How to implement barcode scanning in your warehouse

 

How to implement barcode scanning in your warehouse

Types of barcode systems

Barcodes are combinations of white spaces and black bars or geometric shapes of varying widths that digitally represent vast amounts of data, which can be scanned and relayed to the software systems on a computer or mobile smart device for processing.

One dimensional barcodes

Numeric-only barcodes

A numeric-only barcode category consists of a scanning system that uses numbers only to store information about the product and manufacturer or supplier, which can be read by handheld or fixed barcode scanners. The most common one-dimensional numeric barcode systems are the UPC (Universal product code) and EAN, which are used mainly by retailers and the code 11 numeric barcode system by airlines, telecommunications, and smaller warehouses.

Alpha-Numeric barcodes

This system consists of a barcode using both numbers and letters to store information about the product and manufacturer and is commonly used by the automotive and defence industries. The alpha-numeric barcode is read by a barcode scanner that transmits the data entry to software on a computer or handheld device for processing.

Two-dimensional barcodes (QR code and Data Matrix codes)

QR codes barcodes became popular with the advent of smart devices to order online, make bookings, or download software applications.

QR codes use two-dimensional codes consisting of small geometric shapes to encode more than 7000 characters of secure data such as brand name, model number, maintenance records, and a myriad of other details that can be read by a smart device and link users directly to a website.

Barcode scanners and imagers

Decide what type of scan engine you need and can afford. You will have a choice of handheld, hands-free, corded, and fixed barcode scanners, using different technologies to collect, interpret, and send the data to your software system, including a scan engine, for processing and updating inventory levels. At the point of sale, the barcode is interpreted and decoded into English for printing invoices.

Most scanners use refracted light to read and interpret the data captured on the barcode labels. These light impulses are transmitted to the scan engine. More sophisticated scanners use sensors that create waveforms to read the barcoded data on the label.

In industrial applications, data matrix codes can be read by imagers or readers that take a picture of the code and send it to the scan engine to analyse it.

Laser scanners

Most of affordable barcode scanners use laser technology to read numeric and alpha-numeric barcodes and send them to the scan engine for interpretation and processing.  

Linear imagers

They capture with barcode software a picture of the barcode, which is read and interpreted by the scan engine and processed by the software.

2D area imagers

They take pictures of the 2D (QR) barcode, which is interpreted by the scan engine and processed by the software.

CCD barcode scanners

CCD scanners (Charge-coupled device scanners) use a row of miniature sensors that create waveforms to decode the information on the barcode label and send this information to the computer system. Instead of laser light that is reflected off the barcode label, they use ambient light that is reflected off the barcode reader and label.

Pen readers and barcode wands

This type of barcode scanner has a photodiode and light built into the tip that creates a waveform to decode the information on the barcode label and send it to the computer system for interpretation and processing.

RFID scanners

These scanners use a radio frequency to receive data from- and transmit data to the computer system.

Voice recognition scanners

These scanners use speech recognition technology to allow hands-free scanning.

A barcoding system that records and reads data on barcoding labels will instantly send all data updates to your inventory management system and WMS software.

Steps to implement a barcode inventory system

Once you have decided which inventory barcode system will meet your requirements, follow these easy steps to implement a barcode system for inventory:

• Make a detailed list of all your inventory in a spreadsheet.
• Allocate a unique identifier including information like item identification and physical description, manufacturer or supplier information, purchase cost, selling price, item measurements, the minimum number needed in inventory, where it is located in your warehouse or store, and any other information you will require later on to track inventory.
• Contact Principal Logistics Technologies for a demonstration of the barcoding and inventory management software that will best suit your business and select the appropriate solution.
• Obtain the hardware, such as scanners, imagers, or RFID scanners, that integrates with your barcoding and inventory management systems.
• Using your software, create SKU numbers (stock-keeping units) and barcode labels for each item. Principal Logistics Technologies of a variety of WMS and inventory management software solutions that seamlessly integrate with most existing software to save costs.
• Plan your warehouse layout to facilitate easy identification and location of each inventory item. Bear in mind safety measures to protect inventory and staff.
• Label each item with its new inventory management barcodes. (Any space where inventory is kept is defined as a warehouse.)
• Train your staff on how to use the barcode inventory system and equipment.
• Scan each item into your software to update your inventory.
• Future scans for inventory records all receiving, movement, and sales, and will automatically update your barcode inventory system.

 

How to implement barcode scanning in your warehouse