A barcode scanner is a device that captures the information in a product’s barcode. It includes a light source, a lens, and a sensor that translates the coded information of the barcode from optical to electrical impulses. It also includes a decoder circuitry used to analyze the barcode’s data image provided by the sensor and sends it to the host computer or server to make sense of the information.
Placing a barcode on each product authenticates its manufacturing and distinguishes it from counterfeit products. It includes product information such as the manufacturer’s name, manufacturing date, expiry date (if it applies), price, SKU, warehouse location, size, color, and other relevant information.
A barcode scanner offers numerous benefits to product manufacturing companies and helps them organize different products by automating the inventory system and making sales accounting easier. It eliminates manual labor and, thus, human errors. It assists the workers in the supply chain in many ways. Let us look into some of these benefits.
1. Versatile
One of the main benefits of a barcode scanner is that it is extremely versatile, and any industry can use it. It is especially useful for retailers dealing with multiple products from different companies. It helps group similar items together and makes categories based on price, volume, quality, brand, number of SKUs, etc.
You can check out barcode readers from CodeCorp that come with multiple functions and features with the hardware and software embedded in the system, making them easy to install. An extremely efficient and versatile technology that scans the barcode at light speed and comes with a computer document scanner that sends the barcode information straight to the server or the computer.
It helps with smooth data collection processes across industries and can adapt to different sectors easily.
2. Efficient Inventory Management
By scanning the inventory with a barcode scanner, you can reduce the time needed to count inventory. A barcode scanner can scan multiple items at once, and you can use it in different locations so that your employees are only sometimes carrying heavy bags full of products.
It makes it easier for them to track what they are doing and reduces human error, which causes mistakes when counting things manually, like pens or pencils.
Barcode scanners will also help you track what type of inventory you have. If you use the scanner in a warehouse, you can scan products as they come in and out. It will make it easier to see which items need to restock and where they should go so that your shelves remain stocked with what customers want.
3. Reduces Labor Cost
One of the major advantages of using a barcode scanner is that it reduces labor costs. It means you do not have to hire extra employees to handle the inventory, which saves you money. A handful of workers are enough to manage an inventory or a warehouse using a barcode scanner.
If workers manually count inventory in stores and warehouses, then there is a chance that they may miss some items by mistake or in the form of a human error. Such mistakes can cost your company due to misplacing product information on labels or containers that get misaligned or, worse yet – mixed up, leading to wrong deliveries. With a barcode scanner, though, you can avoid all these problems altogether.
4. Inventory Tracking
You can use a barcode scanner to track inventory by location to determine which areas need more attention. This method of tracking inventory is barcoding and is a great way to ensure that your business runs efficiently, especially if you have many products or are planning to expand into other parts of the world.
Small and large businesses need to know how much stock they have. If it does not match the demand, you may lose business. That could lead to financial problems if not handled in time.
With the barcode system, you can easily identify where each item is at what stage and location so that all employees know exactly where everything goes when an order comes through.
It is a great way of tracking inventory because it tells you how much inventory you have in hand and its location. It means you can easily identify problem areas and get a bird’s eye view of inventory stock at all locations.
5. Cost Effective and Efficient
Barcode scanners do not cost much, and you can easily install them without restructuring your IT. The prices and models of barcode scanners may vary depending on different features or functions. However, you can select one kind of scanner with all the benefits you need without purchasing multiple scanners for different purposes.
Barcode scanners do not require batteries or electricity to operate and rely on the infrared light emanating from their lens, making them perfect for use at nighttime.
Moreover, you no longer need software engineers or tech experts to install the system for your business. The scanners are handheld devices that connect to the computer and automatically update all product data in the program. You can even connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing sharing between employees working remotely or needing constant access.
Conclusion
The barcode scanner is a convenient and efficient way to manage inventories, save costs, and for the smooth running of the business.
Barcode scanners are becoming more common in the business world, and there are many reasons why you should consider using them. Barcodes allow you to track inventory without manually counting each item and ensuring that everything is accounted for. They also allow you to scan items, sort them out and then get them ready for shipping or storage very efficiently.
