In this era of utmost efficiency, barcodes have become a godsend. They can now be found on any product or shipment. With their ability to store a considerable amount of information and retrieve this data as and when required, they have brought about a huge transformation in various industries’ workflow.
It has been well established that they can streamline any industry, but how exactly do they impact packaging and parcel scanning? Keep on reading to know more.
How can barcode readers be used in the packaging industry?
The packaging industry is different from other industries with its own specific needs and requirements; this section lists and explains the various ways in which barcode readers are crucial here:
Product Identification
Since barcodes can be encoded with a large amount of information – distinctive product data, such as Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), serial or batch numbers, product name, description, manufacturer, and batch/lot number, among other information, can also be stored within them.
This feature is extremely handy during inventory management, packing, and parcel scanning. When products arrive at a facility, barcode scanners can scan the codes to update inventory records and track the quantity of the items received.
Similarly, when products are packaged and prepared for shipment, barcode readers can scan the codes to help keep track of the shipped products and update stock levels.
The inventory manager or the responsible personnel may swiftly and precisely identify the products to be stacked or packed by scanning the barcodes. All this could be done by simply using the information retrieved by the scanner on the system it is connected to.
Quality Control
Barcodes provide efficient and reliable product identification; the responsible personnel will accurately identify the product that must be packed for a certain order and the packing material that must be used. As distinct codes are allocated to each product and packet, scanning them can help confirm that the right products are being used with each other. This factor also reduces any possibility of human error that might have occurred while matching the information manually.
Also, barcodes can be used to confirm the integrity of a product. For example, certain sectors, like pharmaceutical or high-value electronics, may use barcodes with built-in security mechanisms or unique identifications on their packets to assure the legitimacy of their products. Barcode readers can scan these specific barcodes to verify the product’s authenticity and find any indications of tampering or fake goods.
Tracking
Barcodes allow for product traceability and tracking throughout the packaging process and after that. A unique code that acts as a digital identifier can be given to each product or package. Companies may track the flow of their products and gain visibility into their supply chain.
The code may be scanned at every checkpoint or warehouse the product stops at, and its status will be updated in the database it is connected to. This creates transparency between all parties, mainly the consumer, manufacturer, and other stakeholders.
Batch and Lot Management
Barcodes are essential for assigning products with a unique identity, especially those made in batches or lots. Each batch or lot can be identified by a unique barcode containing important information like the manufacturing date, the production facility, and other batch-specific specifics. This code is affixed to the packets or labels of the products within that batch. This information can be retrieved as and when required.
Additionally, barcode readers enable effective and focused recall management in the unfortunate case of a product recall. Packaging professionals may easily identify the precise products that need to be recalled by scanning the barcode connected to the impacted batch or lot. As a result, focused and prompt recall actions are made possible, reducing the impact on unaffected products and improving customer safety and satisfaction.
Streamlined Workflows
Barcodes optimize workflow in the sense that it streamlines and automates various processes. This can be done in several ways, including integrating the codes with other software systems. For instance, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can be coupled with barcode readers to allow seamless data exchange and synchronization.
This synchronization makes real-time visibility into packaging operations like parcel scanning and other factors possible, which aids in better resource allocation and decision-making.
Additionally, barcode scanners can be connected to packaging machinery and conveyors to configure settings based on the scanned information automatically. Consequently, the correct materials and containers can be used to pack the product, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor.
Conclusion
Barcodes have revolutionized the packaging scene all over the world. They have established themselves as crucial to this industry. This is well-deserved, as they allow for accurate and efficient data collection, inventory management, quality control, and product identification. They improve productivity, streamline processes, and boost overall operational effectiveness.
