Among over 3 million warehousing businesses in the US, yours can be the one to lead your industry in efficiency and profitability.
Among over 3 million warehousing businesses in the US, yours can be the one to lead your industry in efficiency and profitability. With the help of barcode scanning, you can streamline your inventory processes and reduce costs.
Read on to learn how you can use a barcode system to improve your supply chain management.
The Benefits of Barcode Scanning
A warehouse can be a complex, multi-faceted operation. For a product to be shipped, it must go through multiple stages of processing. So processing speed is of the utmost importance.
Barcode scanning can significantly reduce the time it takes to get items from their origin point to their destination. Here’s an example of how it can improve operations.
Let’s say you’re an online retailer who sells furniture. Your suppliers ship products directly to your warehouse. From there, the packages are unloaded, stored, and prepped for shipment to customers each day.
Without barcode scanning technology, workers would have to record every piece of information about each item manually before shipping them out. This includes noting the manufacturer’s name, model number, and condition code.
This process becomes even more complicated when there are several products being purchased from various vendors.
With barcode scanning, workers can easily scan all labels. The scanner will record all the vital information about the package. The team can then focus on getting the product to market faster.
Besides faster processing, barcode scanning offers many advantages for warehouses. Here are a few of the many benefits.
Cost Reductions
Barcode scanning can capture data from multiple sources. It’s much faster than manual data entry and can reduce the time spent on this process. Manual data entry is one of the most time-consuming tasks in a warehouse, so barcode scanning will help you save money by cutting down on labor costs.
Accuracy
Companies with low inventory accuracy risk losing money. Just look at Walmart. The superstore lost almost $3 billion to inaccurate inventory.
This means that inaccurate inventories can have an enormous impact on your business and its overall success. Fortunately, barcode scanning can help you get an accurate picture of what’s in stock. You’ll know which items need reordering and which ones aren’t selling as well as they should be.
Compliance
GS1 standards require products to be tracked from manufacturer to consumer. With barcode scanning, you can track products across the supply chain and determine where they came from, who made them, and when they were produced. This helps with product authenticity and visibility for customers.
For you to stay compliant, there must also be consistent communication in your warehouse. GS1 standards encourage retailers to communicate accurate information about all their products. Having a barcode system makes it easier to share information, such as product descriptions, prices, and availability across multiple platforms.
This also helps companies streamline their operations by using a common language for inventory management, shipping, and receiving.
Authentication
Product authentication is easier with barcode scanning. Having a scanner allows you to scan an item’s barcode to confirm its authenticity before storing it in your warehouse. You’ll be able to quickly and easily verify that the item isn’t counterfeit.
You can also use scanners to monitor the flow of products through your warehouse. This helps you prevent any tampering or theft.
Decrease Human Error
You can reduce the risk of human error by using barcode scanning. Barcodes are quick and easy to read, so they eliminate the possibility of misreading or typing in incorrect information. They also eliminate errors caused by skipping steps during manual data entry.
If you choose a barcode scanner with built-in autocorrect features, you can prevent mistakes before they happen. The barcode system will automatically correct errors before an employee even sees them.
Real-Time Inventory
You’ll always know where your inventory is. This can allow you to locate products in your warehouse in an instant.
You can also track how much inventory you have on hand at any given time. You’ll also be able to see how much inventory was sold, as well as how much remains.
Before Buying a Barcode Scanner
If you’re looking to purchase a barcode scanner, consider how many items you need to scan every day. A standard desktop unit is best for smaller warehouses. For larger warehouses, a hand-held variation may be better.
Also, think about the types of products in your warehouse. If you have a mix of pallets and single items, it’s best for your scanner to handle both types of barcodes. You can consult the guide for your warehouse management system to confirm whether you have the right scanner for your needs.
Types of Barcode Scanners
The variety of barcode scanners might surprise you. They have distinct features that make them more or less useful depending on your needs. Here are a few types to consider:
- Laser scanners
- 2D scanners
- Linear scanners
Laser scanners are the most common type of barcode scanner. They use a laser beam to scan the barcode and read its contents. These scanners need to be pointed directly at the barcode to read it.
Laser scanners can only scan 1D barcodes.
Linear scanners also only scan 1D barcodes. However, they have a longer range and can scan barcodes when they’re smudged.
2D scanners can scan 1D and 2D barcodes. These scanners are more expensive than laser or linear scanners, but they’re also faster and more accurate.
Keep Track of Your Inventory
The benefits of barcode scanning are numerous, and they’re not just limited to the warehouse. You can use them in any business with a lot of inventory, like grocery stores or department stores. If you haven’t already started using this technology, now is the time!
And if you’re looking for even more technology to add to your business, check out our tech section. You’ll find articles on the latest technology to help your business run more efficiently.
Press Release Distributed by The Express Wire
To view the original version on The Express Wire visit The Benefits of Barcode Scanning for Your Warehouse
