Streamlining Inventory Management with Custom Barcodes

Moving Beyond Spreadsheets

For many small businesses, inventory management starts with a spreadsheet. But as the business grows, manual data entry becomes a bottleneck and a source of costly errors. Implementing a barcode system is the most effective way to streamline operations.

The Power of Internal Barcodes

Unlike retail products that require official GS1 barcodes, internal inventory tracking allows you to use any numbering system and barcode format you choose.

CODE128 is the industry standard for internal tracking because it can encode letters, numbers, and symbols in a highly compact space.

Steps to Implement a Barcode System

1. Define Your SKU System

Create a logical Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) system. Your SKUs should be alphanumeric codes that identify the product, its variations, and perhaps its location. Keep them concise but descriptive.

2. Generate Your Barcodes

Use our Free Barcode Generator to create CODE128 barcodes for each of your SKUs.

• For small batches: Use Single Mode to customize and download individual high-resolution PNGs.
• For large inventories: Use the new Bulk Mode to paste your entire SKU list at once. You can then download all your barcodes in a single, organized ZIP file, saving hours of manual work.

3. Print Labels

Invest in a basic label printer (like a Dymo or Zebra) or use standard Avery labels with a laser printer. Print your generated barcodes and affix them to your products, bins, or shelves.

4. Choose Scanning Hardware/Software

You don't need expensive enterprise software to start.

• Hardware: A simple USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner acts just like a keyboard, instantly typing the scanned SKU into whatever application is open.
• Software: You can scan directly into Excel, Google Sheets, or affordable cloud-based inventory management software (like Sortly or Zoho Inventory).

Benefits of Barcoding

• Speed: Scanning a barcode takes a fraction of a second compared to typing a 10-digit SKU.
• Accuracy: Human error in data entry is virtually eliminated.
• Real-time Tracking: Know exactly what you have in stock and where it is located at any given moment.