Barcode Scanning
The use of optical barcode readers to track inventory movements in a warehouse, improving accuracy and speed of stock counts and order fulfillment.
Barcode scanning is the use of optical barcode readers to track inventory movements in a warehouse, improving accuracy and speed of stock counts and order fulfillment. This technology enables warehouse staff to quickly capture product information by scanning printed barcodes, automatically updating inventory management systems in real-time. Barcode scanning has become a fundamental component of modern supply chain operations, reducing manual data entry errors and streamlining warehouse workflows.
Why it matters for e-commerce brands
For e-commerce businesses, barcode scanning is essential for maintaining inventory accuracy and meeting customer expectations for fast, error-free order fulfillment. When products are scanned at each stage—receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping—brands gain complete visibility into their inventory movements and can prevent costly mistakes like shipping wrong items or overselling out-of-stock products. This real-time tracking capability enables e-commerce brands to provide accurate stock levels on their website, reduce order processing time, and maintain the high fulfillment standards that online shoppers demand.
Example
A Shopify merchant selling apparel uses barcode scanning throughout their 3PL warehouse operations. When a new shipment of hoodies arrives, warehouse staff scan each product's barcode during receiving, automatically updating the available inventory count in Shopify. When a customer places an order, the picker scans the hoodie's barcode to confirm they've selected the correct size and color, then scans it again during packing to verify the right item is being shipped. This scanning workflow syncs with the merchant's Shopify store via their warehouse management system, triggering an automatic inventory decrement and sending tracking information to the customer—all without manual data entry.
Related terms
- SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
- Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)
- Inventory accuracy
- Pick and pack
Put Barcode Scanning knowledge into practice
Forthsuite's tools are built around exactly these concepts — giving Shopify merchants the data and automation to manage their supply chain with confidence.