What is a barcode?
Simply put, a barcode is a picture with numbers or text, and the picture visually represents the data. The picture stores the information, and the product information can be transmitted to the computer immediately by using the scanner.
One-dimensional barcode:
One-dimensional barcodes consist of vertical black lines, and the space between the lines allows the scanner to identify the product.
QR code:
Two-dimensional barcodes are usually square, composed of different points and shapes, and are used to store information. These barcodes can contain more information than one-dimensional barcodes. The two-dimensional barcode can also store website information, and you can scan the barcode with your mobile phone to take you to that website.
Why use barcodes?
As the business grows, a barcode inventory system that needs to handle more inventory becomes more and more necessary. Implementing one now will prepare you for the future and bring you multiple benefits at the same time!
Barcode inventory systems are much more accurate than manual inventory storage. Using barcodes can greatly reduce human error, and your inventory will have more accurate data. In fact, research shows that a person will make at least one date entry error for every 250 keystrokes. There is an error rate for every 36 trillion characters scanned by a computer.
Using barcodes, you can easily find out what is in your inventory and what is not. When a customer purchases a product, you can scan the barcode and immediately delete it from your inventory record. You will always have accurate and real-time inventory data so that you can make correct business decisions throughout the day.
With the barcode on the inventory, you can read all the products at once and transfer the data to the computer easily. This will make the process of checking customers after purchase faster. No need to manually enter each product and calculate the total price, the computer can do it for you.
How to start
Creating a barcode inventory system is much cheaper than people think.
First, you need to create a product code. You can have a universal product code (UPC) or stock keeping unit (SKU).
UPC can be found on most products and has been standardized for commercial use. To get UPC, you can register for Global Standard 1 to get your company’s unique code. This code can be used to identify and track products worldwide.
UPC has many benefits. It protects your company's brand from theft, allows you to sell on Amazon, allows customers to access information about products online, and they can be used in most inventory management systems. The length of UPC is usually 12 bits for external use.
You can also choose to use a custom SKU number for your products. SKU codes can be created manually or in inventory management software. SKU is unique to the company and is used to track internal operations such as inventory. It is usually an eight-digit number.
From there, you need to create a barcode for each product code. You can use the barcode generator to create barcodes for free or use barcode software.
Next, you need to print the barcode. Most standard inkjet printers and laser printers can use label paper to print barcodes. However, thermal printers are most suitable for printing barcode labels. The recurring cost of thermal printers is much lower than that of inkjet printers and laser printers. Not only that, thermal printers are also very easy to maintain, have a longer operating life compared to other printers, and are fast and quiet. There are indeed several different types of thermal labels. If you are not familiar with thermal printers, you may want to check our guide for printing barcodes and shipping labels
