5 Barcode Scanner Android Apps for Speedy and Efficient Inventory

What are Inventory Management Apps?

Inventory management, which is a vital component of bar and restaurant management, can be automated with sophisticated software. These software solutions or computer programs can be downloaded from app stores and stored on mobiles or computers to significantly augment the efficiency of stock-taking.

Apps, in contrast to websites, don't necessarily require a browser or an internet connection to work. They provide similar features to those found on desktops and laptops and may be easily downloaded and saved on users' mobile devices.

Apps are also able to function offline, saving you the hassle of dealing with sluggish telecom connections.

Apps, being cloud-based, offer users the advantage of examining their inventory data on the fly, wherever they may be located at the time, and on any handheld device, thanks to cloud-based syncing and storage of data. However, you must have an internet connection in order to access the cloud.

Apps make restaurant and bar inventory management incredibly simple. They're especially useful to franchise owners and operators, who are able to now quickly monitor stock details across all multiple locations.

How do Inventory Management Apps Work?

Inventory management apps typically work in conjunction with barcode scanners. The latter scan barcodes or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, decode their product information, and store it in a cloud-based inventory system. The information includes the product's name, quantity, price, sell-by date, and other information. As new inventory is purchased or old stocks are sold or phased out, stock levels are updated. The adjustment of stock levels also takes into account online transactions.

Supply chain management, point of sale (POS), business intelligence, and order management systems can all be linked with inventory apps. This allows a business to extract more value from stock management.
The integration of inventory solutions with POS systems, for example, enables business owners to accurately predict when stocks may run out and reorder thresholds approach. Information about stock quantities is now at their fingertips.

Here's a roundup of the best scanner apps on the market for 2023.

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Scanner App No. 1- QR Code Scanner by Kaspersky

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has developed this smart QR reader and scanner, which is a top-notch QR code and barcode scanner app for Android and iOS devices. In addition to reading QR codes, it also verifies the security of texts, photos, and websites that the QR code links to. The software analyzes the business' malware database to find malicious QR codes that may contain links leading users to malware and phishing traps. Once the code has been scanned, the information is saved on the device to allow users quick access to past links, pictures, and websites. This barcode and QR code scanner app is as simple to use as the default camera app on a smartphone.

Scanner App No. 2- QRbot QR and Barcode Reader

This QR code and barcode scanner supports a number of different barcode types, including QR code, data matrix, EAN, UPC, and Code 39. It ensures that Google Chrome custom tabs run with the Google Safe Browsing setting enabled so that the user's privacy is not compromised even if a malicious link is scanned. Users can utilize existing codes or images from the phone gallery or use the phone camera directly for scanning. They also have the option of exporting scan history into .csv files, which can then be placed on Google Drive. Users may also open their scan history on Microsoft Excel. This barcode and Qr Code scanner app works well on devices equipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher operating systems.

Scanner App No. 3- InShot Barcode and QR Code Scanner & Reader

This Android app supports various types of barcodes like simple barcodes, QR codes, data matrix codes, code 39, codabar, code 93, and EAN-8. On scanning a QR code, the app allows users to conduct online product searches, view websites, and even link up with WiFi without having to manually enter their credentials. All types of barcodes and QR codes, including those for contacts, URLs, text, email, calendars, and so on, can be scanned and decoded using this QR code reader. You can scan product barcodes using the app's price scanner to compare the price of various products online, and scan coupon codes for discounts.

Scanner App No. 4- QR and Barcode Scanner by Gamma Play

This Android QR code reader and barcode scanner is one of the most popular apps in its category. It can read and scan all kinds of QR and barcodes, including those containing text, ISBNs, URLs, calendars, contacts, emails, and so on. This software solution decodes data automatically and provides only that information which is relevant to the user.

Scanner App No. 5- Barcode Scanner Pro by Geeks.Lab.2015

Barcode Scanner Pro is a top QR code and barcode scanning app born of the open-source Project ZXing scanner. Users can scan, decode, generate, and share barcodes and QR codes using this quick and precise scanner software. The program, which is available solely on Android, focuses on creating QR codes for applications, email addresses, phone numbers, bookmarks, contact information, and so on. Once QR codes are generated, this app allows users to share them digitally via Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, WeChat, SMS, and other channels.

Are Phone Camera Apps as Good as Wireless Scanners?

Scanning barcodes and QR codes using smartphone cameras is undoubtedly a hassle-free process. Users just have to click on the inventory app downloaded on their phone, scan product codes with their smartphone camera, and instantly get access to a range of information. However, is a mobile phone really as good as a wireless barcode scanner? Can the two be used interchangeably?

Barcode scanners provide higher security than mobile phones because they are not intended for data sharing. They serve the specific goal of managing inventory.

In addition, there is no, or limited, access to the external world via social media as far as a barcode scanner is concerned. There is therefore little chance of data leaks. Information is secure since it is saved on the server, even if the barcode scanner is taken out of the office site.

Furthermore, since smartphones are meant to perform several other tasks, unlike barcode scanners, the former may need regular and costly software updates. In the case of a barcode scanner, updates are not implemented unless users flag an issue with the software. So in the case of a barcode scanner, you can actually carry on with the time-tested software version if no glitch arises, avoiding data loss and operational downtime.

Moreover, the battery life of smartphones is shorter than that of scanners since they run a number of apps, in addition to their operating system. Plus, a wireless barcode scanner offers you the same portability and ease of use as a smartphone. These points give barcode scanners an edge over smartphones.