Organizations across the globe need to maintain order, accuracy, and speedy service. There are plenty of management systems to combine data and processes, but one area that they end up failing at is inventory. Performing intensive counts (monthly or cycle counting) must be done with complete accuracy. One of the best ways to do this is to take advantage of inventory tags.

Inventory tags can be scanned to inform your supply chain about changes in the current inventory. This will create end-to-end visibility among all parties, from supplier to customer, as the inventory moves in the warehouse.

An inventory tag is a barcode label that is attached to a product for tracking purposes. These tags can be used for manual inventory counts. More often, they are connected to a system of scanners and an IMS (Inventory Management System) for automatic counting. These labels can be customized to meet the needs of a company and provide acceptable inventory control.

The control tags have an inventory number, barcode, and the company's name. Sometimes, there is additional information like the product name or a “do not remove” statement. Standardizing inventory labeling with a tag can ensure consistency across the company. Monitoring, stocking, and shipments have also become more efficient.

Here are the steps in labeling inventory:

1. Confirm label requirements. Understand any local, regulatory, or equipment-based requirements (barcode type, label size, label material) that may be needed in formatting your label.
2. Procure quality labels. Ensure that the quality of your labels meets the needs of your applications. Check the compatibility of the labels with the environment of your product.
3. Label inventory uniformly. There should be a basic policy in place that dictates how and where the labels should be placed in the inventory. The labels should be easily readable when the product is placed on shelves. The barcode should be accessible for scanners that may be used.
4. Review the inventory process. Set a regular review of internal and external workflows to identify issues that are not working well.

Benefits of inventory tags:

1. Inventory tracking. Barcoding technology allows tracking of the product and where it might be at any given time. There will be simpler and less stressful counts or cycling, especially during an internal audit.
2. Inventory counting. Manual counting is a waste of time, money, and skillsets. The technology behind inventory tags will automate the counts.
3. Asset management. Running inventory counts through the latest asset-management software will let you track the assets on hand.
4. Strengthening end-to-end visibility. You will be provided real-time information on the current inventory situation. Everyone in the organization will have needed information at all times.
5. Seamless reporting. Year-end or comprehensive quarterly reports will be easier to download from the IMS.

Inventory tags make a great difference when it comes to efficiency, accuracy, safety, theft prevention, and the overall lifespan of your inventory. It’s about time that you invest in an inventory system that safely keeps your business.