At one point or another, we all have wondered what the barcode at the back of products actually does. Most think they are just there for no reason, but barcodes play a very important role in categorizing and organizing inventory. They are one of the most popular ways of managing traceable assets. A good barcode combined with a UPC will make it easy for you and different vendors to sell your products.
Identify Your Assets
Before you invest in a barcode labeling system, you must review how things currently function in your facility. You will want to consider what assets need to be barcoded in the context of the factory or warehouse. Review how things come in and out of your facility and understand that each product may have a different labeling requirement. Planning all of this beforehand will save you a lot of time later.
Review Your Software
Aside from your inventory management plan, you will also need to check your inventory management hardware and software programs. One significant part of a successful barcode is the scanning distance. This may change depending on the machinery being used to categorize it, the finish of the barcode, and even the size of the barcode.
Barcodes Have a Lifespan
The environment has a lot of impact on the quality and life of a barcode. Direct thermal labels only last for a month in direct sunlight before they start to fade. Because direct thermal labels are sensitive to heat, they can be utilized for a very limited period of time. Thermal transfer labels, however, can last in direct sunlight for up to 6 months, but only polypropylene labels.
If you are thinking about investing in a barcode based inventory management system, consider choosing Althea Suite. Our inventory management software is top-notch and utilizes a cloud-based system. You can either book a demo with us or utilize our free trial to learn more about our products.
