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WHAT YOU NEED

You'll need following items to start using bar coding...

1. POS - Inventory Software that supports bar code scanning at point of sale.

2. A bar code scanner that's compatible with your POS software.

3. Merchandise that's properly labeled with bar code symbologies that your POS software and scanners can handle.

4. A bar code printer (if all your merchandise comes with UPC codes you won't need this).

HOW TO GET STARTED

Step 1 - Decide if you need a bar code printer. If ALL of your products already have UPC codes then you can probably use those. Otherwise you'll have to buy a "bar code printer" and create your own bar code labels.

Step 2 - Contact your POS - Inventory Software Vendor to find out which scanners and bar code printers they support. You'll need to purchase a bar code scanner and possibly a bar code printer.

Step 3 - Ask your software vendor how to setup your POS - Inventory Software to handle your bar code printer and scanner. Then get your software ready to print labels and scan items at point of sale.

Step 4 - Get ALL of your merchandise bar coded and entered into your POS software. You'll need to use your POS software to print bar code labels for ALL merchandise that doesn't have a UPC code. (Once you get everything labeled you can print and label new merchandise at receiving.)

You'll also need to make sure that inventory in your POS software has appropriate UPC code associated with each item. Some of your suppliers might be able to provide "electronic price files" which can be loaded into your POS software. The price file would include SKUs, prices and UPC numbers. Otherwise you'll have to manually associate a UPC number with each inventory item. Again, you'll need to contact your software vendor to learn how to do this.

Step 5 - Make sure your POS software has accurate pricing and each inventory item has bar coding configured.

Step 6 - Now all you have to do is scan items at register instead of entering SKU. The SKU and price should get entered into POS system automatically.

If used properly, bar coding technology can help you check out customers 20% to 50% faster and lower error rates by almost 4%. Not only does this dramatically improve your customer service but it saves time and lowers your overhead.

If you need help getting started with bar coding, it's best to contact your POS - inventory software provider.