Step Up to the Bar!

The survey then asks: “If you don’t use bar-coding, how do you check-in/track items?”

Respondents answer:

• “Software and printed tags.”
•  “We will be switching to bar-coding this year.”
• “Strip tags.”
• “Paper tags.”

The survey also asks: “If you do use bar-coding, explain how it works at your store?”

Respondents explain:

• “Heat-seal most all clothing.”
• “Scan the bar-code on the item to create the invoice. If the item does not have a bar-code, we create one that identifies the type of item, color, and brand.”
• “Each item has a specific bar-code where we add: color, manufacturer, damages, or any issue, and so on.”
•  “Via our POS software, we mark the garment in and our conveyor system tracks when the items are ready.”
• “We use it to indicate the order is complete and racked, also for inventory control.”
• “All items receive a bar-code upon arrival. This allows us to track each item all the way through the cleaning process. It’s a real game-changer.”

The survey then asks: “If you use bar-coding, are your employees all trained on using your bar-coding system?”

76% say “Yes.” While 24% say “No/NA.”

“What are your customers’ reactions to bar-coding?” the survey also asks. “Love it for the fast drop-off,” 24% reply. “Like it, but don’t really understand or care,” 12% relate. “Have no idea and that’s fine,” 44% note. “Have absolutely no opinion,” 20% say. (See graphic.)

Finally the survey asks: “For those who have it, why does bar-coding at your store make such a big difference?”

Respondents share:

•  “Able to process more in less time with less mistakes.”
•  “It’s an awesome time-saver, much better for tracking assembly and history of items.”
•  “We have designated markers trained, and that’s what they do all day long.”
•  “Consistent pricing, accuracy of customer garment, plant processing, customer ID.”
•  “Makes inventory much easier.”
• “Quick check-in.”
•  “Allows us to assemble faster and more efficiently. Also gives us the opportunity to expand with technology as it gets better, faster, stronger.”
•  “Faster and more precise mark-in process. No mistakes in the assembly process. It’s also great to have a history of each garment.”