Buying or developing the software for your computer system that will accept and process the information from the bar code readers. Many computer companies offer a bar code package which includes a bar code printer for the labels, hand-held scanners, and the necessary software for both the scanners and your computer system. The savings realized from just the reduced labor cost often make physical inventory bar code implementations a worthwhile investment. Imagine the time that would be saved if your receiving clerk could just scan products as they were received, rather than manually checking each item with paper and pencil. Or, picture the improvement in accuracy if your shipping clerk could verify that the right product was pulled to fill an order by scanning bar codes printed on both the pick ticket and bin.
Bar coding implementation is expensive.
Be sure that the benefit that you will receive from automating each specific task is greater than the cost. Implementing bar codes simultaneously in all of your internal processes can place a great strain on the people in your organization. It takes time for them to get used to new policies and procedures. It is far better to gradually implement bar coding. Your computer vendor is probably your best source.