Every year, more than 500,000 small businesses are started in the United States. Are you looking to join this group and start your own business?
Starting a business is no easy feat. There are a lot of tools in which you need to invest, including an effective barcode scanning system.
It’s easy to overlook this tool when you are first getting started. But, you need a good barcode scanner to run your business properly.
Here are some tips that will help you to choose the right barcode scanning system for your business.
Importance of a Barcode Scanning System
There are lots of reasons why your business needs a good price scanner. Here are some of the main reasons this system is important:
- Improves employee efficiency, accuracy, and speed
- They’re easy to implement
- They provide a great value with a relatively low investment
- Better inventory management
- Monitor sales trends more effectively
The stock managing benefits of a good barcode scanning system are key. If you can’t keep track of your inventory, you’re going to have a hard time running a successful business.
Choosing the Right Barcode Scanning System
As you can see, a barcode scanning system is an essential tool for any business. Here are ten tips that will help you choose the right one.
1. Understand the Different Types
There are lots of different types of barcode scanning systems out there, including the following:
- Laser barcode scanners
- Handheld barcode scanners
- Image barcode scanners
- Wireless and cordless barcode scanners
- Industrial barcode scanners
- Omni-directional barcode scanners
There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these different types of scanners.
For example, if you need to be able to scan things one-handed, a handheld scanner is the way to go. If you need to move around your store or warehouse scanning items, a wireless and cordless scanner will be beneficial.
2. Emphasize Ease of Use
No matter which type of barcode scanner you purchase for your business, it ought to be easy for you to use. If your barcode scanner is hard to use, it’s going to slow down transactions and make them feel awkward.
Make sure your barcode scanner is easy to set up, too, especially if you’re going to be using a wireless one that requires Bluetooth pairing to work effectively.
3. Check for POS Compatibility
Make sure your barcode scanner is compatible with the POS system you use for your business.
Some devices will only work with a specific type of POS system, so you need to double check before you invest in a particular system. Make sure the scanner connects easily and quickly, too.
4. Measure Mobility
Are your employees only going to be using the scanner while they’re standing behind a counter? If so, then mobility might not be a huge issue.
However, if they need to be able to move through the store or warehouse scanning items, mobility will be an important factor that you consider when choosing a scanner.
In addition to mobility, you’ll need to think about your scanner’s range of use, too. How far away are you or your employees going to be standing from the objects they’re scanning?
If they’re going to be standing at a greater distance, you’ll need to make sure the scanner has a sufficient range of use.
5. Factor in Physical Design
Not all scanners are designed in the same way. Some are very heavy or awkward to handle. If your scanner is going to be used on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s designed well.
Ideally, your scanner should have a slim and ergonomic handle that’s comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
6. Consider Your Business Requirements
There are lots of different types of scanners because there are lots of different types of businesses that use them.
Is your scanner going to be used in a big warehouse or behind a checkout counter? Is there a great potential that your scanner will be dropped or dinged on a regular basis?
Think carefully about the type of business you run and what you need before you make a decision.
7. Do You Need Indoor or Outdoor Use?
This is another thing to take into account when you’re trying to choose between different types of scanners. If you’re going to be scanning items while you’re outside, you’ll need to make sure it can handle different weather conditions like rain and snow.
8. Evaluate the Battery Life
If you’re using a battery-powered or wireless scanner, you’ll need to consider the battery life, too. You’ll probably want to buy a scanner that’s battery life lasts for an entire workday, at the very least.
9. Consider the Frequency of Use
You also need to think about how often you and your employees are going to be using the scanner.
Will it be used daily? Hourly? Several times per hour?
Or, is scanning something you’ll only need to use a few times a week or month?
Whether you’re scanning promo merchandise or heavy furniture, you’ll need to consider your anticipated frequency of use before you choose a specific type of scanner.
10. Consider Cost
Of course, cost matters, too. Make sure you have the money in your budget to pay for the type of scanner you need for your business.
Don’t limit yourself to the cheapest scanner on the market, either. With scanners, as with pretty much any other device, you get what you pay for.
Considering the benefits of a scanner for your business, it may be worth it to pay a little more for a higher-quality device.
Need More Business Tips?
Now that you know how to find the best barcode scanning system, it’s time to begin your search for the right one for your business.
Do you want to learn about other tools you need to run your business effectively? What about business management techniques that will help you be a better leader?
Whatever business-related information you need, we’ve got it for you.
Check out the Business section of our site today for all kinds of helpful articles. You’ll find resources here on everything from EINs to keeping your small business secure.
