Bar Code Inventory Systems

Today's small business inventory control software can bring a Mom and Pop enterprise into the twenty-first century. No matter how small or large, retail merchants can only realize profits if they can keep track of merchandise. Loss management pros will attest to the fact that if merchants don't know what they have to sell or how much, they cannot possibly control what's going out or coming into the warehouse or the sales floor. Gone are the days when retailers could just list stock on a ledger and try to keep prices in their head. To compete with larger retailers for today's customers, business owners need to work smarter, not harder. The bottom line: if entrepreneurs want to become better asset managers, they need good quality, efficient and accurate electronic systems for better control.

Even owners operating on a shoestring can afford some of the less pricey bar code inventory systems to realize greater profits. Business inventory control software is user-friendly and can be integrated to work with popular accounting programs. Using a laser data scanner terminal and mobile laser gun with preloaded programming, stock clerks can scan merchandise the instant it is unloaded in receiving, quickly enter data, and import it into a spreadsheet. Later at the register, sales are rung up by scanning barcodes with a handheld bar code reader. Small businesses can automatically know when stock is short and identify shrinkages; check reorder levels, and stock seasonal items in advance of peak consumer buying seasons. Recognizing spiritual seasons is even more important than predicting when customers will buy merchandise. Global turmoil, economic unrest, and moral decadence all point to a time of Christ's soon return. Those who are unprepared yet have an opportunity to receive salvation. "But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 24:44)

Instead of second guessing about consumer buying trends, savvy retailers can use small business inventory software to determine when, what and how much merchandise shoppers are buying. Fully integrated software allows merchants to assess profits on each item, on every transaction, every day of the week or month of the year. Owners can control supplies and manage overhead using bar code inventory systems that let retailers know when to restock or replenish outdated perishable goods. Store owners can easily plan sales and specials on goods that are close to expiring and avoid losing thousands of dollars on slow moving merchandise. Retailers can adjust spending to accommodate fluctuations in supply and demand, off season sales, and shortages. With reliable supply control programs, there is really no reason why business owners can't meet or exceed sales goals.

Bar code inventory systems are not just for retailers. Warehouses, automotive parts stores, and faith-based organizations can all take advantage of efficient means of controlling supplies. Food banks which distribute canned goods and non-perishables can easily track contributions and distributions, and rotate food to avoid spoilage. Small business inventory control software allows warehouse owners to track parts and service items, customize price levels, process returns, create bills of materials to track costs and components, and view back ordered items on invoices, purchase orders, and statements.

Comprehensive small business inventory control software solutions are tailored to each individual business' needs and can be programmed for one, five, or as much as 20 PC users. Systems can cost from $750 for 5 users to as much as $9,000 for a high-end 20-user system. Most software comes with technical support for one year with optional extended support at an additional fee. Good quality bar code systems include all the items necessary for retailers and merchants to implement efficient management: a mobile pistol grip laser gun, a bar code printer, software, barcode label design program, and merchandise labels and ribbons. Some bar code systems require a dedicated SQL server, which can be purchased independently of the system or included in the contract. Complete inventory control systems can run nearly $5,000; but lower priced units start at half the cost. Retailers on a tight budget might want to consider purchasing refurbished systems, but refurbished units should come with at least a limited warranty. Other than purchasing new inventory control systems and software from online vendors, entrepreneurs may want to bid on discount shopping websites to net a great bargain on refurbished systems. Again, buyers should make sure to ask about warranties, ordering replacement parts, maintenance, and technical support after the sale.

A unique feature of small business inventory control software is its ability to generate quarterly and annual reports for filing timely taxes. Business owners have access to analyses for profitability, profit and loss, and labor and overhead. Damaged goods logs and physical inventory worksheets give an accurate view of assets on hand. Accountants only have to pull data from generated reports to prepare business income tax returns at the end of the fiscal year for federal and state governments. Today's entrepreneur would do well to browse inventory control software providers online and compare features and prices to determine which package best meets their needs. Software manufacturers offer systems tailored specifically to certain industries, making it easy for users to streamline usage. Industry-specific software exists not only for retailers, but also for contractors, Internet businesses, accountants, insurance agents, healthcare professionals, and electricians. Anyone who must keep track of merchandise, parts, or equipment can benefit from using bar code inventory systems

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