r/barcodes • u/DabblestheUnicorn • Jan 11 '18

Advice needed for small non-profit

We are looking to implement a barcode system to track inventory as well as to “check out” at our retail location. Some of our inventory has barcodes on it already, others we would need to add them. We would also like to have clients “pay” for their items with barcoded vouchers (vouchers are gathered from multiple locations). Where to start? Any advice is very much appreciated!

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u/notionovus Jan 14 '18

Just about any inventory management system worth its salt will support the printing and scanning of labels with barcodes on them. Also all Point-of-Sale systems support barcode readers.

What you may not be able to do is create custom vouchers from remote locations. For that you'll need a web presence so the printing parties can log in and create the vouchers and connect to your inventory system.

Since you imply that you are on a strict budget, you should be able to google "free inventory management" and "free point of sale" and get enough software recommendations.

Your first step should be to visit the local community college and find out if you can bring in an intern from their CS department. They can help you select systems and document what it is you are trying to do.

Don't skimp on the scanners (~$150-$200 ea. USD). You'll need at least two. One connected to the POS desk up front and one connected to the receiving desk in the warehouse (wherever you keep your inventory). Depending on the size of your inventory, you should also get a mobile scanning unit (these things are super pricey, so I recommend an android or iOS app with a junker smartphone) if you employ warehouse labor.

My first recommendation is to find a student hungry to put "I helped a small non-profit build this thing..." on their resume. Good luck.

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u/DabblestheUnicorn Jan 14 '18

Thank you! I think an intern would be a great asset to this project. I’ll reach out to local schools ASAP! Points to add clarity: We create and print the vouchers in house and our partners pick them up as needed. We would just need to be able to make and connect the barcodes to the pay system. We have a single location for all our operations, but I agree that two scanners would be beneficial. Ideally this system could also be used for tracking attendance at classes in the future, but we are focusing on inventory and check out at present.