How to Use Barcodes for Inventory Control
Barcodes: Reading Between the Lines
The scientific community recently discovered new innovative ways to utilize barcoding technology as a part of research: tagging subjects of interest (such as rodents and insects) with barcodes as a means of tracking and collecting data.
For instance, a Ph.D. student employed meta-barcoding technology to track the pollination patterns of bees. Using this method, the researcher aimed to match “entire seasons of pollen from hives and nests to databases of DNA barcodes of all the plants in the area.”
Additionally, scientists found a new way of tracking the spread of rat populations in urban areas by injecting them with small barcode-like devices. The data collected from the devices could then be used to study the prevalence and spread of certain diseases in the local rat population that may affect humans. Because each of the rats had a unique barcode-like identification device, the scientists were able to accurately identify each individual rat and all of the data samples associated with each one.
Barcodes have many versatile applications, including scientific research as mentioned above, to business applications such as product identification and inventory control.
For nearly a decade, our team has worked with customers to implement barcoding software and hardware into their warehouses. We believe that first understanding the way barcodes work and their value is key for businesses trying to improve their inventory and warehouse operations.
Barcodes: How They Are Used in Business
The use of barcodes in business is popular because a barcode also acts as a standardized way of identifying the same item across the supply chain.
For instance, when a product is created, the manufacturer may assign a unique product code (UPC) and barcode label to the particular item, which provides a way for the manufacturer to easily and accurately identify the product. In addition, the product’s manufacturer, distributors, consumers, etc. are all able to identify the product using the same UPC and/or barcode information.
Barcodes: How to Use Them for Inventory Control
Barcoding is a popular method for businesses to manage and control inventory.
When a product has a barcode, the barcode can be scanned using a handheld mobile unit (barcode hardware) that is synchronized with your business’ inventory management software system (barcode software).
Scanning barcodes can be used in many ways for inventory control, including:
- Conducting inventory counts
- Receiving inventory
- Order picking
- Warehouse transfers
Using a handheld unit and barcodes expedites these processes by removing the manual actions needed to fulfill these duties.
Leveraging Acctivate for Barcode Inventory Control
As mentioned, barcode inventory control works through the utilization of handheld mobile units that have been synchronized with an inventory management system such as Acctivate inventory management software.
For instance, using the example of mobile inventory counts, an inventoried item would be scanned using a handheld unit to update or verify its status in Acctivate’s database.
Mobile order picking is another benefit of barcode inventory control because of the accuracy and ease it provides. As an example, when items in an order are scanned and picked using the handheld unit, the items are updated in Acctivate to reflect the recent status change. Those products will no longer show as picked and no longer available, updating inventory levels in real-time for users across the business.
As mentioned previously, in addition to conducting inventory counts and picking orders, handheld units can also scan barcodes in order to receive inventory and conduct warehouse transfers.
6 Signs You Need a Barcode Inventory System
1. Frequent Stock Discrepancies
If you constantly find discrepancies between your physical stock and your inventory records, it might be time to implement a barcode system. Barcodes help track products in real time, ensuring that your records are accurate and up-to-date.
2. Time-Consuming Manual Processes
If employees are spending excessive time on manual tasks like inventory counts or product tracking, a barcode system can streamline these processes. Scanning barcodes eliminates manual data entry, saving time and reducing the likelihood of human error.
3. Multiple Locations or Warehouses
Managing inventory across multiple locations can be complex. A barcode system provides a unified way to track and manage stock at all locations, ensuring consistency and visibility of your inventory in real time, no matter where it’s stored.
4. High Inventory Turnover
Businesses with fast-moving inventory or frequent stock turnover benefit from barcode systems. Barcodes allow for faster order picking, inventory counts, and replenishment to help ensure that you always have the right products in stock at the right time.
5. Challenges in Order Fulfillment
Barcode systems improve order picking accuracy and speed. If your business is facing issues with incorrect orders, scanning barcodes helps ensure that the right products are picked and shipped, reducing returns and increasing customer satisfaction.
6. Need for Real-Time Data
If your business needs to access up-to-date information on inventory levels and product movement, barcodes provide real-time data. This allows for better decision-making, accurate stock management, and the ability to quickly respond to changes in demand or stock levels.
How to Set Up a Barcode Inventory System: 10 Easy Steps
Step 1: Define Your Needs & Goals
Before implementing a barcode system, assess your business’s specific needs. Consider factors like the volume of inventory, number of locations, and the complexity of your current inventory processes. This will help you determine the best type of barcode system for your business.
Step 2: Choose a Barcode Type
There are different types of barcodes, such as UPC, EAN, QR codes, and Code 128. Choose the type that best suits your inventory system and industry standards. For most businesses, UPC barcodes are ideal for product identification, while QR codes can be used for additional data tracking.
Step 3: Select Barcode Scanners & Hardware
Based on your needs, select barcode scanners that are compatible with your system. Options include handheld barcode scanners, mobile devices with built-in barcode scanners, or more advanced fixed scanners. Ensure that your scanners integrate well with your inventory management system.
Step 4: Install Barcode Inventory Software
Choose inventory management software that supports barcode scanning and integrates with your existing systems. Acctivate, for example, allows seamless barcode scanning for tasks like inventory counts, order picking, and receiving inventory.
Step 5: Create Unique Product Barcodes
Generate unique barcodes for each product in your inventory. This can be done through barcode generation software or directly within your inventory management system. Ensure that each barcode contains relevant information such as product ID, description, etc.
Step 6: Label Your Inventory
Print barcode labels and attach them to your products. Use a barcode label printer to ensure high-quality, durable labels that can withstand handling and storage conditions. Each item in your inventory should have its own barcode label for easy identification.
Step 7: Train Your Team
Train your employees on how to use barcode scanners and the software effectively. Make sure they understand how to scan barcodes, update inventory records, and resolve any issues that may arise during daily operations. Proper training is key to maximizing the system’s efficiency.
Step 8: Implement the Barcode System
Begin using your barcode system for tasks like inventory counts, receiving shipments, and order picking. Ensure that all processes are documented and that barcode scanning becomes a standard practice for managing inventory in your business.
Step 9: Test & Monitor the System
Run tests to ensure that the barcode system is working as expected. Check for scanning accuracy, system integration, and smooth data flow. Regularly monitor the system to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
Step 10: Continuously Optimize
As your business grows and evolves, continue optimizing your barcode system. Adjust barcode types, labels, and workflows as necessary to ensure that your system remains efficient and effective. Keep your software up to date and retrain staff periodically to maintain a smooth operation.
Try Acctivate for Barcode Inventory Control Today
Acctivate is inventory management software that is powerful, easy to use, and affordable.
With Acctivate, your business can utilize barcode inventory control in many ways including:
- Inventory counts
- Receiving inventory
- Order picking
- Warehouse transfers
Ready to streamline your inventory management? Contact us today to learn how implementing a barcode system can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve your business operations!