Four Essential Questions to Ask When Choosing a Barcode Scanning Solution

Investing in new software and technology is always an extensive process. Not only do you have to do thorough research into the products you are considering, but you also have to prove the benefits of the software in order to obtain approval from upper management for purchase. The time and money put into not only the software but the process itself is a huge investment, and you need to be as prepared as possible in order to make the right technology decision for your company.

When it comes to barcode scanning software, it is important to know what you are looking for. Every company has its unique needs when it comes to barcoding and inventory management, and making sure you invest in the right solution is crucial to your barcoding success. Don’t make the mistake of investing in the wrong solution for your company!

For companies needing access to real-time information, wireless barcode scanners are the way to go. These are used to track data as products move in and out of the company. Once a barcode is scanned, the data is sent directly to the company’s ERP and inventory management software. Sales teams and upper management can then view the information in real-time in the company’s systems and create more timely and accurate reports.

Once your company has determined its unique needs in a barcode scanning solution, you need to create a plan for investment. How much is your company willing to spend on barcode scanners and the software implementation? How much time are you planning for the implementation process? Is this an immediate need, or can it be implemented over time? Your answers to these questions will help the vendor you choose establish realistic expectations for implementation.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Barcode Scanning Solution

When it comes to selecting your technology vendor and barcode scanning solution, you need to know the answers to four crucial questions. Your answers to these questions will help shape a successful selection and implementation process.

1. How do I expect a barcode and inventory management solution to improve my processes? In other words, why are you looking at investing in barcode scanning software and technology? List your expectations and requirements, and then choose the solution that meets your top requirements.
2. Does the software provider have experience implementing software and technology for my particular industry? Check their credentials prior to investing in any solution. If they do not have experience working with companies in your particular industry, start looking for other vendors.
3. Does this vendor offer all of the services I need? Whether you are looking for implementation services or ongoing support, make sure the barcode scanning solution vendor you choose meets your vendor expectations. The vendor can certainly make or break your barcode experience!
4. Does the barcode scanning solution integrate with our existing software? This is huge when you are implementing barcode technology. You want to invest in a solution that can seamlessly integrate with existing ERP and accounting software; otherwise, you may have to invest in more technology than you were planning or create elaborate workarounds.

IWI Consulting’s barcode scanning inventory management solution integrates seamlessly with Sage 300cloud (formerly known as Sage 300) to offer you a comprehensive business solution to help your organization improve inventory management, achieve total business efficiency, and save on the high costs related to business inventory. This web based inventory management solution provides users with full control over their inventory management, allowing them to eliminate costly and time-consuming manual processes and remove the barriers to effective inventory management. To learn more about IWI Consulting’s web based inventory management solution and its unique features built especially with the small business in mind, click here.

To learn more about how barcode and scanning technology can help improve your company’s inventory situation, download our Barcode Scanning Inventory Module for Sage 300cloud (formerly known as Sage 300) product brochure.

Our small and dedicated team specializes in helping small-to-medium size Canadian businesses and non-profits select and adapt Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Human Resource Management (HRMS) and IT services. With IWI’s 15 years in business and 100 plus years of combined experience, IWI has helped hundreds of food manufacturing, distribution, and financial service companies gain efficiency, grow, and lower their operating costs.

With the unique combination of industry knowledge and diverse technology expertise, IWI provides cost-effective solutions to help clients gain a competitive edge.  As a Sage business partner, servicing the Greater Toronto Area, we support evaluation and implementation of operations and finance systems to optimize technology, ensuring high return on investment with a quick and painless transition to new software.