Odoo Inventory Barcode Scanning to Improve Stock Management

What is Odoo barcode scanning in Odoo?

Odoo ERP offers a barcode module that enables users to assign barcodes to track individual products or product categories using these barcodes. Integrating barcode scanners can trigger various inventory processes.

The Odoo inventory barcode scanner module enables effortless product delivery in incoming and outgoing deliveries. It allows you to search existing products using barcode scanners and products’ internal references. All your inventory is added to the inventory order with a barcode.

Types of inventory barcode scanners in Odoo

Odoo supports various barcode scanner types that can help improve inventory management operations. There are three common barcode scanners used with Odoo:

USB scanner – Wired scanners connect directly to a computer via a USB cable. They enter scanned barcode data wherever the cursor is active.
Bluetooth scanner – Wireless scanners that connect to a device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) via Bluetooth.
Mobile computer scanner – All-in-one device that combines a computer, a screen, and a built-in barcode scanner into a single, rugged handheld unit. They are mobile devices designed for a warehouse environment.

The need for barcode scanning

Manual inventory counting and tracking are time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to higher holding costs, product spoilage, and customer dissatisfaction. This is where the Odoo inventory barcode scanner comes into the picture, making its implementation essential for efficient inventory management. Reasons you need the Odoo barcode module are:

Speed and efficiency

The Odoo barcode scanner can automatically capture all the relevant product information, including SKU, batch, lot, expiry date, and more. This eliminates the time spent on manual data entry or searching for product codes.

The system can accelerate tasks like receiving goods, picking orders, packing, and conducting inventory counts. It can also help reduce waiting time, create fewer queues at loading docks, faster turnaround for order processing, and quick restocking, adding more fluidity to the supply chain.

Accuracy

Automation eradicates data errors, typos, and product misidentification. The scanner can read exactly what’s encoded in the barcode. The system scans the products and instantly updates inventory levels, providing an accurate, up-to-the-minute stock.

Accurate inventory data ensures that the right products in the correct quantities are picked and packed for each order. Correct order fulfillment leads to higher customer satisfaction and fewer returns. Traceability is a major concern for some industries, such as pharmaceuticals and food, necessitating efficient inventory tracking with lot or serial numbers and barcodes. This ensures precise identification of each item, which is crucial for recalls or quality control.

Automation

Barcode scanning automatically updates product data in the Odoo system. Scanning products can trigger actions, such as:

• Marking an incoming shipment as “received”.
• Reducing items from the stock when the order is picked.
• Generating picking lists or shipping labels.
• Updating locations within the warehouse.

Automation minimizes the need for paper-based tracking, forms, and manifests, making the process paperless and contributing to eco-friendly operations. The system standardizes procedures via scanning workflows, ensuring data consistency.

Cost-effective

The system minimizes time consumption and labor on data entry, enabling you to relocate them to higher-value activities. Automation mitigates human errors, leading to reduced operational costs. Fewer shipping errors, returns, stockouts, and overstocking can help reduce expenses and wastage while improving cash flow.

Efficient operations enable goods to move through the supply chain, improving cash conversion cycles. Accurate and timely deliveries lead to happy and satisfied customers, reduced costs associated with customer service issues, and returns.

Businesses can make more informed decisions about purchasing, stocking, and logistics when they have access to reliable data. This can help you improve overall operational improvements and cost savings.

Using barcode scanning in Odoo inventory

The Odoo barcode module can help you with various operations that streamline inventory management.

Install Barcode Module

Step 1: Log in to the Odoo system.
Step 2: Install the “Barcode” Module.

Once the barcode module is installed, it is integrated with your inventory operations.

Configure barcode scanners

Odoo ERP system supports handheld and mobile devices with a barcode scanning app.

Using a handheld scanner

Step 1: Connect the scanner to the computer.
Step 2: Scan a product barcode. The barcode number will appear in the input screen.

Using a mobile device

Step 1: Download the “Odoo Barcode App” from your app store.
Step 2: Log in to the app using your Odoo credentials.
Step 3: Use a mobile camera to scan barcodes.

Generate barcodes for products

Step 1: Go to the Inventory Module.
Step 2: Click on Products > Products
Step 3: Choose the item for which a barcode will be generated.

Under the General Information tab, there is a barcode field.

Step 4: You can manually assign a barcode to the product or generate one using the barcode generator tool.

Printing Barcodes

Step 1: Install the “Product Label Printing” Module.
Step 2: Go to Inventory> Products> Print Labels.
Step 3: Select the product you want to generate the barcode.
Step 4: You can customize the label format and print barcodes.

Attach these generated barcodes to the respective products or shelves.

Using barcode scanning for inventory operations

The barcode module offers features and functionalities that can streamline several operations, including:

Receiving products:

Step 1: Go to inventory> Operations> Receipts
Step 2: Open a receipt and scan the product barcode to add it to the receipt.

Picking products

Step 1: Go to Inventory> Operations> Picking.
Step 2: Scan the barcode to confirm picking.

Stock adjustment

Step 1: Go to Inventory> Operations> Inventory Adjustments.
Step 2: Scan the barcode to adjust stock levels.

Shipping orders

Step 1: Go to Inventory> Operations> Delivery Orders
Step 2: Use the scanner to confirm the products for shipment.

Benefits of a barcode scanner in Odoo inventory

Odoo inventory barcode scanner has robust features that can significantly benefit businesses. The system aims to improve inventory management, operational efficiency, and productivity while reducing expenses. The benefits of the Odoo barcode scanner are:

Streamline deliveries

The system optimizes inventory management, allowing you to add and deliver products using barcodes. You can scan the barcode to input product details or search for items in a database.
Scanning for incoming deliveries (receiving goods)

• When a new stock arrives, the warehouse manager can scan the barcodes of the received products.
• Odoo can automatically match these scans with purchase orders or inbound transfers.
• Quantities are updated in real time and confirmed as receipts, making them available for sale or use. This process becomes much faster than manual reconciliation.
• Warning messages can appear if the scanned quantity exceeds the order quantity or if it is scanned incorrectly, preventing errors.

Scanning for outgoing deliveries (shipping goods)

While preparing orders for shipment, the warehouse personnel can scan the barcodes of the ordered products.
Odoo validates these against sales orders or outbound transfers.
This ensures that the right product in the right quantity is shipped, reducing picking errors and the chances of returns.
The system automatically updates the stock levels as the products are delivered or moved out of the warehouse.

Scan and add products

The Odoo inventory barcode scanning module allows you to use barcodes to record product movement. Instead of manually typing product codes, names, or quantities, you can use a barcode scanner to identify products, automatically update quantities, search for existing products, and add a new product.

Time and effort reduction

Managing large inventories can be time-consuming and prone to human errors. The Odoo barcode module eliminates the need for manual counting, searching for items, and data entry, freeing up your employees to focus on more strategic tasks.

Conclusion

For many businesses, barcode scanning is a game-changer in inventory management, particularly for products with short shelf lives. It automates data entry, ensuring accurate information and order fulfillment.

Master Software Solutions is an IT service provider offering one-stop Odoo implementation services. We can help you implement Odoo ERP along with tailored and configured modules that align with your business needs.