Inventory management before the introduction of barcodes was lethargic and a tedious job. Cartons were checked and verified manually in the supply chain, costing the company money, time, and labour. Fast-forward to today, barcodes have automated this routine task which has resulted in efficient and streamlined deliveries. But what if these barcodes do not contain correct information? Each element of the supply chain will be teleported back in time.
Understanding the Importance of Accurate Barcodes in Inventory Management
As a manufacturer, you will want to deliver your products on time. You will also wish to have better control over the flow of goods, data entry accuracy, and complete transparency in the stock levels. This is all achieved once you Make Barcode for product. Barcodes can be scanned at different levels and you can keep accurate track of your products.
The Role of Barcodes in Inventory Tracking
A barcode contains a unique product identification number which upon scanning can present information like expiry date, product type, manufacturing date, manufacturer detail, and more. This information helps business owners keep track of their inventories and restock them when needed. When products are scanned at the point-of-sale it is instantly updated in the inventory system which is useful in stocktaking, inventory tracking, and order fulfilment. This results in better inventory management and fewer manual mistakes.
Consequences of Outdated Barcodes
Using outdated barcodes is similar to running a car without gas/petrol, it will serve no purpose. Scanners will pick default information, which will affect inventory management and increase errors. Outdated barcodes will result in discrepancies between physical stock levels and system records, this can result in situations of overstocking or stockouts. At the customer level, dissatisfaction will increase as retailers will have to manually check product details which will cost time. There will be inefficiencies at all levels and business performance will be directly impacted. All this makes it necessary to Make Barcode for product.
Steps to Update a Barcode for Your Product
Follow these quick steps to update the barcode for your product –
Step 1: Log in to your Datakart portal using the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) allocated to you by GS1 India. You can find your GTIN in the barcode subscription allotment letter.
Step 2: After logging in, click on edit product information. A form will open wherein you can update any default information.
Step 3: After updating the product information, click on “Generate and Print Barcodes”, fill in the “SKU” option, choose the name of the product and file type, and click “Generate”. You will get images of the updated barcode.
Generate a New Barcode for Your Product
You can Make Barcode for product by following the below steps –
Step 1: Log in to your Datakart account using the existing GTIN credentials.
Step 2: Click on the “Products” tab on the home page. It will open a list of your existing products and their details. Click on the “Add Products” tab to add new product details.
Step 3: Fill in the Product Details, Weight and Dimensions, Pricing and Tax, Images, and Other Attributes in the form.
Step 4: Submit the information for approval and wait for the confirmation.
Implement the New Barcode in Your Inventory System
Upon confirmation, your new product details will automatically be uploaded to the Datakart; which is a product information repository. You can then sell your product in the market easily and hassle-free.
Best Practices for Maintaining Updated Barcodes
It is at all times necessary to ensure your barcodes are updated, but how? Here are a few tips for you to do this.
Regular Barcode Audits
For you to update barcodes it is important to first identify the problem. Regular website audits help you track down the underlying issues in scanning barcodes. Just like car insurance, GS1 barcode subscriptions also need to be renewed or else your barcodes will not work. Ensure that your barcodes remain valid every time. You can do this by logging in to your Datakart account and enabling barcode validation.
Training Staff on Barcode Management
Not only you but also your staff should be well-versed in the barcode management process. By doing so, your employees will understand the importance of timely barcode updates and compliance with regulatory, state tender, and buyer requirements. This will prevent delays in the barcode renewal process as everyone will be aware of the requirements.
Common Challenges in Updating Barcodes and How to Overcome Them
While updating barcode information on systems, organisations face challenges that need assistance. Below are a few challenges companies face and how they can be managed.
Incorrect Product Images
Many times, businesses while updating product information are not able to update their new product images. This can happen because of incorrect dimensions of the image or non-compliance with the global standards of an image. To eliminate this, the ClickIt application comes into action. Manufacturers can take catalogue-ready images of the product to directly upload them to their Datakart account.
Data Inconsistencies
When multiple users are involved, there are chances of incorrect data entries. Data can also be inconsistent across different departments. It is hence vital to regularly audit the product information that is being fed into the information repository.
Ensuring Accuracy Across Multiple Channels
Accuracy can only be maintained when updated barcodes are in the market. Outdated barcodes should be eliminated from the chain as soon as possible to avoid disruptions and confusion.
Conclusion
Efficient inventory management calls for updated barcodes in the system. To avoid inconsistent workflow processes it is always recommended to renew your subscriptions for GS1 barcodes and put them in the system quickly. Companies have to follow this standard protocol to persist in the market and sell their products.
