A Barcode Scanner Utilized by Various Enterprises

When you think of a barcode scanner, you may think of a "gun" model - a handheld scanner with a trigger that you often see at the cash register. But with advancements in scanner technology, many new styles are becoming a consistent choice for unique business models. For example, there are wearable scanners that can be worn on a user's finger or wrist (also note scanners in goggles or glasses). There are pocket-sized scanners, such as pen-shaped laser scanners. There are mobile computers or smartphones with built-in barcode scanning technology. And in warehouse or industrial environments, there are fixed-position scanners that are best suited for scanning large volumes of items in a shift or throughout the day.

Barcode scanners are used by businesses of all sizes

We understand why large corporations use barcodes: it is a flexible technology that helps industry giants track individual orders nationwide and globally. But barcodes and their scanners aren't just for big businesses. Small and medium-sized companies, even tiny enterprises, can also use barcode scanners to stay organized and keep track of every order sent to customers, or every asset they have invested in that requires maintenance and depreciation, and then disposal (more on this later). Barcode scanners are used to label medications and vials in hospitals; track digital learning tools in educational environments; read tickets at sports or music event entrances; track expensive taxpayer-funded investments in government offices; track the journey of purchases; ensure accountability of employees in small businesses, and much more.

How should your business start using barcode scanners?

If you are interested in the concept of barcode scanners and want to know how they can benefit your business or organization, consider two common starting points: inventory tracking and asset management. Barcodes affixed to inventory help companies track the path of their supply chain, identify friction points, maintain visibility, balance inventory turnover, and ensure automatic reordering of items that are running low or have experienced increased demand historically. Additionally, companies use them to track the life cycle of fixed assets, long-term investments made by the company to aid profitability, such as computers, vehicles, or heavy machinery. These items eventually need to be decommissioned, maintained, and disposed of - tasks that become significantly easier when barcodes form the basis of a fixed asset management system. Regardless of your scale or objectives, this list should give you an idea of what barcodes can do for your business and why they should. Barcode scanners are useful, easy to maintain, and even fun - don't overlook the role they can play for you.