For more than 30 decades now, barcode scanning has proved its utility in numerous industries, accentuating the fact that products based on state-of-the-art technology can also be accessible and easy to use. At this point, you are probably aware of the fact that barcodes can improve your workflow and contribute to your business growth. If you need more info on this matter, keep reading to find out how you could make the most of these tiny elements that weigh a great deal in the eyes of savvy retailers.
1. It Is Important to Design Barcodes with Scanning Success in Mind. When it comes to designing barcodes, you should focus on elements that ensure a high read rate. These four crucial factors are the following: the bar code itself, the scanner (hardware), the environment and the material (label) that you’ll be printing on.
2. Barcode Scanners Are an Important Piece of the Puzzle. Scanners contribute to an accurate reading of the barcode info. According to WhatIs, there are five main types of scanners available on the market, separated from their counterparts based on their functionality and features (pen scanners, slot scanners, CCD scanners, image scanners, and laser scanners). Pen-like scanners are the most inexpensive and simple models, while laser-based ones are the most complex, as they can perform approximately 500 scans/second.
3. It is Crucial to Choose Your Printing Materials Wisely. There are several types of materials that you could choose to print on (including paper, synthetics, retro reflective materials and matte laminates. Choose the best one for your business based on its cost-efficiency and quality, but also according to the type of scanner that you use and your printing needs. For instance paper is one of the cheapest alternatives, but should be laminated to increase its durability. At the same time, matte laminates tend to be a better match for wand-like readers.
4. The Environment in Which You Print Labels Will Also Influence the Quality of Your Barcodes. You can print labels in both indoor and outdoor environments, as long as you address the factors that can lower the quality of your prints. For instance, sunlight may impact your end result in a negative manner. The same goes for helium neon and mercury vapors in indoor spaces.
5. Determine the Ideal Design and Symbology. In this case, the key is to opt for the simplest symbology that can accommodate your business needs. There are different standard barcode languages that may work for you (Code 39, Code 128 or UPC are only three of the most popular options). If your business success depends on a code application, then it is crucial to count on a software package that enables you to store and read your information, while automating your workflow.
6. Check out Standard Symbology Recommendations That You Should Consider. Resolution, density, element ratio and the “quiet zone” (left and right “print-free” zones surrounding the barcode) represent only three elements that you should consider before opting for a certain barcode symbology.
7. Use Your Barcode System to Improve Your Relationship with Your Clients. According to eHow, barcodes can help you improve your relationships with your clients by implementing a package tracking service and also by speeding up the sales cycle.
8. Use Barcoding to Keep Track of Your Inventory. Generally speaking, barcode systems allow you to automate some of the most important aspects of your business. According to Small Business Chron, by implementing a barcoding and utilizing the right software and hardware (printer, scanner, iPad, POS), you can track your merchandise, create and analyze reports, cut down losses and maximize your productivity.
9. Basic Printing Considerations That You May Want to Focus on. Bar code height, media quality, media color, contrast and the level of human readability of your barcodes are only a few printing considerations that you should pay attention to.
10. Count on a POS Solution That Will Maximize the Potential of Your Barcoding System. Barcodes are not self-sufficient elements. Even when you count on a sound barcoding system, you will still require an iPad and a smart POS solution to complete transactions inside and outside your store. Which brings us to the test question: what should your POS solution be like and why do you actually need one onsite (and maybe also off-site)?
Why Do You Need a Smart and Complete POS Solution in Your Life?
POS solutions vary a great deal based on the features that they display and their overall functionality. The best POS system allows you to improve your daily performance on different levels, by tracking sales via comprehensive, on point analytics and reports, establish a deeper bond with your customers and manage your store with minimal effort. The complete POS solution brought to you by Shopify lets you:
• Send customizable receipts via email
• Create customizable payment types
• Record every single transaction and evaluate daily totals
• Create customer profiles and track their orders
• Accept cash and credit card payments onsite or on the go
• Use a plethora of complementary apps for accounting, marketing or shipping purposes
• Assess the profitability of your store and make smarter business decisions
