Information speed and data accuracy is extremely important in nowadays supply chain. If data transfer starts to linger, products cannot move further on that supply chain. On the other hand, if products are transferred without their concurrent data we will have error, imprecision. This means additional cost, which could have been avoided.

Some of the key points in data transfer:

• data entry. Warehousing operations like receiving or picking, are still often done by using paper documents – warehouse staff manually enters real product quantities or even product names. After that, manager enters there values to the ERP system. No one is error proof, both the warehouse staff and the manager sometimes make mistakes while entering data.
• product recognition. Visually similar product packaging, product names or codes can differ in only one or two symbols – it is easy to make mistakes.
• data transfer rate. How long does it take to receive the products and to enter the new data to the ERP system? Half-day or maybe a full day? But the products have to be shipped as soon as possible...

All of these situations are very common. But if we analyze this situation, we will always find ways to lessen the number of such errors. One of the best solutions – automated data collection. And nowadays most popular of them – barcode technology.