Choosing a Barcode Scanner and Software Inventory

Inventory Software and Barcode Scanner has become cheaper over the last 5 years. As you might expect, the ability of this software is the inverse of the price. Please note that for the first two categories below, the mobile barcode scanner would be a "batch" scanner. That means that you will collect the inventory data using the scanner, then back to the PC and pull it out. The third category of systems including the "wireless" system, in which the mobile barcode scanner connects to a database on a network using a WiFi connection.
There are three general categories of software inventory:

    The cheapest - only runs on the mobile barcode scanner. Gives you the ability to retrieve inventory data - receiving, put away, moving and delivery (in other words only to be taken out of inventory). When you have collected the data, you go back to the desktop PC and pull out the file data from the mobile barcode scanner. From there, you can open it in Microsoft Excel, or imported into a database program like Microsoft Access, SAP or Oracle. Although this is gradually changing, most of the least expensive program will only provide the item number. That means that when you open the file, there will be no descriptive information about the item to be scanned. You will need to cross reference this information with the Master List to come up with a description of the goods.

    Hint: If you have the Master List in Microsoft Excel, just import the data from the mobile barcode scanner to another worksheet in the Excel workbook. Then write a simple macro to use the VLOOKUP function to copy the description from the Master List to the data sheet containing mobile barcode scanner.

     Budget, Control Systems - These types of systems that have both a mobile barcode scanner and a desktop program with the ability to pull data from the scanner. Desktop program has the ability to do everything the mobile barcode scanner, it also gives you the ability to add items, reports, etc. The amount of rotation schedules. Desktop programs have an inventory database, chances are accessible. The system is highly reliable, full featured and complete. They can import and export data with back-end systems that you may have. With a single-user system at first, they can be upgraded to multiple users who connect to the database at the same time.

    Control Systems and Displays - This is a state-system with a wireless mobile barcode scanner. Scanner connected to a database in real-time, and do updates as they occur so that the database is always up to date. On the desktop, these systems tend to be multi-user, and have the ability to determine the size of the bin, take a feed from the MRP system or booking system to project the capacity of the warehouse and order the use of items, and many other features that would be required to complete warehouse management. One of the coolest things is obtained for the operator to scan a single barcode on the shipping pallet entry and are presented with a list of items that exist in the palette, and the recommendation to open the location where the goods will be stored.

   Of course, your choice of software will be driven by goals and your budget. The most important thing is to take your time in defining your needs and to complete a thorough evaluation of the demo program provided by the manufacturer. Keep in mind that many of the programs listed above can be modified by the manufacturer to meet your specific needs.