How Businesses Can Solve Some of Their Biggest Problems with Barcode Technology

Every business owner is fully aware of the fact that running a thriving company is no easy task. As a matter of fact, most of them are forced to face different kinds of challenges on a daily basis and work around the clock to solve some of the most pressing problems threatening to impact their reputation and/or their profit margins. Even those who consider themselves the brain of their everyday operations need a strong ally when it comes to preserving their resources and keeping track of their inventory. This is when barcode systems and the hardware elements that they imply (barcode scanner, barcode printer, iPads, smartphones, POS solutions and so on), prove their real utility. You may still be wondering: what kind of problems could modern barcode technology help me overcome? Here are just a few aspects that will clarify this matter.

• Simplifying a Troublesome Inventory Management. Recording every single package that enters or leaves your company premises can drain the energy out of you and make you waste precious time. On the other hand, barcode technology makes it so much easier for you to record all the aspects related to your daily transactions. Records never lie and will help you determine the provenience and trajectory of every single item that is in your warehouse or on the road, heading towards your clients. On top of that, by taking a closer look at transaction histories you will be able to separate top-selling items from less popular ones and make more inspired business decisions.
• Eliminate Errors Associated with Manual Data Entry. It’s no secret that manual data entry can lead to a significant number of errors that can affect your profitability and also your good name in business. On the other hand, optical scanners eliminate this drawback and let you profit from the highest level of accuracy and data integrity. According to FacilitiesNet, barcode technology allows owners to check out updates on onsite quantities in real time and eliminates costly and time-consuming errors linked to erroneous handwritten records.
• Improve a Less Satisfying Customer Service. Aside from the fact that barcodes will automatically contribute to an up-to-date, simplified inventory, they also have the potential to consolidate your relationships with your clients in at least two different ways. First of all, scanners that are a part of a fully functional, complete hardware kit will enable users to read and record the data carried by barcodes. The whole process is easy and much more rapid than manual data entry. If you were to enter this info manually, you would probably force your clients to wait in line and waste a lot of time. We all know that time is money. Your customers most likely share this vision. Delayed transactions will probably disappoint them and make them want to test the services of your competitors. On the other hand, barcode scanning ensures a faster, more enjoyable checkout experience. Furthermore, according to eHow, a barcode system may also enable you to implement a tracking service allowing both your staff members and clients to check out the estimated delivery time and discover the current location of the package while it is still in transit.
• Cut Down Expenses. Wondering how a barcode system would lead to increased profit margins and considerable savings? In this case, there are several aspects that you should take into consideration. First of all, a complete hardware kit and a barcode system can reduce the need for extra hours of labor and thus, for overtime pay. Secondly, these elements will eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming employee training. Thirdly, barcodes ensure security tracking, meaning that you wouldn’t have to worry about the fact that your packages could get lost, stolen or misplaces at any given point in time. Speaking of money, there is one last thing that is worth mentioning. Barcode technology is supporting the development and widespread implantation of self-checkout kiosks designed to help retailers save big. According to Reuters, Wal-Mart invests a whopping 12 million dollars per second in cashiers’ wages (for all its American stores). In this context, self-checkout could be seen as a viable method to reduce overhead.

From a different perspective, barcodes reduce the number of errors that could affect your business decisions and let you analyze a history of all transactions that you have recorded to make healthier choices when it comes to restocking your store. No matter how you see this, one thing’s certain: knowledge is power and a barcode system lets you use this advantage to your best interest.

Get Ready to Face Any Kind of Challenges with a Complete and Convenient Hardware Kit

In this context, you should know that a complete hardware kit for your store and a barcode system are the two most valuable elements that can help you grow your business. Shopify brings an all-in-one hardware package that comprises four must-haves (iPad stand, cash drawer, retail card reader and wireless receipt printer) and only needs a POS and an iPad to work its magic and give you full control over your store at a touch of a button.