What is a barcode inventory system?

The right barcode scanner hardware can make a big difference in inventory tracking. Some hardware and software can work together better than others, so it’s important to consider the right combination of the two and how they can ease the barcode inventory tracking system. There are two different types of barcode hardware: 1D and 2D. And even though barcodes may seem simple and uniform, the differences between these two hardware types is significant.

One-dimensional barcodes are the type of barcodes that most people picture when discussing barcodes. They are composed of flat, vertical lines that stretch out horizontally across a space. The space between the lines allow barcode scanners to properly identify the specific product contained within the barcode. They are often used for tracking packages, post and retail items.

Types of one-dimensional barcodes include:

• UPC-E
• EAN-13
• Code 39
• EAN 128
• USPS IMB
• UPC-A
• RSS-14
• Code 93
• Interleaved 2 of 5

The second dimension provides more depth than the first dimension, and barcodes are no exception. Two-dimensional barcodes are not read as simple binaries the way that the vertical lines are—they are typically shaped as a square with many pixelated points and geometric shapes that contain the codified data, rather than just numbers and lines.

They can be smaller than one-dimensional barcodes while still offering a great deal of information about the product. A common type of two-dimensional barcode is a quick-response code, or QR code, which may take somebody to a website or provide detailed information about where a package has been, and where it is going.

Examples of two-dimensional barcodes are:

• MaxiCode
• Aztec
• PDF 417
• QR Code
• Data Matrix

Choosing the right barcode inventory system is crucial to success. Take special care to research and choose the barcode system that works best for your business.

Your first step in establishing a working barcode inventory system is to create a product code using either a Universal Product Code (UPC), a stock keeping unit (SKU) or a United Nations Standard Products and Services Code® (UNSPSC).

Getting a UPC is as simple as registering the product with Global Standard 1 to be assigned a unique company code, which can help with the tracking of products all over the world. A UPC helps prevent theft, allows customers to find information about a product online and assists in inventory management.

SKU numbers can be manually created or used in an inventory management software system. SKUs are often unique to a company, and are mainly used in internal operations to keep track of stock, track purchases and monitor inventory.

After the barcode has been created, it’s as easy as printing the barcode using a simple inkjet printer and a label sheet, but thermal printers are recommended for printing the labels—thermal printers have a lower cost than laser printers, they’re easier to maintain and they tend to last longer, which are all important points to consider if you’re going to be printing potentially thousands of barcodes.

The right scanner can make a world of difference. Luckily, there are different options available for different needs.

Wireless scanners require batteries to function, but they are great for mobility; businesses can track inventory in real-time without having to lug along a power cord. Wireless scanners can send information directly to an inventory management system, or the information may be collected on a memory chip that is later inserted into a computer. Some mobile scanners also store information on the device itself, which may be periodically uploaded to the main database. Mobile scanners can also involve scanning software using mobile applications on a smartphone, which may be a less expensive option than a traditional scanner.

Wired scanners are typically more cost-effective options than wireless scanners, but without the mobility and flexibility. They can be great when checking out customer purchases at a register, where the need for mobility isn’t as prevalent.

Take the time to explore the different options while considering cost and needs. Some software can scale excellently, but that doesn’t mean that a smaller business would need something quite as expansive.

As such, it’s important to take into consideration the needs of your business, the capabilities, benefits and challenges of available barcode inventory systems, then create a budget. Refine your search to those systems that fit your cost demands but still provide the best possible service.

ServiceNow’s hardware asset management can simplify processes and ease roadblocks along the way. Features include hardware normalisation, asset lifecycle automation, a hardware asset dashboard and a mobile asset inventory audit.

ServiceNow also provides advanced mobile scanning solutions; using mobile-based apps, your device’s camera becomes a reliable scanner capable of scanning multiple barcodes sequentially without leaving the scanning interface, and can even scan groups of barcodes at once, grouping them into relevant sets. The ServiceNow Agent mobile app makes it easy to coordinate inventory specialists, track location, update records and more, and even functions without an internet connection.

Simply put, ServiceNow mobile scanning puts the power of inventory management in the palm of your hand.

Learn more about our Hardware Asset Management.