One technology that has revolutionized the way warehouses operate is the warehouse barcode scanner. From streamlining inventory management to ensuring accurate order fulfillment, barcode scanners are essential tools in modern warehouses. In this article, we will explore the importance of barcode scanners in warehouses, highlight leading brands for industrial use, and discuss the benefits of using industrial barcode scanners. We'll also touch on how these devices support inventory management strategies like FIFO and LIFO, ultimately driving cost savings and increased profits.
1. Enhanced Inventory Accuracy: Barcode scanners significantly reduce the likelihood of human error in inventory management. By automating the process of data entry, these devices ensure that inventory records are precise, helping warehouse managers keep track of stock levels accurately.
2. Streamlined Operations: Barcode scanners expedite various warehouse operations, including receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping. This increased efficiency leads to faster order processing and fulfillment, which is essential for meeting customer demands in a timely manner.
3. Improved Traceability: With barcode scanners, every item in the warehouse can be tracked in real-time. This traceability is crucial for maintaining a clear audit trail, complying with industry regulations, and managing recalls effectively.
4. Cost Savings: By reducing errors and increasing efficiency, barcode scanners help lower operational costs. Fewer mistakes mean less time spent on corrections and fewer resources wasted on misplaced or incorrect orders.
5. Support for Inventory Management Strategies: Barcode scanners facilitate the implementation of inventory management strategies like FIFO (First In, First Out) and LIFO (Last In, First Out). These strategies are essential for managing perishable goods, reducing waste, and optimizing inventory turnover.
When it comes to industrial barcode scanners, several brands stand out for their reliability, durability, and advanced features. Here are three top brands to consider:
1. Zebra Technologies: Zebra is renowned for its rugged and versatile barcode scanners designed for demanding industrial environments. Models like the Zebra DS3600 series offer exceptional scanning performance, even in harsh conditions. They are built to withstand drops, dust, and water, making them ideal for warehouse use.
2. Keyence: Keyence barcode scanners are known for their high-speed scanning capabilities and advanced imaging technology. The SR-2000 series, for example, provides fast and accurate scanning of both 1D and 2D barcodes, ensuring efficient data capture in high-volume operations.
3. Honeywell: Honeywell offers a wide range of industrial barcode scanners that deliver robust performance and reliability. The Granit series is particularly popular in warehouses due to its durability and ability to scan barcodes from a distance, making it easier to scan items on high shelves.
Whether your company uses a FIFO , LIFO or selectively based on your customers, warehouse barcode scanners can help to ensure that the right Products from the right Locations are scanned during the Picking process
FIFO (First In, First Out): Barcode scanners are crucial for implementing FIFO inventory management, especially for perishable goods. By scanning barcodes, warehouse staff can ensure that older stock is used or shipped first, reducing the risk of spoilage and waste.
LIFO (Last In, First Out): For non-perishable items, LIFO can be efficiently managed using barcode scanners. These scanners help track the arrival and dispatch dates of inventory, ensuring that the most recently received items are used or sold first.
Higher Profits: By automating data capture and reducing errors, barcode scanners minimize the need for manual labor thus increasing the profits of the company. This leads to significant labor cost savings and allows staff to focus on more value-added tasks.
Improved Inventory Turnover: With accurate inventory tracking and efficient order processing, warehouses can achieve higher inventory turnover rates. This reduces carrying costs and frees up capital for other business activities.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Accurate order fulfillment and timely deliveries lead to higher customer satisfaction. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your business, driving long-term profitability.
Lower Error Rates: Barcode scanners drastically reduce the chances of picking and shipping errors. Fewer errors mean fewer returns and refunds, which directly contributes to cost savings and improved profit margins.
Tools are only useful when they are used correctly, the same for handheld barcode scanners. There are several stages in your company process where a handheld will not only save time but also increase the productivity of the warehouse processes
It is very important to know what is the WMS is intended. What problems is the most important to solve at your warehouse? We have consulted various clients that has different objectives for the system
Labelling or Putaway is used to identify a unique product or SKU , important to identify the age of the item in the warehouse, especially when there is an expiry or shelf life. Depending on your nature of business, this process is very much dependent on the SKU
The Process of Labelling :
When a Sales Order arrives, your WMS system will be able to identify and tell the pickers which Location in your warehouse to obtain the products. The WMS system will also sort ased on FIFO or LIFO preference
Return Orders or Return Processing involves the process when the client returns products being delivered. A proper Return process ensures that the products that are in good conditions be returned to the right Location for the next Sale and removal of a defective product
Incorporating barcode scanners into warehouse operations is not just a trend but a necessity for modern warehouse management. These devices enhance accuracy, streamline operations, and support effective inventory management strategies like FIFO and LIFO. Brands like Zebra, Keyence, and Honeywell offer robust and reliable industrial barcode scanners that can withstand the demands of warehouse environments. By investing in industrial barcode scanners, warehouses can achieve significant cost savings, improve inventory turnover, and boost overall profitability.
Maximize your warehouse efficiency and stay ahead of the competition by leveraging the power of barcode technology.
