Getting Started with Barcodes

Working with barcodes and scanners can speed up process and increase accuracy. But what do you need to get started?

If you are a small retail or a small company that sells product to other vendors your needs are similar, with one exception. If you sell a product to which you own the rights, you have to get a UPC number. You can apply for a number through the website www.barcodes.gs1.org. If you are a small retail that sells products that already have barcodes or you plan to use your own barcoding system, applying for a UPC number is not necessary.

To start using barcodes you will need the following:

1. Barcode Generator: A barcode generator does just that, it generates barcodes. There are two types of barcode software for small businesses, one just creates barcodes the other creates barcodes and labels. If you just want to use barcodes in–house and you have a small store, a barcode generator will work fine. With this program you create barcodes and then copy the barcodes into a program like Word for printing barcodes on Avery or other name brand labels.

The second type creates labels and barcodes, so you can create barcodes with labels that incorporate your logo, images, text and more. This is a functional barcode tool for small companies that sell products to other vendors; since they create labels that help brand product as well as satisfy vendor barcoding requirements. If you sell to other vendors like Wal–Mart, Target and Home Depot, make sure you check out their barcoding requirements before you select barcode software.

2. Printer: Most barcoding programs can print to Window based printers. Of course, laser printers are a good choice for clear, readable barcodes and thermal printers (which work with software like IDAutomation) are also perfect for barcode printing. If you want to print inexpensively, you can use a standard laser printer with Avery labels.

3. Scanner: Scanners read barcode symbology and relate the captured information to a PC. You can buy a PC compatible scanner from retailers like the POS Guys, Wasp Barcode Technologies and IDAutomation for $60-$600. Linear readers are less expensive than omni-directional and wireless; however, scanners are not an area you want to skimp on. Cheap scanners do not scan as fast and do not scan from very far away.

4. POS Software: POS software can be used to process sales transactions as well as track inventory. QuickBooks POS software is a popular choice since it works with Quickbooks. The General Store, Microsoft POS or Proxis are good options as well. Some POS programs include barcode generators.

Although the initial investment may seem like a lot at first, utilizing barcodes and scanners can easily pay for itself by increasing inventory and pricing accuracy, not to mention speeding up check outs, which makes your customers happy.