Barcode Inventory Management: Get It Right The First Time

If you’re trying to implement a barcode inventory management system at your business, then you may be finding it a little more tricky than you first expected. You not only have to install all the necessary features correctly, but also make sure it coincides with your existing software systems. Although you can pay a little more and have your software provider implement your solution for you, a lot of business owners prefer a more hands-on approach. Here’s some handy pointers for implementing your barcoding inventory management system.

First of all, make sure that you know the barcode’s material specifications. The barcode labels themselves may be the least expensive component in the entire system. However, they’re also extremely susceptible to changes in the environment. Whether they’re in or out of the warehouse, your forms, products, and labels can be exposed to some pretty harsh conditions. If they’re allowed to degrade enough over time, you may have no choice but to re-label your entire inventory. As I’m sure you know, this can be a massive drain on your time, and therefore your money! Long before you implement the system, make sure you’re researching the differences in barcodes, and choosing an option that’s right for you.

Next, make sure you’re rigorously testing your barcode labels before you implement the system. If this point sounds obvious to you, then this is a good sign! It may be hard to believe, but a lot of business owners will leap right into using their barcoding system before they’ve actually made sure that it will all work. Aside from making sure that all your barcodes contain the right data, you need to ensure that they’ll be totally compatible with the hardware and other components you’ve applied. For example, certain barcoding materials might not play ball with the Honeywell barcode scanner you’re using. Make sure you’re planning for a period where you can test the whole system in your actual workplace. This period should be long enough to represent the life-cycle of a barcode label in your company warehouse. The more time you spend in this testing phase, the easier it will be to pick out any potential problems.

Finally, make sure you’re going to have a good relationship with your vendor. As with any important business component, it’s extremely important that you have a vendor you know you can rely on. When you’re browsing your options, be sure to ask questions, and find out if the vendor you’re with is committed to helping you out. They should be able to give you continuous support not only in the implementation phase but throughout the system’s lifecycle. If you find out months later that your vendor doesn’t offer support for your specific solution, it can throw your entire barcoding model up in the air. Choose a vendor who is communicative, and also has a good professional reputation to uphold.

So, there you have it. Implementing a totally new barcoding system may feel like a big obstacle now, but approaching it the right way will make all the difference.