• The advantages that accompany the use of barcode technology.barcode image by bofotolux from Fotolia.com
  
  Barcodes are no stranger in the world of inventory tracking. Manual tracking of inventory can result in many errors and makes tracking large quantities of objects difficult. Since the advent of barcodes, inventory tracking has become more accurate and reliable, eliminating some of the errors that accompany manual tracking. Taking into account the many advantages associated with barcodes shows why this technology is the number one resource for inventory tracking.
  
  

Speed

• Manual tracking requires lots of writing and tracking for items individually. This can consume massive amounts of time, especially when dealing with large quantities of items. Because barcodes are electronic, they transmit information digitally and automatically, eliminating the time that must be put in from an outside person. This also means that they instantaneously record item transactions or changes in location.
  
  

Access

• Another benefit of dealing with a digital system as opposed to manual is the quick access that can be gained into inventory. Inventory can be altered, moved or changed quickly, which can place companies a step above competitors that do not utilize barcode systems. For informational purposes, any one item within an inventory of thousands of items can immediately be tracked and any recorded information can be displayed.
  
  

Accuracy

• The majority of errors when it comes to keeping track of inventory is usually on the part of the user when it comes to manual tracking. Barcodes lead to fewer errors in data due to the information being digitized, operating at an error rate of around 1 in 3 million entries. This places barcodes in the range of having 10,000 times the accuracy of manual input.
  
  

Cost

• Although barcode technology might have an initial investment cost, it can quickly pay for itself. It prevents loss of merchandise due to its accuracy that leads to cost savings. It also requires fewer workers, cutting out the need for typists or employees that record and keep track of data.
  
  

Professionalism

• Barcodes improve the professionalism of companies not only behind the scenes but to customers as well. Fewer problems occur when dealing with customers due to the accuracy of bar codes. They also work quickly when scanning and pricing items, speeding up a customer's experience during checkout.