A barcode inventory system can revolutionize the way you track, stock, and manage products for your self-care business. There are several benefits to implementing an inventory scanning system, many of which will simplify your operations and keep your day-to-day as seamless as possible. 

A barcoding system is your ticket to a streamlined business experience. By using barcodes for inventory management, you and your staff always know what products are on hand and what needs restocking. This article will cover all the advantages of having a barcoding system, as well as a how-to guide on implementing your own, and tips on choosing the best barcode inventory software. 

What Is a Barcode Inventory System and How Does it Work?

A barcode inventory system is not only a way to track products, but to check the data points associated with your items such as supplier info, weight, and price. Barcodes come in either one or two-dimensional formats: The 1-D format is your standard vertical line barcode. These barcodes have lines of varying widths, with two sets of digits below the pattern – the manufacturer’s code, and the product code. 

A 2-D format uses a square/rectangle shape filled with geometric patterns or dots – what you may recognize as a QR code. QR codes can hold more data than barcodes (such as images or URLs), and can also be scanned from any direction. 

These barcodes connect to a central database that serves as a hub for your inventory management. A barcoding system can also generate reports on product performance, letting you know which merchandise is your hottest seller, along with other relevant data. 

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4 Benefits of Implementing a Barcode Inventory System in Your Beauty & Wellness Business

Whether you work in a spa, salon, tattoo studio, or massage parlor, a great barcode inventory system can be highly beneficial to your productivity, and transform the way you do business. Keep reading to learn about the many advantages of barcoding for inventory management. 

1. Provides real-time visibility 

Barcode inventory systems provide instant visibility into product quantities and locations. You can track your stock in real time, which is especially useful if you have multiple locations for your business. With a barcoded inventory, you never have to guess how much product you have left or wonder if you’ll have enough for your next client. 

2. Saves time on administrative duties

Automatic inventory processing means you and your staff spend less of your days manually counting or tracking items, significantly reducing the time and effort required to manage your stock. 

Depending on your inventory scanning system, you can learn which products are selling poorly, or get an alert to reorder items once they fall below a certain threshold. With a more precisely tracked inventory, you only ever have what you need (and never end up buying more of the products you don’t) – which can also save your beauty and wellness business big money in the process. 

3. Cuts down on data entry errors

Barcode inventory systems can help reduce manual data entry mistakes by providing automated processing. With barcodes, you can get accurate product counts as well as their pricing and expiration dates, enabling you to make the most efficient decisions when it comes to stocking, replenishing, or selling your inventory. 

4. They’re a cost-effective investment

Barcode scanners and software are relatively affordable, the cost of which is worth it for the amount of value they provide. Barcoding saves you time, money, and training hours, all while providing a serious boost to your beauty and wellness business with an upfront cost that won’t break the bank. 

How to Implement a Barcode Inventory System in 5 Steps

Implementing a barcode inventory system takes a few steps, but the amount of time and money it can save your business is well worth the investment. Below is our guide on setting up your own barcoding system. 

1. Evaluate your current process

Evaluate your current inventory management processes and identify the specific challenges you're facing. Are you getting accurate product counts? Does your system automatically order low stock items? Do your codes even scan to the right products? If inventory control issues cause your business to suffer, it’s time to invest in a better barcoding system. 

2. Research and compare your options

Barcoding software features vary depending on the device. Do you specifically need software that auto-refills your items? Do you need a versatile program that can manage several locations? Research and compare different barcode inventory software options against your needs to make the most informed purchase possible. If necessary, you may also need to invest in a scanner. 

3. Make a database

Scanning a barcode does nothing if there is no database for reference! Create a comprehensive database of all your beauty and wellness products, including product names and descriptions, stock keeping units (a.k.a. SKUs), and purchase price. This information will make it much easier to analyze your inventory data and make more efficient management choices. 

GlossGeniusʼ barcode scanning system lets you categorize products, and can even auto-populate product details after scanning so you donʼt have to. 

4. Print barcode labels

Once you have your system set up, create your labels and print them. Note that you may need a specific printer (like an Inkjet) to make workable barcodes. After they’re printed, you’ll have to affix your barcode labels to each one of your products. 

With a simple scan, GlossGenius can update your inventory details so you always have an accurate count of your supply. 

5. Update your software

Even the most high-tech, top-of-the-line barcode inventory software will need an update once in a while. Whichever tools you choose, make sure you test them regularly and install any necessary updates to keep everything working seamlessly. 

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3 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Barcode Inventory System

There are a few factors to consider before you commit to an inventory system. The following list of tips can give you all the information you need to make the right purchase. 

1. Get a scalable system

You need a software system that can grow with your beauty and wellness business. Systems with limited features might work for a small business with only a few products, but as you take on more clients and open more locations, you’ll need reliable software that can keep up with you and your business needs. 

2. Choose a program that integrates with your existing systems

When choosing software, it’s best to look for programs that can integrate with your current systems. For example, linking your inventory systems to point-of-sale features means your inventory gets updated every time a client makes a purchase. 

Look for systems that can also integrate with your accounting software and your customer relationship management (CRM) tools to help streamline your business and make it easier to get the job done. 

3. Look for a user-friendly interface

Your inventory scanning software should be straightforward and easy to use. Aside from picking software for your needs and budget, you should also choose one that’s intuitive and simple to learn. With the right software, you can minimize the time spent training staff to use it, especially those who are less technologically inclined. 

Manage Your Inventory with GlossGenius

The right barcode inventory system should make work simpler for you and your staff. Accurately tracking product inventory and automating administrative tasks can help take your business to the next level by saving you time, effort, money, and frustration.  

GlossGenius is the perfect companion for self-care businesses that rely on their inventory to provide top-quality service to clients. Get snapshots of your inventory performance, or manage your data from anywhere with our Inventory Management features. With GlossGenius inventory tools, you can collect and display accurate data regarding your products, and free up your staff to tackle more pressing issues.