| Most retailers today use UPC bar code merchandise | | | | of store loyalty programs. |
| scanning at the point of sale, and for receiving | | | | Pricing Control |
| merchandise into inventory. Everyone from the large | | | | Protecting your profit margins and selling your |
| well known retail chain, to the small independent retailer | | | | merchandise at the appropriate price point is vital for |
| uses the UPC bar codes as an essential part of their | | | | the success of any retail operation. Nothing erodes |
| retail business operation. | | | | margins faster than ringing up merchandise at an |
| Although UPC Bar Code usage is widespread, most | | | | incorrect price due to cashier error or price tag |
| retailers should be taking greater advantage of this | | | | switching. Price changes and discounts can be |
| technology as part of their inventory control solution. In | | | | implemented immediately, saving valuable time and |
| POS management, bar code usage can greatly help | | | | handling costs. |
| the retailer increase sales, profitability, and operational | | | | Inventory Control |
| efficiencies while improving customer service. Here are | | | | In a point of sale system when a bar code Scanner |
| a few examples: | | | | used with inventory control software, scanning bar |
| Faster customer check out time | | | | coded merchandise as items are sold, returned and |
| Nothing is more frustrating to a customer than waiting | | | | received ensures that on hand inventory levels are |
| in line while a cashier fumbles at the register looking up | | | | accurately adjusted. Scanners are extremely accurate |
| a price or department, or checks with their manager to | | | | compared to key entry, which helps maintain more |
| see if an item is on sale. When scanning bar coded | | | | accurate inventory levels. |
| merchandise at the point of sale, merchandise | | | | By monitoring and tracking inventory levels, the retailer |
| information is controlled through software, making | | | | can make better informed decisions. Knowing which |
| check out time much faster and accurate than manual | | | | items are selling fast and need to be re-ordered |
| entry or typing a SKU number. This provides better | | | | prevents revenue loss due to out-of-stocks, or |
| and faster customer service, while ensuring that | | | | perhaps losing a valuable customer altogether |
| merchandise is sold at the correct price. | | | | because the competitor down the street always has |
| When used with a good POS Inventory Control | | | | their favorite item in stock. Valuable inventory capital |
| system, UPC bar code scanning can facilitate the | | | | can be released for more open-to-buy when the |
| handling of quantity price breaks automatically, or | | | | retailer can quickly identify their slower selling items, |
| enable preferred pricing for customers who are part | | | | and reduce them for clearance. |