Considering A Barcode Scanner For Your Company? Use These Tips

Posted on: 20 June 2017

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Once your retail company grows to the point where you plan to upgrade your inventory tracking systems, you might begin to use barcodes on your items. That will necessitate the use of barcode scanners that you and your employees will operate on a daily basis to keep track of inventory. Use the following considerations to guide your actions as you decide which scanner is best for your retail business.

Physical Feel

An important consideration when selecting scanners is how they feel in the hand. If you're scanning all day long or your employees will be using the scanners constantly, it's important that they aren't too heavy, bulky, or uncomfortable to hold. The best design for scanners used often have sturdy, ergonomic handles. Even if you're plan to purchase them online, ensure that you get one sample so you can hold it and get a feel for it.

Mobility

If you plan to do local farmers' markets or state fairs, being able to use your barcode scanners is important. That's why you need to consider how easily the scanners will travel with you. For example, you may want to get tougher scanners so that frequent drops and bumps on the ground don't cause damage to the devices.

Also consider whether the scanners will work properly in different outdoor conditions, such as whether they'll work in direct, bright sunlight.

Wired vs. Wireless

If your products are enormous or oddly-shaped, having scanners attached to cords can be problematic. Wireless scanners can make it easier for you to scan the items. If your products are small, having more affordable, wired scanners can get the job done just as well.

Online vs. Offline

There are times when you'll need to update your inventory as soon as possible. That's why you need to think about whether you want scanners with online or offline capabilities. You may want to get an online scanner that can work off of wi-fi so that your system updates right away, or you might be fine with less frequent updates.

Technological Advancements

Like other electronic devices, you want to ensure that you don't spend a lot of money on something that's obsolete after a few months. Take a look at the latest models and if your budget allows, seek out the latest features such as two-dimensional barcode readability and QR code readers.

With these pointers, barcode scanners will be easier to buy and use. Discuss your retail shop with scanner vendors and retailers for more advice.