In business, it is very important that all transactions be recorded. From money to the items involve in the business dealings. Before the evolution of technology, where everything is simple, tasks are done manually.
During this time, inventory is done by counting all the goods and registering them in any material that can be written.
Today, software and hardware were made specially designed to input data regarding inventory of goods making it convenient for anyone assigned for that task. This software and hardware were called inventory control system.
Inventory control system is a software and hardware tool used to automate the manner of tracking of an inventory. At present, barcode scanner is used to track inventory.
Using this system is very important for business. Users of this are mostly those businesses that sell large number or selection of merchandise item.
Inventory control system is not only used for recording items and their quantity, it is also used to automatically know when ordering of item is needed, in tracking orders and for shipments. Industries that use this are retail stores, those involve in manufacturing and shipping.
Common Components of an Inventory Control System
For those who are in business, it is important for them to know what type of inventory control system is the most applicable regarding the type of their business and the other essential things to make it work. Here is some of the list they could refer to:
Barcode Scanner – an electric device that reads printed barcodes through the use of its light sensor. Naturally, barcodes has its own decoder that analyses the image data of a barcode and automatically sends its content to the scanner’s output port.
Inventory Software – it is a computer program specialized for business and also warehouse operation usage.
The purpose of this software is to track inventory which includes the quantity, stock inventory location, and status.
Mobile computer – It is a portable data collector.
This is another form of barcode scanner but with an operating system of its own. This device can be uploaded with program or database so that it can be updated and edited while scanning.
Barcode Printer – its main use is to print tags and labels to be attached to an item.
Barcode Label – is a roll of paper specially designed where barcodes are printed.
It is important for retailers, warehouses and shipping lines to have their own inventory control system installed in their computers because its one way to keep their quality control .
This way, employee assigned for this task can efficiently work and would know any details regarding inventory and committing error would be lessen.
At present, inventory control system is specialized in a way that only the ones who are permitted to this will be able to access the inventory databases. This a sure way of keeping the records of goods updated with minimal effort, keeping track of the goods’ quantity and automatically be alerted of the need to order, and making sure that a customer’s order are complete as it was asked.