Bar Code Equipment and Supplies

Bristol Retail Solutions, Inc. Comtrex Systems Corporation

Dymo Corp. Micros Systems Inc.

Vertex Interactive, Inc. ZBA Inc. (formerly Zebex)

Guide to Bar Code Equipment and Supplies

How to find the best bar code supplies for your needs
By Christine Margiotta

The right bar code equipment will give you an inventory tracking solution that's easy to use and fully compatible with the other data systems you're using to keep tabs on the products you sell. Moreover, barcode equipment helps ease common problems that gum up the works by detecting data errors, reducing labor costs and speeding up the inventory process.

Many bar coding equipment manufacturers offer a wealth of options for you to purchase online with customer service support. These manufacturers can help you find the right bar code scanning equipment to:

1. More effectively track your assets.
2. Keep close tabs on your inventory.
3. Provide strong security against fraud.
4. Reduce your bottom line costs.
5. Enhance your business' customer service.
   

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in bar coding equipment that closely monitors your fixed assets Good inventory software will nicely back up a streamlined bar code system.

I recommend:  RioScan Fixed Assets Inventory Software is an effective way to track your assets, as well as show you how much those assets are worth.

Buy bar code scanners that require no change in your current software If you already have a barcode system in place, it's possible to invest in scanners that go right with the current flow of information.

I recommend:  Check out Barcode Power's selection of scanners and systems that promise a seamless transition into your current barcode inventory equipment. In particular, Datalogic offers a variety of scanners for a wide range of prices.

Keep your inventory secure Manufacturers of bar code reading equipment should also provide security software with their systems and products that help detect fake IDs as well as detect barcode and other errors.

I recommend:  iCheckIt, provided by SSE Technologies, reads and decodes barcode formats and decodes magnetic stripe formats (credit cards, other IDs).

Shop for reduced-cost barcode supplies While barcode equipment automatically reduces your costs by automating a number of inventory and asset-tracking tasks, you can take it one step further by purchasing this equipment used.

I recommend:  Visit the Barcode Trading Post online to browse their inventory of used equipment, or even sell your own.

Make sure your barcode equipment manufacturer provides the right support Bar coding equipment will automatically enhance your ability to provide better customer service by speeding up inventory processes and providing instant access to inventory information. But if something does go wrong, it's good to have a manufacturer that's got your back.

I recommend:  Review a comprehensive list of manufacturers online at the MBCEStore, with each entry containing links to manufacturer-specific customer service information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Make sure your bar code manufacturer can provide proof of delivery.
• Double-check that the equipment you choose is universally compatible, either with what you already have or what you might need down the road.