Do you operate a retail store? How many products do you have in your store? If your store is anything like a regular store, it is likely that you have hundreds or even, thousands of products. Keeping track of so many products, products that are selling fast, or products in which the inventory is getting low without a proper barcode system is a complete nightmare.
In fact, this is the reason barcodes were invented. They help keep track of things. While barcodes have been in existence for several decades, the system has evolved over the years and these days, there are a lot of choices.
This blog post is focused on helping you understand the various advantages of using a barcode system in your retail store and how to choose the right system.
What Is a Barcode System?
Barcodes are everywhere. There are 2 types of barcodes: one-dimensional and two-dimensional. While everyone may know what a barcode is, there is a difference between the barcode and a whole barcode system. In simple terms, it may be defined as a complete set of software and hardware that can be used for automating various tasks through barcodes. It may include scanning software, barcode printers, barcode scanners, barcodes and labels.
Benefits of Using Barcode System in Retail Store
There are several advantages of using a barcode system in a retail store. If you are not using a barcode system in your retail store, here are a few reasons for you to seriously consider it:
- One of the biggest advantages is the huge improvement in accuracy. Tracking so many products on top of maintaining inventory and ordering stock that is getting low is next to impossible without a proper barcode system in place. It saves a lot of time.
- A proper barcode system is easy to operate and training employees doesn’t take a lot of time. You don’t need to train workers in every aspect of running a retail operation. You can just train them on a barcode system and get them started. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours.
- Barcodes are extremely easy to use and inexpensive compared to any other type of inventory management system.
- Inventory management and control are one of the biggest challenges of a retail store. With the help of a proper barcode system, you will spend much less time keeping track of inventory and have a lot more time to focus on growing your business.
- Stock audits are one of the biggest challenges for retail stores. With the help of a proper barcode system, you wonāt have to spend too much time on audits as everything can be done automatically.
- A proper barcode system provides a lot of actionable data allowing you to make more informed decisions.
Ways to Choose Barcode System for Your Retail Store
As discussed earlier, there are several types of barcode systems and choosing the right one for your retail store is half the job done. Choosing the system depends on the type of products you sell. Electronics typically use a different barcode system compared to grocery items. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right barcode system:
- The most obvious thing is the type of barcodes you’re going to read. There are one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes. The choice of system will depend on the type of barcodes used for your products.
- The frequency of use of the barcode scanner will also affect the choice of a barcode system. If you are going to use it frequently for scanning thousands of items a day, it is better to invest in a more durable model.
- The choice of barcode system also depends on whether you’re going to use it indoors or outdoors.
- All barcode scanners have a depth of scan which is the minimum and maximum distance at which the scanner can be used. Choose one that is just right for your specific requirements.
- You also have the choice of choosing between wired and wireless systems. Choose one based on your specific needs and budget.
There are different types of scanning engines including laser systems, linear scanners and two-dimensional scanners. Linear scanners are capable of reading only one-dimensional images. These are faster compared to laser scanners. Two-dimensional scanners are capable of reading a wide range of barcodes but these are expensive as compared to other scanners.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many different types of barcode systems. When it comes to choosing one for your own retail store, it is all about maintaining a balance between functionality and budget. Your focus should be on choosing a system capable of scanning all the products you sell in your store. Also, choose a rugged system to ensure good performance for many years ahead. Always focus on performance over the initial price to get the best value for your money.
Choose the Right Barcode for Your Retail Store!
Here at ASP Microcomputers, we offer a wide range of inventory management solutions. We focus on both the software and hardware side. Our experts can help you choose the right barcode system for your retail store.
Please call us today on 03 9578 7600 or 1800 061 642 or leave an enquiry.
