With the advent of time, inventory management has become complex for retailers and manufacturers. However, technology always emerges as the savior in such scenarios. Most manufacturers and retailers use advanced inventory management devices and cutting-edge software to make the process accurate and effortless.
Barcodes and QR codes have significant roles in streamlining the inventory management process. UPC barcodes were first used for inventory tracking in the 1960s. Barcodes revolutionized retail inventory management at that time, though they had some drawbacks. A UPC barcode can only contain small amounts of information. QR codes have gradually replaced barcodes to overcome the drawbacks of UPC barcodes.
What Is a QR Code?
The UPC barcodes have a rectangular shape, and they contain vertical lines. The QR code is square, and you will find a pattern of multiple dots or small squares. A scanner can read the code both horizontally and vertically. Such flexibility in scanning the code makes the inventory management process faster.
QR codes can store more information due to the pixel pattern. A QR code can store around 4,000 characters. Therefore, inventory managers can put product information, image links, video links, and many more things inside a QR code. Whenever you scan the code, you will get access to this information.
The Uses of QR Codes for Inventory Management
Using QR codes for inventory management makes the process simpler and more beneficial. Scanning a QR code is simpler, as you do not need LASER guns for scanning these codes. Anyone can scan the codes using a smartphone.
1. Real-time Inventory Tracking
Real-time inventory tracking is essential nowadays due to the emergence of online stores. Online retailers observe multiple purchases every second, and thus real-time inventory tracking is essential. QR codes store real-time inventory information. Therefore, retailers can strategically order stocks from suppliers for the best-selling and worst-selling products.
2. QR Code Carries Dynamic Information
QR gives access to detailed information about inventory. Businesses can connect the QR code with a website’s database and find detailed information about maintenance and use. A business can store product locations through QR codes. Scanning the code will help the inventory managers identify the exact location of the product in transit.
3. Quick Scanning Speed
The traditional UPC barcode scanning is slow. Nevertheless, it would help scan the barcode in the proper alignment with the scanning device. One can scan the QR codes from any angle; thus, scanning occurs faster. Companies do not have to invest in LASER scanners, though they need to invest in developing QR code scanner applications. Employees can use the smartphone app to scan codes and access the code’s information.
4. Flexibility in Scanning
Since employees use their smartphone apps to scan QR codes, they experience convenience in scanning. You may get wireless barcode scanners, though they work within a network range. But, a QR code scanner works everywhere.
QR codes have become integral parts of inventory management nowadays. Most businesses store product information in QR codes, giving convenience to effortless inventory management.
* * If you are looking to enquire about IVEPOS retail POS software follow this link https://ivepos.com/retail-pos/
