An up-to-date UPC tracking system is definitely a requirement for today’s hectic business environment. Scanners and barcodes are the sine qua non for efficiency when it comes to ordering, receiving, selecting, and selling the product. Your UPC tracking system is a guarantee against inaccuracy sneaking into your inventory records.
Make sure you know the ABC’s of UPC!
Start with your Inventory Tracking Solution.
Your first step is acquiring the proper inventory tracking solution — it should be one that is pretty easy to learn and to use on a day to day basis. The software should permit you to monitor levels of inventory in one or more warehouses simultaneously, and should be able to set up auto-reorder alerts for any part or product in order to prevent embarrassing and preventable shortages. A good inventory tracking solution program makes warehouse management and inventory control so much easier; it will also integrate smoothly with accounting software such as Quickbooks.
Your barcode hardware.
It’s essential you get the proper barcode hardware. Otherwise it won’t jibe with your inventory tracking solution. Keep in mind these key items:
Scanners. Make sure yours are mobile, with long battery life so they do not need to be recharged frequently.
Tablets. Technology now makes it possible to scan barcodes with a tablet, bypassing the need for specialized scanners. In fact, a tablet will allow you to immediately access inventory information. They are not as bulky as scanners, but given time technology will undoubtedly reduce their size.
Printer. Barcode printers are getting smaller and more efficient with power usage as they produce labels for your barcodes, item labels, and picking lists.
Network device. The newer models allow warehouse personnel to stay connected to the inventory tracking system online no matter what part of the building they may be in. No need to say this makes barcode scanning most efficient.
Training employees.
Any warehouse consultant worth his or her salt is going to tell you that a well-trained employee is your most essential priority. Staff that are unsure about how to pick, pack, and ship product because they haven’t been properly trained are a hazard to your bottom line. And inventory control goes out the window when your staff flubs entering newly received items into the system.
Make sure each warehouse worker knows his or her specific duties and responsibilities, and then put in place accounting procedures so not only will you know how they are doing, but they will know as well. People work best when their results are measured and told to them, with appropriate compliments and suggestions. Consistent mistakes usually mean the need for more training, not for a tongue-lashing. And make sure that only designated staff have access to and training in your proprietary software.
Set your schedule.
With a well-trained staff and the right inventory tracking system, all you need to worry about is creating your timetable for cycle counting, reordering, and receiving orders. Keep in mind such factors as warehouse worker availability, inventory turnover ratio, and the types of products you sell.
Companies planning to grow and have multiple locations should be especially dedicated to using an inventory tracking system that involves UPC. Don’t forget that Fishbowl Manufacturing and Fishbowl Warehouse are both completely affordable and integrate smoothly with QuickBooks and Xero. They should be your first choice, when it comes to UPC tracking.
