Inventory Barcode Software an Improvement Over Manual Option

February 26th 2019 16:00:00 PM

If you try to keep track of inventory manually, you’ll find the process a time-consuming one. No matter how carefully someone tries to input the data, it’s also more likely to include errors. Inventory barcode software is an effective tool that can help you avoid a number of pitfalls which can take place if you try to rely on manual processes.

Tools Used in Barcoding Process 

The barcoding process includes barcoding hardware as well as barcoding inventory software. On the hardware side of the equation, you have items such as: 

• Barcode scanners
• Barcode printers
• Cables
• Chargers 

The barcoding hardware and software are used to provide you and your team with details about products held in inventory. A barcode scanner is used to scan the barcode of a product, and the information is processed by the barcoding software. The relevant information is displayed on the barcode scanner or a smartphone’s screen. 

The barcode software has the capability to keep track of the number of units of a particular product kept in the warehouse at any given time. If you have more than one location in your operation, the inventory barcode software will track the number of units at each location and update the inventory count as new stock arrives or is picked to fill orders. 

Inventory barcode software integrates easily with your accounting system. The barcode software makes it much easier to manage inventory and to keep your accounts payable and accounts receivable up to date. 

Advantages of Using a Smartphone as Barcode Scanner 

• You can cover more area with a smartphone. 

With a barcode scanner, you have to remain within a certain proximity to a computer terminal for the scanner to work effectively. A smartphone allows you to use the barcode scanning software from anywhere; you can still scan inventory from anywhere. 

• A smartphone offers more capabilities than just scanning barcodes. 

Along with the barcode scanning function, the smartphone lets you enter information, send messages to coworkers and suppliers, take photos, and collect electronic signatures. You can even use it to make calls. 

• Choosing a smartphone is an economical option. 

If you chose the barcode scanner option, you would need to buy at least two of them for even the smallest size warehouse operation. You may even be looking at purchasing up to four units, depending on the size of your operation. Along with the purchase price, there may be extra expenses involved in setting up the barcode scanners with your existing computer system. 

The smartphone option is a much easier one, at least from a hardware perspective. You won’t have to invest in any additional hardware; your employees can use their own smartphones on the job, using an app. There isn’t any hardware setup required; anyone who needs to access the software using their phone is given the download link for the app and can start using it immediately. 

Advantages of Using Other Hardware for Scanning Barcodes 

Scanco can offer you a variety of hardware options when scanning barcodes instead of using smartphones for this purpose. There are definite advantages to choosing dedicated barcode scanners, for example, which include: 

• Employees aren’t required to bring their own equipment. 

Not all employees may own a smartphone. It may be a barrier to attracting and keeping talent if having a smartphone is something employees need for the job. 

• Barcode scanner software integrates more easily with warehouse management software. 

Smartphones can be attacked by viruses, slowdowns, or battery issues, leading to slowdowns with the scanning process. With a dedicated barcode scanning device, no extra adapter is required to run the scanning software that would impede progress. 

• Barcode scanners are designed for greater durability. 

A mobile phone won’t stand up well if it falls onto a concrete floor in a warehouse repeatedly, whereas a barcode scanner can take much more daily wear and tear. 

Scanco Mobility App For Sage 100 

Scanco’s Mobility App for Sage 100 is the solution to make your cycle counting a much quicker and easier process. You can do away with using pencil and paper completely, as well as the time-consuming process of data entry. With Sage 100, you can increase your counting speed by up to 75 percent and eliminate the human error factor. 

Keeping track of inventory is something you know you have to do. Scanco can show you a better (faster, easier, less expensive) way to do it using technology that everyone can grasp right in the palm of their hand. 

Have we piqued your interest in our inventory barcode software solution? We certainly hope so. Contact Scanco online or call us at (330) 645-9959 to arrange a consultation to continue the discussion.