What is Barcode

A bar code (often seen as a single word, barcode) is the small image of lines (bars) and spaces that is affixed to retail store items, identification cards, and postal mail to identify a particular product number, person, or location. This property of a barcode enables its use as an effective tool for automatic identification and data capture. The code uses a sequence of vertical bars and spaces to represent numbers and other symbols. As opposed to manual data entry, which is tedious and prone to inaccuracies, barcodes enable automatic data capture with 100% accuracy.

How a Barcode Works? (Use of Barcode)

Barcodes are an essential part of the economy. They are a routine part of commercial transactions, appearing on pretty much every product available to buy in a store.

The idea behind barcodes is quite simple. Each different item has a unique number printed on it that a scanning device can read and identify. This makes it possible to automate the transfer of product information, such as its price, from the product to an electronic system such as a cash register.

Barcodes can be read by different kinds of technology. Scanners are specially programmed for transferring the data housed by the barcode to the application program, providing instant access to a wealth of information. An interface scanner connected to a computer transmits the barcode’s information as if it was inputted on a keyboard.

Benefits of Barcodes:

1.  Eliminate the possibility of Human Error.

Using barcode technology for data input reduces the risk of an employee accidentally issuing the wrong stock, incorrectly logging time against a job, and guarantees accurate inventory levels along with actual job costs tracked correctly. Scanning helps prevent human input mistakes that would otherwise be very costly and very time-consuming to correct.

2.   Reduce Training Time.

Inputting data via a barcode scanner is much simpler and more universal than learning a particular data entry system, point, and click. The employee does not have to be readily efficient in manoeuvring the system which makes training employees faster and more efficient.

3.   Be Versatile.

Barcodes can be used to keep track of many distinct types of information–making them a powerful and customizable tool that can fit the needs of virtually any workplace.

4.   Always Adapt.

Adding to the point about versatility barcodes can be adapted even after they are implemented thus enabling companies to seek newer and more efficient ways of measuring data without drastically changing their existing systems.

5.   Cost

The cost of printing a barcode is virtually nil–and, apart from the initial upfront investment of purchasing and implementing a barcode system, there is almost no downside to using barcode technology.

6.    Instant Data Input and Retrieval.

Barcodes are one of the fastest ways to input large amounts of relevant data, or in the instance of inventory, using the barcode pick list issues the correct material to the right job, and inventory is automatically updated. They can save employees enormous amounts of time–and, therefore, they can save employers money.