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How a Barcode Scanning System for Inventory Management Benefits Your Warehouse
Supply Chain Management

How a Barcode Scanning System for Inventory Management Benefits Your Warehouse

By July 15, 2021No Comments

How do you keep track of all of the items that you have in your warehouse? To have an efficient warehouse where your employees can quickly and easily locate products, you need to be organized. You will also want to use a barcode scanning system, which can help to ensure the right items are being picked. With the right technology, picking and scanning will also update your inventory in real-time.

What Is a Barcode Scanning System?

A barcode scanning system will include both hardware and software. The software that’s part of the warehouse management system can be used to help control your inventory, to help with picking, shipping, and more. It can also provide barcoding. You can use the software with handheld scanners. When a product’s barcode is scanned, it will update your inventory. It will also ensure that your employees are picking the correct product for the order.

A barcode scanning system will be beneficial for any warehouse regardless of the system. However, you will want to learn more about the various types of barcodes that can be used and how to best use them in the warehouse.

2D, SSCC, GTIN, GS1 Barcodes

You will find that there are several types of barcodes in use today. It is important to have an understanding of each of them and some of the other associated terms.

  • 2D – These barcodes are used to represent data using 2D symbols and shapes. The advantage of these is that they can represent more data per unit area. A QR code or a PDF417 code are examples of 2D barcodes.
  • SSCC – Companies often use the Serial Shipping Container Code to identify logistic units. It is a unique identifier and uses an extension digit, GS1 company prefix, serial references, and a check digit.
  • GTIN – GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. It is often used in barcodes, but it could also be used in other types of data, including radio frequency identification. For companies in North America, the UPC is a form of the GTIN.
  • GS1 – GS1 stands for Global Standards 1, which is an international standards organization that has members in more than 100 countries around the world. The GS1 is a globally unique product identifier and is accepted at major retails, e-commerce, and other marketplaces. It identifies a company as the brand owner in the product data.

How does a Barcode Scanning System Work?

The barcode scanner can be used in several ways around your warehouse. It can be used when putting the inventory away. This will update the system so you know how many products you have on your shelves and where those products are located. Of course, it will also be useful when the employees have to pick the items and get them ready for shipping. When the items are scanned, they will be updated in the software. It can also be used to track the items as they move through the warehouse, as discussed below.

A barcode scanning system with quality scanners that connect to the WMS or inventory management system is essential for any busy warehouse today.

Printing Barcodes

Often, you will have to print barcodes to be used in your warehouse. It is important that you have a good barcode printer and that you can connect and integrate it with your warehouse management system. Choose the printers and barcode scanning tools that are right for your company.

Using Barcode Scanning to Control Inventory and Track Stock

The barcode scanner is used to scan the code found on a product. The code is read by your inventory management software, which can then begin to track that specific barcode as the product moves around the warehouse. It makes it possible for employees to find the location of the product on the shelves, through shipping, etc. Whenever an employee scans that code, it will update your inventory management software. This makes tracking items easier.

Barcode Scanning System for SAP Business One and Macola Software

If you are still considering getting a good barcode scanning system for your warehouse, it’s time to move forward. With all of the benefits that can come from using quality scanners and software, it will be well worth the investment. Contact us to learn more.