The Pitfalls of DIY Barcoding

Many companies purchase barcode software and equipment so that they can produce their own barcodes in house--and eliminate the expense of outsourcing barcodes to another company. This strategy may be a great approach for companies whose barcodes primarily stay in-house, for inventory or other purposes. But for companies that need more robust barcode systems, outsourcing to an established barcode company ultimately saves money in the long run.

Creating and maintaining a barcode program requires extensive expertise and working knowledge of industry standards. Therefore outsourcing the development and continuance of a barcode program actually makes sense for most companies:

1. The barcode industry continues to evolve, so anyone who creates or maintains barcode systems must seek ongoing education. As technologies and standards change, barcode experts keep up with new developments, to ensure that their clients get cutting-edge products that consistently meet and exceed industry standards.
2. Because barcode companies are focused solely on quality control, they employ rigorous barcode quality verification programs that ensure outstanding accuracy. It is not usually feasible for individual companies to create and administer quality verification of the same caliber.
3. Troubleshooting a barcode program can be a challenge for someone who is not familiar with common mistakes. An expert knows exactly which questions to ask to prevent errors like overvaluing coupon codes or assigning the wrong prices to products.
4. Building a barcode program takes time away from a company’s primary purpose. Outsourcing barcode needs to a reliable company allows employees to focus on growth and development, rather than the nuts and bolts of delivering and tracking products.
5. As technology and standards change, upgrading software and purchasing new barcoding equipment is inevitable. Meanwhile, the material cost of printers, labels, and ink will be ongoing expenses. Outsourcing lets someone else incur these expenses.
6. The right barcode company can become a true partner, not only streamlining barcode needs, but also providing labels, business forms, and promotional products. These comprehensive services make for simplicity and savings.

Ultimately the majority of companies realize significant savings when they outsource their barcode labeling to a reliable barcode company. A partnership with a reputable company ensures quality work, eliminates the learning curve, and reduces equipment expenses.