To begin barcoding you will need these things

Things You Need

To begin barcoding you will need the following items:

1. Special inventory software that will enable the barcodes to be read at the point of sale.
2. A software compatible barcode scanner.
3. Labels on your products that are a correct match for the symbologies of the software and scanners.
4. If your products do not come with a barcode already on them you will also need to purchase a barcode printer.

Getting Started

1. Take a good look at all the products that you carry. If they all have UPC codes you will not need to invest in a barcode printer. You will need to make your own barcodes if your products do not already have them.

2. Locate a POS inventory software vender to determine which type of scanners and printers their software can support. You will need to purchase a scanner, and may also need to purchase a printer.

3. Get instructions from your software vendor on the proper set up of your barcode scanner and printer. Your software may need to print labels, and will definitely need to scan the items at the point of sale.

4. Every item that you sell will need to be properly barcoded and entered into your software program. Any merchandise that does not come will a UPC code will need to have one that has been printed from your software. You will be able to print and label new items at receiving once everything has been labeled.

Ensure that your POS inventory software has the proper UPC code associated with each item. You should be able to get electronic price files from some of your suppliers that simply need to be uploaded into your POS software. These files include important information such as UPC, SKU, and price. When these files are not available from suppliers you will need to enter this information manually. Your software vendor should be able to help you complete this process.

5. Double check that every item in your store has the proper barcode and that your POS software has the correct prices listed.

6. You no longer need to enter the SKU numbers at the register, just scan your items. Scanning will automatically enter the SKU and pricing information into the POS system.

You can greatly reduce error rates and speed up check out for customers by as much as 50% through the proper implementation of a barcode system. This savings will improve customer service and reduce your overhead costs. Your POS inventory software vendor is probably the best place to get started if you are considering implementing a barcode system.

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