How bar codes make everyday life easier

In these modern times, bar codes have become such an integral part of everyday life that we take them for granted. In South Africa, we have gotten so used to having bar codes around, that we do not realise how much they enrich our lives. This article is here to remind you about how bar codes have made our lives easier and more efficient.

We spend a lot of time shopping, either for groceries or for other items that we need in our lives. In the past, the assistants at the checkout counter would have to manually search for each item on their computer system. This took a lot of time and often ended up with the retail assistants making mistakes, for example, ringing up the wrong item. These days, time is a precious commodity and, as the saying goes, time is money.

Introducing bar coding into the retail industry in Africa has ensured the checkout procedure is fast, efficient and effortless by eliminating human error and cutting down on time wasted waiting in long queues. The retail assistant simply has to scan the bar code and the correct item will be rung up on the computer system.

Another way bar codes have enriched our lives is through art and architecture. They have become an inspiration for artists who have created hundreds of pieces that are based on the linear lines of bar codes. This is a chandelier that has barcodes as its inspiration.

Architects have also created numerous buildings that are inspired by EAN and UPC codes. The picture below is of a building that was built in St Petersburg, which has clearly been built with this in mind.

Coding systems have made it a lot easier for business owners to make a profit in these tough times. They make stock control a breeze. In the past, stock control used to be a long, tedious manual process, during which the shop would have to close. This meant a waste of time and money. Buying bar codes for the business has led to a much smoother stock control process. The shop can remain open to trade, which improves profit margins.

In the retail process, it is very easy for retail assistants to make mistakes. This is due to the fact the retail hours are long and that people are human. Bar codes eliminate the likelihood of human error. The assistant can just scan each item instead of manually searching for it.

Another benefit of getting bar codes for your business is that it means it is not necessary to spend a long time training new staff. It is easy to master the use of the bar code scanner. In addition, it is not necessary for the staff member to memorise each and every item in the store. This saves time and money, thus maximising profits for the business owner.

Bar codes have even made life easier within the medical industry. Bar codes are being used to manage medication for each patient in order to give the best quality care possible. It is also used to regulate the collection of specimen and blood samples. Each specimen or blood sample is given a specific bar code which helps to ensure there are no mistakes which could lead to misdiagnoses and therefore the wrong treatment for the patient.

The benefits of using codes in the medical industry includes eradicating human error, enhanced nurse and patient satisfaction as well as better relations within the community. Bar codes ensure accuracy within the medical industry and this enhances the ability to provide excellent quality patient care.

If you or your business are looking to buy bar codes in South Africa, look no further than SA Barcodes. As the market leaders in the bar code industry in South Africa, SA Barcodes provides the best quality, fully registered GS1 bar codes for use throughout South Africa as well as overseas. Its customer service is excellent and it will support you throughout the process. You can rest assured you will get the best quality codes for the most reasonable prices.

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