7 Best Barcode Software Platforms You Need to know for Inventory Management
Implementing a Barcode Inventory Management system Is necessary
for any business looking to streamline inventory management.
Barcodes play an important role in inventory management by
providing a quick and accurate way to track product movements throughout the
logistics lifecycle.
However, in order for barcode systems to be useful, they must be
paired with software that can effectively manage and track inventory data.
There are many different barcode software platforms on the
market, so it can be difficult to choose the right one for your business.
To help you make a decision, we’ve compiled a list of the seven
best barcode software platforms for inventory management in 2022.
We’ll also go over criteria you should look out for when
shopping for barcode software platforms.
Choosing which barcode
scanning software is right for you
If you’re in the market for barcode software, you may be feeling
overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. That’s especially true if
this is the first barcode implementation you’ve ever done.
How can you know which product will be the best fit for your
business?
There are a few factors to consider when making your decision.
First, think about the specific needs of your business.
Do you need software that is compatible with multiple operating
systems? Are you looking for a cloud-based solution or something that can be
installed on your company’s servers?
Once you have a good understanding of your own needs, you can
start to narrow down your options.
Next, take some time to read online reviews and compare pricing
structures.
Finally, we recommend reaching out to each vendor for a demo of
their software. This will give you a first-hand look at how the software works,
whether it’s a good fit for your business, and the level of ongoing service you
can expect from a vendor.
Barcode software for
inventory management for 2022
To help you make a decision, we’ve put together a list of the
seven best barcode software for inventory management currently available in
2022 based on factors like functionality and price.
Labeljoy Barcode Generator Software
EASYLABEL
EASYLABEL by Tharo is an enterprise
solution for printing EAN and UCC barcodes to achieve a better workflow. It
comes with a Tharo brand printer and a barcoding toolkit that lets you create
complete codes with application identifiers.
The app also lets you set up your contact addresses in custom
layouts. The software comes with a variety of tools, including serial number
tracking, label design, CSV XML File Import/Export, RFID printing, and Point of
Sale features.
It supports barcode IP and terminal network printing and is
available for PCs and Microsoft OS.
Pros:
·
Full-featured: The software is packed with features to
make your labeling process more efficient and accurate.
·
Highly
customizable: EASYLABEL is highly
customizable, meaning you have the ability to develop labels based on your
unique business requirements.
·
Intuitive
layout: The software’s
general interface is designed for ease of use and free of clutter, so you can
quickly find the tools and features you need.
·
Reliable: EASYLABEL is a mature product with
a proven track record. Users report it is reliable and rarely crashes.
·
Affordable: EASYLABEL is one of the more affordable
options on our list.
Cons:
·
Complicated
for beginners: The software’s
high degree of customization can be daunting for users who are not familiar
with barcoding or do not have experience using labeling software.
·
Too
many versions: Some users took
issue with how many versions of the software are available, noting that it
caused them a great deal of time to decide which one to get.
·
Design
flaws: Industry experts
that reviewed the mobile app reported that the current version doesn’t work
correctly and that they couldn’t make it past the login credentials on the
product’s screen.
Who it’s best for: Medium-sized and large firms that have complex business
requirements for barcode printing utilize their software.
Price: EasyLabel has a
free plan, and paid plans start at $245 for one user license. Large enterprises
may find their multi-user program more cost-effective at $1,495.00 – $5,995
(3-25 users, respectively).
Wasp Barcode Maker
Wasp
Barcode Maker is barcode generation software that comes with a
wide range of tools that help small to medium businesses with asset &
equipment tracking and inventory control.
Features include an integrated toolbar for Microsoft Office,
over a dozen linear barcodes, and 2D barcodes in the professional version.
With Wasp Barcode Maker, you can also create QR codes, track
inventory levels, generate reports, and more. The software is available in both
desktop and cloud-based versions. It also integrates with Trello for project
management.
Pros:
·
You
can design and print labels:
You can use Wasp Barcode Maker to design and print labels for your products.
·
Works
on both mobile devices and desktops: The software is available in both desktop and cloud-based
versions so that you can use it on your computer or your mobile device.
·
Track
inventory levels: Wasp Barcode
Maker helps you keep track of your inventory levels, so you can reorder
products when needed.
·
Generate
reports: The software can
generate reports on your barcodes so that you can accurately track, trace, and
report your asset’s usage and performance.
Cons:
·
Limited
customization options: The
customization options are limited, making it difficult for users to create
labels to meet specific needs.
·
Price
and cost management complaints: Most price issues center around Wasp
Inventory software. The cloud-based and on-premise versions are pricier than
others on this list. For example, the cost is $3500/year for cloud-based Wasp
Inventory, and the on-premises version costs about $6500/year + a yearly 10%
recurring charge.
·
The
interface is not user-friendly: Some users say the general interface is sort of clunky and not
very intuitive.
Who it’s best for: Wasp Barcode Maker is used for small to medium
organizations and large-scale enterprises in industries such as agriculture,
disaster recovery, IT, government, hospitality, law enforcement, general
warehousing, and retail.
Price: Wasp Barcode Maker
offers lifetime licenses. The software’s standard plan is $149 per user,
$495.00 per 10 users, and $199.00 per user for the Barcode Maker Pro.
Labeljoy Barcode Generator
Software
Labeljoy by the eDisplay company is a web-based barcode
generator software that deploys on multiple printers.
Additionally, the software features a full WYSIWYG user
interface, which means the label elements will be printed on paper media
exactly as they are shown on the screen.
With Labeljoy, you can make creative barcodes with your own
logos, images, and text. It also has a wide range of ready-to-use label
templates for batch printing, product labeling, and inventory & shipping
labels.
Pros:
·
Easy
to use: Labeljoy is very
easy to use with its drag-and-drop interface and WYSIWYG preview feature.
·
Flexible: The software is very flexible as it can
be used for a wide range of purposes, such as creating labels, QR codes,
product labeling, MRP badges, etc.
·
Ready
to use: Labeljoy comes
with a wide range of ready-to-use label templates, which makes it very
convenient for users.
·
Affordability: The software is very affordable, with
pricing starting at just $149.00.
·
Low
system requirements: The software has
low system requirements, making it accessible to a larger audience.
Cons:
·
Limited
features: The free version
of Labeljoy is quite limited in terms of features, and you will need to upgrade
to the paid version to get access to all the features.
·
The
trial version has watermarks: Labeljoy offers a free download, but the output has
watermarks. You need a paid version for professional use.
Price: The three
licensing plans that Labeljoy offers are Basic for $199, Full for $329, and
Server for $1599.
Who it’s best for: Labeljoy is good for eCommerce and brick & mortar
retailers selling a large number of products.
Another way it really shines is by providing professionals who
work in the shipping or wine, or clothing industries with customized labels,
barcodes, and QR codes for their products.
RFgen
RFgen is a mobile data collection software that helps businesses
automate their inventory tracking and order management processes.
With RFgen workers can use handheld devices to scan barcodes and
collect real-time data, which is then transmitted to a central database. This
eliminates the need for manual data entry, which can be error-prone.
RFgen offers a wide range of features, such as real-time
inventory tracking, order management, asset tracking, shelf life expiration,
and more.
The software can also generate reports on your barcodes so that
you can accurately track, trace, and report your asset’s usage and performance.
Pros:
Eliminates
errors: The biggest advantage
of using RFgen is that it eliminates the need for manual data entry, which can
be error-prone.
Improves accuracy: RFgen also improves the accuracy of
inventory data as it is collected in real-time.
Screen-scraping
abilities: RFgen has the
ability to “screen-scrape” data from other legacy systems, which can be very
helpful for businesses that are using outdated systems.
ERP integration: RFgen integrates with a wide range of
ERP systems, such as SAP, Oracle SCM Cloud, and Oracle E-Business Suite, making
it very convenient for businesses.
Cons:
Expensive: With pricing starting at $5,000 one-time
payment, the software is likely priced out of reach for many small businesses.
Complex: The software and interface can be quite
complex to use, particularly for businesses that are not familiar with mobile
data collection.
Price: $4,995.00(!)
one-time payment
Who it’s best for: RFgen is best suited for medium to large-scale businesses
that are looking for a comprehensive solution for inventory tracking and order
management. Also, the software is designed to work with a wide range of mobile
devices and computers, making it a good choice for businesses that need to
track inventory levels across multiple locations.
HandiFox Desktop
HandiFox
Desktop is one of the best
barcode generators around, and it also controls inventory and manages sales
orders. The software is designed to work with a wide range of barcode scanners
and printers, making it very convenient for businesses.
HandiFox Desktop can manage all data flow processes, from
fulfillment processes in the warehouse to accounting applications in the
office.
For businesses, the software really excels by allowing real-time
tracking & managing stock on your handheld, letting all financial data flow
seamlessly through your warehouses to QuickBooks.
Pros:
Eliminates errors: A big advantage of using HandiFox
Desktop is that it eliminates the need for manual data entry, which can be
error-prone.
Ease of use: The software is very easy to use, even
for businesses that are not familiar with barcode scanners and printers.
Integration: HandiFox Desktop integrates with
QuickBooks, making it very convenient for businesses.
Customization: The software offers a wide range of
customization options so businesses can tailor the software to their specific
needs.
Affordability: When it comes to HandiFox Online, this
software is priced way down below its competition.
Cons:
Missing functions: Some reviewers said that the software is
missing functions that can be very handy, such as importing and exporting Excel
spreadsheets for purchase orders.
Expensive: When it comes to HandiFox desktop, the
software is relatively expensive.
The entry-level tier
is lackluster: The Start plan
is missing many essential warehouse functions, such as picking & packing,
inventory transfers, and multi-location tracking. You will likely need to
upgrade to the Optima plan because of it.
Who it’s best for: HandiFox’s inventory control and sales tracking
capabilities are best for manufacturing firms. Also, the software’s
affordability and lot number tracking functionality make it particularly suited
for small companies selling short-dated items.
Price: The
HandiFox online app’s Start plan that is integrated with QuickBooks Online is
$39 (billed annually). The Optima plan rated the best pick by HandiFox, is $79,
while the Pro plan is $109. All versions come with free trials. HandiFox
Desktop for your handheld starts at $1195 and goes up to $1695 with more
advanced sales features and pick & pack capabilities.
InFlow Inventory
IN Flow Inventory is comprehensive inventory management
software that covers all aspects of the warehouse and point-of-sale operations.
You can move your stock faster and save time with their barcode
system that lets you use your smartphone or inFlow Smart Scanner. You can do
anything from a quick stock check to adding new products to your inventory
using the software.
In Flow Inventory software also has powerful features for
managing sales orders, customers, and vendors. The software also allows you to
take online orders from your B2B customers.
Pros:
·
Ease
of use: The biggest
advantage of using in Flow Inventory is that it is very easy to use.
·
Affordability: You don’t need expensive equipment and
software to start using in Flow Inventory.
·
Integration
& API: In Flow Inventory
integrates with nearly100 different types of popular accounting software such
as Quick books, Xero, and Sage50.The software also has an API so businesses can
customize the software to their specific needs.
Flexibility: In Flow Inventory is very flexible and
can be used for a wide range of businesses, from retail to manufacturing.
Cons:
Glitches: Reviewers on G2 say that the app
sometimes glitches when they try to scan an item to pick.
Lack of customization: Some users say you can’t edit a product
type once it is created.
Export feature could
use some work: There is no way to
export your forms to MS Excel or Word, according to one reviewer. Instead, you
must print these forms as a PDF and later convert them if those formats are
required.
Who it’s best for: InFlow Inventory works well for all sizes of businesses.
However, it is best for mid to small-sized businesses that need comprehensive
inventory management software but don’t want to spend a lot of money.
The software is also suitable for businesses that require a high
degree of flexibility.
Price: inFlow Inventory
has four plans – Entrepreneur for $79 per month, Small Business for $219 per
month, Mid-Size for $439 per month, and Enterprise for $1319 per month.
The Small Business plan lets you try out unlimited features free
for 14-days.
Fishbowl Inventory
Fish bowl Inventory is a best-in-class and powerful barcode
app that is designed specifically for your business’s warehouse inventory
management and manufacturing. Its tools transform your inventory management
processes and scale your business.
Moreover, it decreases the steps needed in your manufacturing
process and integrates with business solutions such as Amazon, QuickBooks,
Shopify, Salesforce, and more.
In addition to their barcoding features, customers appreciate
Fishbowl’s material requirements planning (MRP) and ability to take sales
trends and predict inventory requirements.
Pros:
Ease of use: The software is designed to be
user-friendly, and customers say they have found it easy to use.
Excellent training
program: Reviewers say
that their team was trained and up and running in a matter of hours.
Reliability: The software is said to be very
reliable, with few, if any, glitches or bugs.
Flexible: Fishbowl is highly configurable and can
be adapted to the specific needs of each business.
Functionality: Customers say that the software has all
of the features they need and then some.
Cons:
Less than stellar
reports: Some customers
have found the reports to be less than helpful.
Complicated pricing
structure: The pricing for
Fishbowl Inventory can be complicated and depends on a number of factors, such
as the number of users, whether you need a manufacturing module, and which
add-ons you require.
Expensive: Some reviewers say that Fishbowl
Inventory has a high price tag.
Price: The starting
price for Fishbowl software is a $4,395.00 one-time charge, but you can contact
Fishbowl for more pricing details
Who it’s best for: Fishbowl is designed for small to medium size businesses,
but large-scale organizations like the US Air Force and other aerospace and
defense industries that use it to manufacture complex products, track valuable
assets and keep their data secure with user rights.
Final thoughts
Barcode software is essential for inventory management and can
be used by businesses of all sizes.
Finding the right software may take some time and research, but
it will be worth it in the end. Be sure to consider your business’s specific
needs before making a purchase.