Barcode Inventory System for Small Businesses

A barcode inventory system is a digital method for tracking inventory. It involves scanning barcodes, which are printed on labels attached to items.

These systems combine hardware and software to quickly and efficiently categorize and identify items in real time – making them an ideal solution for small businesses.

As a leader in smart data capture, Scandit can help your small business optimize and streamline its inventory, no matter what industry you’re in.

Ready to discover how small businesses can streamline inventory management and boost efficiency.

Why small businesses need a barcode inventory system

What can a small business gain from implementing a barcode inventory system? The biggest benefit is a simplified system that improves efficiency in tracking inventory – you know how much you’ve got, where it is, and when you might need to order more.

This allows small businesses to better detect when inventory levels are low and also allows for real-time inventory tracking across multiple locations.

When you consider that doing inventory is often thought of as the worst task in retail, anything you can do to make it easier and more streamlined is usually welcomed.

Other key benefits of a barcode inventory system for small businesses include:

• Improved accuracy and a lesser risk of inventory issues due to human error.
• Cost savings opportunities due to better overall stock inventory control.
• Better cash flow management ensures accurate tracking, prevents overstocking, and helps small businesses optimize working capital.
• A greater ability to meet customer demands and build trust and loyalty.

How to implement a barcode inventory system for your small business

If you’re looking to take your inventory system to the next level by setting up a barcode inventory system, you’ll want to follow some general steps first. Here’s a look:

Identify your inventory goals

What do you want to achieve with your barcode inventory system? The answer to this question will largely dictate what type of solution would work best for your small business.
Some common goals small businesses often want to hit include enhanced theft protection, order fulfillment, or assistance with FIFO accounting.

Choose the right barcode system

Next, you’ll want to select the types of barcodes that would best suit your business needs (as well as meet any industry standards). Make sure you carefully weigh the different 1D and 2D barcode options as well as the pros and cons of 1D and 2D barcodes in general.

Select software and hardware

The next step is taking careful stock of your point-of-sale (POS) system, barcode scanning software, and barcode hardware based on the volume of inventory you’re managing and the environment in which you’re working.

Define barcode information

What data do you want to encode in your barcodes? Some common information that barcodes often store include product information, storage information, expiration information, and manufacturer information. Different barcodes can also store different amounts of data.

Implement procedures

Once you’ve identified your goals, selected the right barcodes, and defined the type of barcode information that you want to store, it’s time to implement your solution and establish the various procedures behind barcode creation, placement, and inventory management.

Training and integration

The last and final step is to ensure that your employees are properly trained on the system that you’re implementing.

Key features of an effective barcode inventory system

A robust, efficient barcode scanning system should be able to accomplish several things:

• It should be able to quickly create, print, and scan barcodes.
• It should be able to integrate seamlessly with accounting and inventory management software solutions.
• It should be able to track data in real time.

Scandit’s smart data capture technology enhances traditional barcode inventory systems by leveraging advanced computer vision and machine learning to interpret and process data efficiently.

This technology automates inventory tasks and enables faster and more accurate inventory counting and tracking. It also excels in challenging environments, such as poor lighting or awkward angles often found in cramped stockrooms, ensuring reliable performance.

By automating tasks like inventory counting and tracking, Scandit’s technology reduces manual effort and adapts to changing scenarios. It also enables employees to use any smart device to perform inventory tasks, allowing for added flexibility and convenience.

Scandit Smart Data Capture for small businesses

Scandit’s smart data capture solutions use AI-powered software to capture data from barcodes from any smart device, streamlining inventory within your small business.

The Scandit Express mobile app can be a particularly helpful tool for many small businesses that might still lack development resources.

Scandit Express is a no-code smart data capture app that integrates with existing apps and runs securely on any Android or iOS device. Its advanced smart scanning features can significantly help improve productivity.

Some of the key benefits that Scandit’s solution can help small businesses achieve include:

• Increased efficiency and reduced costs.
• An improved overall customer experience.
• Better, faster decision making.
• Improved compliance with any industry standards or regulations.
• Improved employee satisfaction.

Don’t take it from us, hear from Scandit customers that are already utilizing solutions to much success.

Stratix, a leading provider of enterprise mobility services, leverages Scandit Express to enhance device provisioning and management. This partnership has resulted in streamlined operations, increased efficiency, and a better overall experience for their clients, showcasing the real-world impact of Scandit’s innovative solutions.

How Scandit helps with common small business challenges

Limited budget and resources

Small businesses often have limited budgets for advanced technology and inventory systems. Scandit addresses these challenges by offering a cost-effective solution that enables employees to use their own smart devices as barcode scanners, eliminating the need for expensive specialized equipment.

This “bring your own device” approach is especially beneficial during peak periods or when employing gig workers, allowing businesses to scale without incurring high hardware costs.

By reducing overhead, businesses can free up more capital to invest back into the company.

Integration with existing platforms

New technology in general can be daunting for small businesses to implement and for employees to learn. Scandit’s solutions can easily integrate with existing platforms.

Guide

How to Integrate Barcode Scanning Software with an Inventory System

Learn more

Technical expertise

Technical expertise is another common challenge for small businesses, including overcoming barcode scanning challenges in inventory management. Scandit’s solutions are user-friendly and come with support and training to ensure streamlined implementation.

Scalability concerns

One of the nice things about Scandit’s solution is that it can easily grow and scale as your small business does.

Data security and accuracy

Scandit’s solutions are safe to use and prioritize data security. Scandit had recently received the ISO 27001:2022 certification, an international standard for managing information security.

Transform your small business with Scandit

A barcode inventory system improves inventory accuracy, streamlines inventory counts, and provides real-time data to help leadership make decisions faster and smarter. But it’s important to have the right system – and that’s where Scandit’s solutions can help.

For more information on Scandit Express, Scandit’s barcode scanning software designed to take your small business operations to the next level, contact us today for a demo or to start a free trial.