barcodes to be scanned at one time, rather than one at a time as in other types. Laser readers and scanners are available from many top brands including Honeywell and Intermec.

 

LED Barcode Reader

 

An LED barcode reader is also called a charged coupled device (CCD). They beam LED lights at a barcode and then read the light’s reflection. These readers are also highly accurate, though they can be expensive relative to other types.

 

2D Camera Barcode Readers

 

Certain types of barcodes require special 2D camera barcode readers to scan and decode their information. These readers work with special software that is capable of receiving the information from the camera reader and turning it into usable data.

 

Choosing The Right Reader

 

Ultimately, the best type of barcode reader depends on a number of factors unique to a personal or business situation. The cost of the reader is one such factor, but it’s also important to consider the type of barcode it will be scanning, who or what will be doing the scanning and the environment in which the scanning will take place.

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

 

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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.

 

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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.