How to Implement Barcodes in Your Warehouse_ A Step-by-Step Guide - www.milesdata.com

1. How to Implement Barcodes in Your Warehouse: A Step-by-Step Guide Consumer behaviors changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some notable trends including a preference for shopping online, especially for groceries and other essentials. The pandemic also brought about recruitment difficulties and labor shortages that gravely impacted the logistics and warehouse industries. It has become imperative for warehouse owners and managers to adopt automation technologies to stay competitive, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency. One of these technologies is barcode scanning, which can help your warehouse become more effective at keeping track of every product in your inventory. Whether you’re making changes to your barcode system or implementing barcodes for the first time, here’s a step-by-step guide you can use to eliminate the guesswork. Make a plan The first step to barcode implementation is creating a plan to prevent future problems and ensure compatibility between the barcode system’s different components. Assess the needs and challenges of your warehouse, including processes, goals, and the requirements of your production and operations departments. Next, create a labeling plan to implement barcodes in your warehouse. This doesn’t mean choosing what to barcode and driving all processes immediately from manual to digital and paperless. Take with smaller but surer steps. To start, stop using paper for recording physical transactions that are later entered into the ERP. Instead, consider mobile devices to record transactions in real-time with barcode scans, so the inventory automatically updates in the ERP system when transactions occur. Be sure to consider feedback from your team, particularly your warehouse staff that works on the floor daily. Their input can help you understand the best current processes. Work closely with them to identify the best processes to replace with barcodes. Define label format and data Identify the information you must collect or display externally or internally. The labels can include the stock code and description, quantity, expiry date, and quantity, for example. You should also choose a barcode type and format relevant to your organization’s needs. Refer to the type and amount of data you must encode. Customize your labels You can use a label design platform to create your barcodes and labels. Use an online barcode generator or invest in dependable barcode label software.

2. Think about the attachment method and material before printing the labels. Consider your warehouse’s environment, temperatures, and conditions. You may want to use aluminum or waterproof labels to ensure durable labels especially if they will be exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Implement automation Automated software can simplify your scanning process and automatically feed the barcoded transactions into your ERP system. A warehouse management platform enables easier access to real-time information while reducing paperwork, enhancing inventory accuracy, and streamlining warehouse operations. Create a labeling process Establish a standard process for labeling your inventory. Determine how items are labeled when received and how to label existing inventory. Review your process regularly to find gaps and problems and address them promptly. Choose high-quality equipment Invest in robust and reliable barcode scanners to ensure a fast and accurate flow of data within your warehouse and enhance your team’s productivity. Miles Data Technologies carries a variety of barcode scanning devices from well-known brands like Zebra, so you know you’re getting only the best equipment for your warehouse.