Business owners: is it time to invest in a barcode system? Barcodes can be found just about anywhere: supermarkets, hardware stores, diners, bookstores, and all manner of retail outlets. Typically, large businesses use barcode printing and scanning systems in order to operate by tracking inventory, categorizing, organizing, and managing finances.
In the past, these tasks have been “no small order,” so to speak. However, the future has brought with it technological innovations that are remapping the way small and large businesses alike handle inventory organization and many other important tasks. Those who have been slaving over pads of paper and meticulously scrawling each figure into a ledger may feel as if the time has come to make the big switch from hand organization to barcode system organization. Those who find themselves in this boat have come to the right place.
We have compiled a small list of signs that may indicate that it is time for businesses to make the “big switch” from handwritten to digital categorization and organization. Take a look below to find out more.
Sign One: Financial Challenges
Business owners who are watching helplessly as their businesses suffer financially may be the perfect candidates for new barcode scanning and printing systems. Much research indicates that barcode systems, such as the systems offered by Shopify, increase profits by a large margin when used correctly and responsibly. A
re any business owners out there feeling a little skeptical? “Wait a second,” they may be saying. “Barcode systems are not exactly free.” It is true that barcode systems are not free; they typically require a small initial investment. The amount of financial discomfort experienced after making the initial investment will soon be rewarded, however, if business owners can simply remain patient and wait to reap the many benefits that are approaching.
The benefits of barcode scanning and printing systems are many; however, it may take at least a month for business owners, staff members, and even customers to notice the gradual changes taking place. The good news is that after several months of utilizing barcode tracking systems, most businesses consider themselves totally transformed – and they often have the income to prove it.
Sign Two: Faulty Books
Most business owners cringe when they hear that the “books” need checked. Usually, this term refers to an error in the accounting or inventory sheets used by many small businesses. Honestly, every business that uses pen and paper instead of a computerized barcode system will experience a frustrating amount of error and mistakes, especially within areas of financial calculation and analysis.
Human beings are smart, and good employees are even smarter; however, every human being makes mistakes. No matter how great of an employee a business owner has, he or she will end up making a series of errors that could cost the business tremendously. Obviously, business owners would like to avoid this situation at all costs, but, unfortunately, no amount of training can totally eliminate the potential for human error when figuring calculations and categorizing inventory.
Barcode systems allow employees to breathe a sigh of relief while simultaneously giving business owners financial confidence. How is this possible? The answer is simple: barcode systems are computerized. They do not get hungry, sad, or tired. They do what they do with a minimal margin of error consistently and reliably. What business owner would not want an “employee” that produces consistently successful results? Besides, when the barcode systems is doing the “heavy lifting,” employees can focus on the important aspects of business operation, such as customer service and sales.
Sign Three: Growth
Every small business goes through spurts of growth. Logically speaking, when a small business grows larger, it is safe to assume that its inventory grows larger as well. Businesses that are managing inventory and financial analysis with pen and paper or other outdated tools may be at a loss when said growth takes place because it is far more difficult to categorize a large number of goods by hand than it is to categorize a small selection of goods.
The solution? Barcode systems. After all, barcode systems were created with the intention of allowing businesses to easily categorize, track, and analyze goods that flow through on a regular basis – particularly businesses that deal with large quantities of goods. Instead of being overwhelmed by the number of goods involved in a growing business, business owners should be excited and enthusiastic about the soon-to-be increased productivity and profit margins. When barcode scanners and printers are doing all of the detailed analysis, business owners can simply enjoy the ride.
Business owners who are experiencing financial challenges, frequent computation errors, or sudden growth within their businesses may want to consider implementing and installing a quality barcode scanner and printer system. Most business owners are surprised by the way in which the right organizational system can turn a business right side up again. Ready for success? Think barcode systems.
(Photo courtesy of Chiara Marra)