Barcodes work through the symbology of barcodes and a scanner that can read the symbols and convert them into useful information. This information is often about an item’s price, origin, location, and type. The scanner reads the barcode and enters the information into a system (sometimes the kind of database). This tool is highly beneficial for businesses as it has paved the way for globally connected distribution channels. This enables big companies to ensure that they have products properly stocked and priced around the world. Barcode readers are a crucial tool to help small and medium businesses, government groups, and hospitals. It keeps track of assets and boosts their efficiency. Now we will discuss the advantages of barcode numbering.
What are the top benefits of barcode numbering?
Real-time data
Every time a barcode is scanned, it immediately updates sales and inventory numbers in the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) or business management system. This offers constant access to up-to-date data which allows it to quickly calculate meaningful metrics such as inventory turn, value of inventory on-hand, or sales per week by item.
Accuracy
Barcodes cut manual entry of products information at receiving which means there are far fewer opportunities for error. From a warehouse to a retail store, associates simply swipe the barcode from the scanner. Errors in barcodes are extremely rare.
Reduced training
The scanners and barcodes are self-explanatory and don’t take employees long to become efficient at the checkout counter. Barcodes decrease the requirement for institutional knowledge and memorization. The worker doesn’t need to know the codes for items to be productive.
Low cost
Barcodes provide enormous value because the upfront investment is not large compared to systems that offer comparable advantages. Companies can make a limited number of barcodes for internal use at a low cost, and as their requirements grow, the price of supporting technology remains reasonable.
Inventory control
Barcodes enhance inventory management and decrease excessive spending on products. Workers can find the most current information when reviewing trends in demand or inventory positions, which ensures better decisions around discounting and purchasing. This eliminates both obsolete inventory and carrying costs, which increases long-term profitability.
What are the different types of barcode numbering?
There are two types of barcodes, including Linear or 1D and Matrix or 2D. The linear type of barcode is one of the most visually recognizable UPC (Universal Product Code), it is made up of two parts, including the barcode and the 12-digit UPC number. The barcode’s first six numbers are the identification number of the manufacturer. Then, the next five digits are the item’s number. The last number is called a check digit, which allows the scanner to determine if the barcode was scanned in the right way. A comprehensive discussion about the types of barcode numbering is mentioned below.
Linear/1D
Linear or 1D barcodes are the ones that people see when they picture a barcode- black vertical bars with numbers below them. These barcodes contain letters, numbers, and symbols that tie the code to a set of information in a database with details including product type, name, color, and size. A 1D barcode should be linked to a database for proper functionality. These barcodes are often used on loyalty cards, consumer goods, shipping labels, and books.
Matrix/2D
Matrix or 2D barcodes can store additional information such as images, quantity, and website URLs. This barcode can offer this information without connecting to a database. QR codes are a common use of 2D barcodes, which may act as digital boarding passes or direct users to a specific website. They have also become common in high-value manufacturing environments that need detailed tracking of products and parts, such as medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.
This content is meant for information only and should not be considered as an advice or legal opinion, or otherwise. AKGVG & Associates does not intend to advertise its services through this.