Bar codes are an easy way to automate a business, track assets, sort documents and manage inventory. Consumers are familiar with bar codes on items they purchase, but what appears to be a random series of lines and spaces is actually a goldmine of information for a store

If your store is still inputting prices into a computer or looking up what’s in stock from a manually maintained list, it’s time to think about how bar codes can make things easier.

Bar codes are one of the first steps a business can make towards a faster check out. pcAmerica’s Bar Code Express software integrates with its Cash Register Express™ point of sale system. Bar Code Express imports inventory information from the system and prints bar codes on any laser printer or Bar Code Blaster. Employees may select different labels or even design their own label.

Once the bar codes have been printed and applied, a bar code scanner and inventory control software help manage and locate inventory.  We’ve all waited while an employee looks around the stockroom for an item that they thought was in the back, only to be disappointed when we’re told that they would have to order it. Now, employees can simply look up the information to check if an item is in stock and even see where the item is located in the stockroom.

These types of bar codes are especially useful for stores that carry items that don’t lend themselves to individual bar codes. For example, a hardware store could make a bar code scan sheet that assigns codes to loose items, like nails, rope or wires. When a customer brings a handful of screws or a length of rope to the register, the employee simply scans the code on the sheet, enters the quantity and the line keeps moving.

Bar Code Express integrates with several bar code scanners, ranging from simple handheld units to table top and multi-directional laser bar scanners. pcAmerica’s point of sale software is also compatible with several different bar code printers.

Bar Code Express is available for a nominal fee. For more information, please call your pcAmerica sales representative at 1-800-722-6374.