Barcode technology is not just for large manufacturing operations and big-box retail stores. Just about any business can benefit from barcode technology because it’s a simple, easy way to connect real-life objects and people with computerized data. Barcoding can save time, money and frustration in any circumstance where things need to be tracked or easily identified. Let’s look at 10 ways even small businesses can benefit from barcode technology:

1. Point of Sale

Scanning barcodes on products when they’re purchased reduces human error in identifying products and charging correct prices. Shoplifters cannot switch prices tags and purchase expensive items for less. Price changes are easier too; just swap out the price tag on the shelf and enter the new price in the computer-no need to change the price tag on every unit.

2. Inventory Control

Know exactly what you have in stock and what you don’t. Get notified of low product inventory before you run out. Reduce rain checks or manufacturing downtime by ordering before you run out.

3. Document Tracking

No more lost files or time wasted looking for files. Identify exactly where a file has been stored or last seen. Know exactly who has looked at a file and when it was last reviewed. Record instructions for re-filing after use and verify correct location of files being returned to their storage location.

4. Storage Cataloging

Know exactly where you’ve place what. Move out-of-season or slow moving merchandise out of the way into deep storage without risk of losing track of its location. Barcode items and shelves and record locations in your database. Don’t waste time looking for things or spend money buying replacement items or inventories because you can’t find them.

5. Identify Container Contents

Place barcodes on boxes, crates and barrels and track exactly what is in each container. Easily identify each container, what’s in it, where it’s been and where it’s supposed to go.

6. Order Picking and Packing

Increase order accuracy and reduce fulfillment time. Place barcodes on products, inventory locations and picking sheets to ensure the right products are picked. Packers can verify accuracy of the order before packing and shipping.

7. Manage Client Information

Identify files, items, projects and more with barcodes and know instantly which client they are for. Connect those barcodes to database and electronic information for easy reference.

8. Patient Identification

Connect files, prescriptions, x-rays and other data with the correct patient. Reduce errors in medication delivery, diagnoses, and treatments. Place barcodes on identification bracelets for in-patients, hardcopy files, x-ray films and prescription containers to connect them to computerized patient records.

9. Time Tracking

Use barcoded ID tags to track on-the-job and off-the-job hours for employees. Scan work order barcodes and enter time spent on the project for easily tracking billable hours.

10. Retail Memberships & Coupons

Barcoded membership cards make it easy to track customer purchasing trends, customize offers, and track effectiveness of sales promotions. Place barcodes in coupons to capture detailed information about marketing campaigns.

If your business can benefit from using barcode technology, an easy way to get started is with software that allows you to generate barcodes and print them onto standard labels using your laser or inkjet printer. BarcodePro is full-featured software that does exactly that and does it for a price that’s affordable by any size business. The interface is designed to be easy to use by business owners and managers so no IT professional is needed. Learn more about Barcode online at http://www.barcodelabelpro.com.