Using barcodes or QR codes is one of the most proven ways to create a faster and more error-free inventory management process. Unfortunately, blurry barcodes can be a major issue for businesses that rely on these codes to get information about inventory and keep inventory lists up to date. In this article, we’ll touch on the main causes of a blurry barcode (and blurry barcode scanning) and how to solve them.
Why are blurry barcodes a problem?
Blurry bar codes are a problem because scanners may be unable to read them, rendering whatever barcode inventory system you’ve implemented moot. Since barcode systems are designed to make businesses more efficient and less error-prone as they collect data and track inventory and assets, problems scanning inventory can impact a business’s short-term productivity and long-term profitability.
What are the main causes of blurry barcodes?
From printing a far too small barcode to using a printer that needs to have its toner changed, here are three common reasons why the barcodes affixed to your inventory have become blurry or otherwise unreadable.
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The bar code or QR code is too small
Many barcode generators, including the one included with Sortly’s inventory app, allow you to choose a custom size for your barcode label when you print it out. That said, some generators allow you to print barcode labels that are way too small. Understand that such a small option may make printing a clear and crisp barcode impossible.
After all, barcodes are just a unique series of black and white lines. Decrease the space between these lines by too much, and the corruption of a code is all but guaranteed. To prevent this problem, use a barcode generator that stops you from printing barcode labels that are too small. If you manually reduce label size, discontinue the practice and stick with the smallest recommended barcode size instead.
If you’ve been making tiny barcode labels because your inventory is physically very small, consider a workaround, such as labeling the bag, cage, or bin where such items are stored.
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Your printer is malfunctioning
The good news about many barcode generators is that they don’t require you to buy dedicated barcode printers. In fact, Sortly was designed to work with virtually every type of printer, including inexpensive ones owned by various small businesses.
That said, a printer in disrepair or desperately needing a new ink cartridge will not print a barcode label of optimal quality. The same goes for label paper poorly fed into the paper tray or a printer desperately needing new toner. If you suddenly see blurry barcodes after months and months of successful printing, chances are the culprit is your printer or printer paper.
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Your barcode scanner isn’t doing its job
Sometimes, a barcode isn’t clear as day . . . But it’s not that blurry, either. In fact, that same barcode was completely scannable last year. This likely means there is an issue with the hardware you use to scan your barcodes. External barcode scanners are technological equipment, and they require maintenance. The scanners themselves can break, or damage can be done to the lens.
One option is to use your phone or tablet’s camera as a barcode scanner instead. This frees your business from having to purchase and maintain external scanners and enables your team to utilize equipment that tends to have cutting-edge cameras already built in. The Sortly app, for example, allows users to scan barcodes and QR codes using just their phone or tablet.
This easy, comprehensive guide will help you:
Free Ebook: The Complete Guide to Barcoding Your Inventory
How to eliminate blurry barcodes
In addition to ensuring your barcode labels are printed at a reasonable size, your printer is in good working order, and your barcode scanners are well maintained, there is another ways to eliminate blurry barcodes.
Audit barcodes and QR codes regularly
Chances are that when you implemented a barcode inventory system, your business also put together a standard operating procedure outlining when inventory would be physically audited. During this audit time, your team should also manually inspect the condition of barcodes and QR codes affixed to your inventory.
An audit is the perfect opportunity to replace any barcodes that have become blurry or damaged. This is partly because, during this time, you are not actively moving inventory from place to place. Instead, you’ve set aside time to check in on all of the supplies, materials, equipment, and assets your business has on hand. You’re looking for vulnerabilities within your storage space and inventory system.
If and when you spot a blurry or otherwise damaged barcode, identify and remedy the issue immediately. You may also be able to determine how to prevent the issue from repeating itself. For example, if you find that barcodes or QR codes are being damaged by overexposure to moisture, add a layer of plastic to your inventories of bar codes. This can ensure the code stays clear, crisp, and readable for much longer
Another option is changing barcodes to QR codes for faster and more accurate scanning. While this upgrade is not always necessary, it’s simple enough if you use software to generate barcodes and QR codes. This switch may be helpful because QR codes can be scanned from any angle, while barcodes must be scanned horizontally. QR codes are also square, making them better suited for affixing to smaller objects.
Barcode generators such as Sortly allow you to create barcodes and QR codes for any items and also allow you to use a mix of both codes. That means you don’t have to change the codes on everything, but only on the items whose barcodes are giving you trouble.
About Sortly
Sortly is an inventory management solution that helps you track, manage, and organize your inventory from any device, in any location. We’re an easy-to-use inventory software that’s perfect for large or small businesses. Sortly builds inventory tracking seamlessly into your workday so you can save time and money, satisfy your customers, and help your business succeed.
With Sortly, you can track inventory, supplies, parts, tools, assets like equipment and machinery, and anything else that matters to your business. It comes equipped with smart features like barcoding & QR coding, low stock alerts, customizable folders, data-rich reporting, and much more. Best of all, you can update inventory right from your smartphone, whether you’re on the job, in the warehouse, or on the go.
Whether you’re just getting started with inventory management or you’re an expert looking for a more efficient solution, we can transform how your company manages inventory—so you can focus on building your business. That’s why over 15,000 businesses globally trust us as their inventory management solution.
Start your two-week free trial of Sortly today.
