The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, incorporating different means of improvement. One such change is barcoding system implementation to automate workflows and boost efficiency.

Barcoding system helps improve manufacturing processes' efficiency, accuracy, and stock management. It lets you change how products are tracked, managed, and identified in the manufacturing industry.

In this blog, we will discuss the steps in setting up a barcoding system in the manufacturing industry and its different aspects.

Steps To Set up a Barcoding System in Manufacturing Processes

Step 1: Plan your objectives

Before implementing a barcode system, you must clearly understand your intended objectives. What are the results you are expecting? There could be different objectives for setting up a barcoding system. These include improved inventory management, streamlining processes, reducing errors, enhancing customer service, etc.

Defining your objectives will help you choose the right barcode reader software and create an optimal barcode stock control system.

Step 2: Deciding the Barcode Type

After planning your objectives, the next step is choosing the barcodes. There are various barcodes from which you can choose. Each has its specific use. The most commonly used barcode in manufacturing industries is the UPC barcode. Also known as a "Universal Product Code, it is a 12-digit code. Other common barcodes include Code 39, Code 128, GS1-128, etc.

Different barcode symbologies have specific use cases in the manufacturing industry. For instance, UPC barcodes are commonly used to track inventory and manage supply chains. Code 39 is mostly used for labeling, tracking raw materials, and quality control. Code 128 is suitable for high-density barcode labeling and product tracking throughout the supply chain.

Step 3: Choosing the Barcode Reader Software

Barcode reader software is the backbone of any barcode stock control system. The software scans, reads, and then decodes the barcodes. The better the barcode reader software, the better your barcoding system.

You should consider several factors before choosing barcode reader software. It should be compatible with your existing system, easy to use, and support your desired barcode types. You should also look for additional scanning functionalities, such as accurately reading damaged, wrinkled, and curved barcodes.

Step 4: Selecting the Barcoding Equipment

The next step in setting up the barcoding system is deciding on the equipment. You can use traditional hand-held scanning devices or smartphones. Some barcode reader software can scan barcodes using your smartphone's camera. Some common benefits of mobile barcode scanning include ease of use as they eliminate the need for additional hardware, anytime, anywhere barcode scanning, and more. Overall, it also helps save expenses of dedicated buying scanning devices.

All you need is a quality barcode scanning solution.

What you decide on will ultimately influence the success of your barcode stock control system.

Apart from barcode readers, a barcode printer is the other equipment needed for a barcoding system. Ensure your barcode printer has clear printing abilities and is customizable for different needs.

Step 5: Train your employees

After setting up your barcoding system, providing the necessary on-the-job training to your employees is essential. You must train them on different facets of the barcoding system, such as scanning, printing, and managing the barcode. They should be able to successfully use the barcode reader software and handle the barcode data.

You should also educate them on the importance of the barcode stock control system and its various benefits. Furthermore, they should be taught how to maintain the barcoding system and the routine calibration of the equipment.

Benefits of setting up a barcode system in the manufacturing industry

Now that you have learned how to set up the barcoding system. Let's have a look at its various benefits:

Better Inventory Management

Implementing a barcode system helps with better inventory management in the manufacturing industry. You can easily keep track of inventory levels in real time. This way, you can minimize the risk of being overstocked or understocked.

A barcode stock control system also empowers manufacturers to trace product movement or get alerts whenever inventory levels run low. This eventually helps increase profits due to efficient inventory management and improved product availability.

Minimized manual errors

Using a barcode system drastically reduces human errors. They help automate the data entry process, making it error-free and accurate. For instance, your employees can use barcodes instead of manually counting stocks to take an item count. It is both accurate and much faster than traditional methods.

A barcode stock control system ensures that you are shipping the correct product and that it is in the correct quantity. This leads to fewer mistakes, less waste, and increased customer satisfaction.

Increased Productivity

Another reason to use a barcoding system is enhanced productivity. With a barcode system, your employees can avoid various manual processes. As a result, they can better focus on other important tasks or do barcode-enhanced workflow with enhanced productivity.

Barcoding systems allow manufacturers to quickly and accurately track the movement of products throughout the manufacturing process. Ultimately, it reduces wait time and helps in faster order fulfillment.

Enhanced Customer Service

Using a barcode stock control system also helps in providing better customer service. You have complete control over the stock levels, ensuring your customers always get their desired items.

Furthermore, you can also quickly and accurately track the status of an order. For example, you can check when it was received and estimate when it will be shipped. This way, your customers can check the status of their orders and enjoy accurate delivery dates.

Conclusion

A barcode stock control system is the future of the manufacturing industry. Implementing it provides numerous benefits, like increased efficiency, improved inventory management, better quality control, enhanced customer service, reduced errors, and increased cost savings.

You can follow the above-outlined steps to set up a barcode system customized to your specific needs. Then, you can use it to optimize your operations and gain better profits.