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Why did the Barcode Survive and Why is it important?
Author:
Techsavvy
Published:
Introduction
Barcodes have transformed the
world, and they can now be
found
on practically every product or packaging
manufactured today. Many people consider the basic collection of lines printed on a piece of paper
to be
one of
the most influential inventions of the twentieth century.
A barcode's primary goal is to employ a number to uniquely identify each product. Barcode are used in
many
industries like grocery stores, healthcare industry etc. they also used in keep track of rental
cars,
airline
luggage, nuclear waste, registered mail, express mail and parcels. A unique number will be allocated
to
each
product that is identical in every way (size, shape, color, weight, model, specification, and so
on).
Each type
of
a product must have its own number to distinguish itself from other similar products. For this
numbering
strategy
to work there must be no possibility of duplicate numbers for different products from different
suppliers. It is
for this reason that GS-1 (Formerly known as EAN) is tasked with registering and providing these
unique
(13
digit
EAN Barcode) codes in order to prevent duplication.
Evolution of barcode-
Encoding letters, numerals, and special
characters like $, %, &, *
Data can be recovered from a barcode image that
has been degraded.
From microns to acres, this system is scalable.
Capacity to endure inaccuracy in printing methods
like thick cardboard.
QUALITY: YOU ENFORCE WHAT YOU EXPECT-
Barcodes have a strong history, are widely used, and have a bright future. This is due to a variety of
valid
factors. It's possible to exaggerate one's faith in technology.
The only way to ensure that a system's performance continues is to ensure its quality. Barcodes can
survive a
lot
of abuse and neglect, but there is a limit. Something even better and more durable will almost certainly
arise in
the future.
When barcode issues cause a process to break down, it's crucial to realize that the identifying marks
that
move
product through the assembly line, fulfillment centre, packaging operation, or supply chain are just as
important
as the product itself.
3 Benefits of Barcodes-
1. Barcodes reduce human errors-
In enterprises, warehouses, and other facilities where manual data input is used, human error is a
typical
occurrence. Employees might easily flip numbers, skip a line, misread a number, or utilize illegible
handwriting while entering data by hand. Barcodes, on the other hand, reduce the likelihood of human
error.
Because they are faster, more reliable, and require less time, barcode scans are more efficient than
human
data input. When barcodes are scanned, the images are quickly and precisely translated to a display in a
software application on a computer or a mobile device, removing human data entry errors. Employees that
use
barcode systems are also more productive than those who manually enter data.
2. Barcodes help organizations in improving productivity-
Warehouse barcodes can increase productivity by cutting unnecessary warehousing costs and improving
inventory efficiency. Employee productivity can be boosted by allowing employees to focus on other
activities or complete more orders since barcode scanners allow them to handle more orders faster than
they
could without them. Barcodes eliminate human tasks by automatically storing product information. It
lowers
labor costs and increases productivity by reducing paperwork. Data entry is automated through barcode
scanning, reducing the chance of human error. Businesses can use digitally recorded data to successfully
manage their orders, inventories, and shipments, resulting in increased efficiency.
3. Barcodes save time by optimizing data entry-
Barcodes allow businesses to save time. The majority of barcode scanners come with software that
eliminates
the need for manual data entering and writing. As a result, data in the central database is
automatically
updated each time an employee scans a barcode. Because all information is stored digitally and simply
scanned, any paperwork-related labor may be completely avoided. Barcodes enable workers to save time
between
their workstation and the warehouse by allowing them to move about more freely.
Which industries are still relying on the use of barcodes?
Education:
Educational institutions use a variety of barcode types and barcode scanners to streamline
operations,
from student identification cards to tracking school equipment.
Healthcare:
Barcodes have long been used in hospitals to simplify activities such as admitting patients and
obtaining
patient information by scanning them instead of performing a time-consuming (and error-prone) manual
process. They're especially helpful for keeping track of drugs and ensuring that vital prescription
information like strength and dose is precise and constant.
Retail:
Retailers use barcodes every day to manage their inventory, track sales, and prevent shrinkage, which
is
a traditional use case for barcode scanning. Handheld barcode scanners have made processing
transactions, accessing product information, and locating products easier than ever before.
Supply Chain:
Barcode scanning technology has aided in the automation of essential logistics elements in a variety
of
businesses. The capacity to trace shipments and provide information to customs authorities is more
important than ever before as companies continue to do business around the world.
Legal, Insurance, & Finance:
Different types of barcodes can be used to improve document management by making it easier to monitor
and
organize contracts, applications, and invoices, as well as flagging important papers that require
extra
security procedures.
