The most common method of small companies in conducting physical inventory count is using paper and pencil. Inventory clerks are required to manually record all inventory counts of each item using inventory count sheets. Hence, an ineffective and time-consuming method of record-keeping.
In most scenarios, manual recording of inventory details or searching for each item on pre-printed inventory sheets takes a long time.
Besides, the process itself is prone to errors, such as double-counting objects and skipping others. Multiple re-counts of the same inventory shelf are usual since it's the only way to verify the items when inventory notes are misplaced or lost. Furthermore, the gathered data needs a manual input to the computer system, again a time-consuming and error-prone process.
Make inventory counts easier using barcode technology.
As the world transitions into a technologically complex arena, companies found a convenient way to make inventory counting easier by using barcode technology. In recent years, barcode scanner has become increasingly popular, and for a good reason, it contributes less work. However, most small businesses can't quickly switch to this type of alternative. Using barcode scanners connected to a local computer network entails an additional investment that most cannot afford. Previously, barcode scanners are only available to large enterprises with equally large IT budgets. Today, thanks to the wide acceptance of barcode technology, most tech companies found a way to create scanners with lower prices and varied options available for small to mid-sized enterprises. The creation of this tool also paved the way for the emergence of different companies that offers barcode scanner rentals. Most of these companies offer competitive barcode scanners for rental and sale, beginning from the cheapest to the most expensive ones.
How Barcode Scanner for Inventory Count Works?
Inventory barcode scanners, printers, and any other physical items used in the barcoding process, such as cables and chargers, are examples of barcoding hardware. These are used typically in conjunction with barcoding software, which stores, reads, and processes barcode data.
Barcoding software and hardware, when used together, will assist the inventory clerks in retrieving product information and data. For example, a barcode scanner (barcoding hardware) will scan the barcode of any given product, and with its software, the details on that product will process automatically. The product detail will also appear on the barcode scanner's screen in real-time.
The barcode system also enables the barcoding program to interact with the inventory information held by the company, allowing it to monitor, update, and process inventory. Inventory scanners let the processes like inventory counting and updating inventory levels can be made much quicker and more effective.
The program will also assist in the selection of products for orders and the receipt of inventory. Thus, making the whole process worry-free from minimal human errors.
Benefits of Barcode Scanning in Counting Inventories
To count inventories with barcode scanners, most companies will enjoy less hassle and less workload. Employees can easily switch to other working areas. In this way, the process will add more value to the business having the topmost advantages.
1. Barcoding is simple to incorporate
Barcode scanners are simple to use and set up. Since they only need a simple driver and minimal programming users can install it quickly.
2. Barcode scanner inventory prevents human error.
Inventory barcode scanner increases precision in counting inventory and allows for the implementation of processes that reduce human errors while also improving inventory management discipline. Manual procedures are susceptible to mistakes, which can have far-reaching consequences like inventory loss or record-keeping misplacement.
3. Barcode scanners drastically reduce the risk of human inaccuracy.
When the barcode scanning begins, the graphics will display it to the computer or mobile device. This process significantly reduces the errors often associated with manual counting. The barcode scanning operation is more efficient than manual data counting of inventory because they are faster, more accurate, and take less time.
4. Count inventory with a barcode scanner is less time-consuming.
Barcode scanners for inventory save a lot of time. Due to required additional labor and number crunching, traditional counting can take a long time. Plus, there will be errors present that will take some time to correct.
5. Counting inventory is faster with barcodes and barcode scanners.
The scanned information will automatically store in the computer inventory system saving time and effort.
6. Barcode scanner for inventory count is efficient.
Using barcode scanners, inventory count helps the entity to conduct a typical full-warehouse physical inventory effectively and efficiently. Performing regular physical counting usually necessitates a halt in activities and a loss of efficiency. Counting inventory with a barcode scanner has the gain of allowing the entity to perform standard inventory count, reconciling inventory, and fulfilling customers' orders quickly and accurately.
7. Inventory scanners give real-time updates of inventory quantities.
Instantly, the company can update the data of the product and show its quantity using barcode scanners. Furthermore, barcode inventory management software can assist companies in shipping, receiving, and counting inventory, managing orders, tracking parts through various locations, and integrating with accounting systems.
In general, this form of inventory counting supports inventory control by preventing common errors present in manual counting.
Using mobile inventory scanner for counting inventory
For inventory control and counting operations, companies have traditionally relied on barcode scanners and computer systems in storing the data. However, companies need several scanners to supply all workers who participate in the physical inventory count, which can be pricy. Companies also need to add scanners to their computer network, which means additional expenses will incur on consulting networks for several companies.
Using mobile inventory scanners for inventory count is a better option.
Small companies can use mobile applications acting as the barcode scanner software and storage for every inventory count transaction.
Today, various hardware and software combinations are available to assist you with stocktaking like barcode scanners, computers, on-premise desktop software, and cloud-based software for data storage and processing. But, integrated cloud-mobile applications using smartphones for inventory data collection offer the most cost-efficient and effective solution.
Takeaway
Nowadays, inventory management is significantly improving through the advent of computerization. With technology ranging from digital scanners to radio frequency recognition chips, companies can now take pleasure in easy ways of monitoring their inventories.
Since inventory is a value-generating asset of a business, it's only essential to pour a substantial investment into stock management activities. Thus, it's only wise enough to use barcode scanners.
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