When companies want to improve their business efforts, most fingers point to efficiency and in logistics and how slick the supply chain is. Barcode scanning is an arduous process at the best of times and scanning hundreds of products and stock inventory is not uncommon. However, how does one approach the task of transfering all of the information gathered into some kind of organisational system, also known as the inventory management software.
In a previous post, I’ve already touched on the differences between both stock control software and inventory control software. In this article, we will be using “Inventory Management Software” as an umbrella term to describe both types of software.
First of all, we’re assuming you’ve actually got some form of software to manage your stock. Using a barcode scanner in Excel, or indeed a database application, is certainly one option. The handheld barcode scanner essentially acts as an input device which will take 1D barcode data and convert it into a string of text. Note the fact the fact that I have omitted 2D barcodes from that last statement – you cannot scan these types of barcodes into Excel or other barcode management software packages without properly decoding the algorithm of the barcode and converting its components into text.
Scanning a barcode into Excel is limited to local scanning, such as a library system or POS. However, this method is not preferred since you will need to format the data manually, a method prone to errors. So my point here is that you should make sure your inventory management application is both robust enough to format data input on the fly and at a later stage when the user wishes to ‘unload’ their collection of data into the system. Also, only specialised barcode management systems can decode barcodes from complex 2D symbologies, such as the PDF417 or DataMatrix barcode.
Wasp's InventoryControl Software
Wasp offer a reliable way of dealing with this flow of information. Their latest verion of InventoryControl is an intuitive system that promotes flexibility and ease of use. On the main screen, you have a number of main categories that allow you to check inventory, reports, administer inventory information and delivery logistics. Above each of these sections you have the ability to list or create new inventory items.
To create a new item, a comprehensive set of text fields allow you to scan barcodes with a handheld barcode scanner, either laser or CCD, speeding up the input of data. Common fields such as item number, manufacturer and list price are available, as well as the ability to track item by certain attributes, such as ’serial number’, ‘lot’, ‘pallet’ and more. All this is flexible and can be changed throughout the life of the inventory item. Location settings can also be set and adjusted when necessery. One smart feature in Wasp’s inventory management system is the ability to set a ‘minimum stock level’, so you can always ensure sufficient stock is held.
These are just a few of the features found in this inventory software. You can even use a PDA barcode scanner to make the same changes to stock on the fly. This provides a neat way of storing accurate information in a short space of time – something that every business desires.
So, using a dedicated inventory management system is a fantastic way to create ‘traction’ in your supply chain and ensure information is streamlined properly.
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