It’s not an understatement to say that retail operations have fundamentally changed because of COVID-19. Every process is being re-evaluated, from in-store operations to e-commerce, the supply chain and the health and safety of front-line employees and customers.
This has been essential in the food industry, where retailers and manufacturers are relying heavily on barcoding solutions to manage spikes in market demand and production whilst protecting their employees.
The retail and e-commerce industry is experiencing a rapid change in demand with an increased requirement for labels. Many are turning to technology to facilitate this, particularly barcode printers that can scale and flex according to business needs. Barcodes are suited to a wide range of uses, including product and shelf edge labelling and in-store price markdowns, providing a more seamless and safe experience for customers and employees.
With online sales still booming, barcoding solutions are providing ways for retailers to match demand, improve efficiency and streamline operations across in-store and online. Dual-sided printing, for example, allows for picking, delivery and returns documentation to be printed simultaneously, thereby reducing costs, speeding up the despatch process and – most importantly – reducing staff interaction with the equipment to increase their safety.
Barcode solutions are also helping to maintain the requirements for social distancing. Innovations in ribbon length, print-head lifespan and ribbon-save technology, mean staff do not have to maintain equipment as often. The need for physical contact with the printer is reduced as downtime for media changes is also reduced. This results in additional knock-on benefits for improved productivity and lower costs.
There are other solutions that can help too, like rotary cutters that speed-up printing. Something that’s invaluable when you’re dealing with a fast-paced supply chain. Validation solutions ensure barcode accuracy and avoid costly errors. The scan function quickly and accurately identifies and eliminates invalid barcodes, before they make it onto a retailer’s shelves.
To discover more about barcoding solutions and discuss your business’ unique requirements, get in touch with our expert team now.