Tracking Inventory

[grace1231]

Hello all,

I've been given a project to either create or find a way to create a spreadsheet to track inventory. I found the post below, and found the spreadsheet helpful. However, since the company I work for has various items to keep track of, the spreadsheet isn't the most efficient because it would require the person to scan every single item, and sometimes we have up 100 pieces of one item. Therefore, does anyone know if there is a barcode scanner on the market that will locate the item on the spreadsheet, then on the scanner's screen you can input the amount? If there is such a scanner, would it work with this spreadsheet?

http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/excel-questions/476078-counting-inventory-barcode-scanner-3.html

The last post on the the page contains the spreadsheet that I am using

Thank you!

 

[SpillerBD]

Well transactions affect inventory. You would, I would think, have a transactional list (database) to report on.
Entries to the list could be made using a form or the using the old (now hidden) Form option. for a simple list. Utilize data validation for the inventory items.
Reporting can be done using Pivot Tables.

A note on barcodes and scanners: That is a tool in which you convert alphanumeric text to digitally readable form (barcode) and then read them with a scanner. Without special software it (the reader) acts like a keyboard. So if you had a scanner and were working in Excel, when you scanned an item the text of that barcode would be inputted into that cell.
Access has several prebuilt templates for Inventory/asset tracking as well...
(Did not find your spreadsheet on the linked thread.)

 

[grace1231]

Thank you for your reply.

The company I work for is a contract food service at a university, and the main ******* does their inventory at the end of the financial period, therefore, transactions would not necessarily affect the inventory that this spreadsheet would be used for.

Thus far I understand that Macros is needed to scan an item and have it added in my quantity column, I'm just stumped as to whether there is a scanner that can scan an item, find it in the spreadsheet, and be able to input the quantity directly onto the scanner and have it appear in the quantity column.

I believe this should take you to the file:

http://www.pahandmahjongg.com/dump/TakeInventorySample.xls

 

[dmt32]

Hi,
welcome to the board.
These are just my thoughts - Inventory management can be a complex area & perhaps before getting started on your project, suggest may do well to contact some providers who specialise in this field to understand products they offer & if they have any solutions that would meet your requirements. Most commercial applications normally include ability to export data to excel.
Depending on size of your employer you may find off shelf packages are not too expensive & your employer would be prepared to invest in such a solution.

As an example, one provider (UK based) it may be worth speaking to is:

Inventory Software & Stock Control Systems

But there are plenty of others out there.

Hope Helpful

Dave

 

[SpillerBD]

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Inventory Counting, an on-hand count.
The scanner does not do the "finding", Excel will. Excel's essential function is VLOOKUP or INDEX(MATCH) to retrieve the corresponding info from another table.
I couldn't open the macro side of the sheet (if macros exist?) so can't say there. If there is, any scanner would work with the BarCode field.

 

[SpillerBD]

As an example, one provider (UK based) it may be worth speaking to is:

Inventory Software & Stock Control Systems

But there are plenty of others out there.

Hope Helpful

Dave

I think they originated in the US. About Wasp barcode Technologies
Unfortunately the biggest problem may not be the technology but the "main *********"

 

[dmt32]

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I think they originated in the US. About Wasp barcode Technologies
Unfortunately the biggest problem may not be the technology but the "main *********"

They may but here in UK they have an office in Kent England!

I had not seen OP's response when I posted but suggestion remains - worth talking to those who specialise in subject & can demonstrate their products - will give OP clearer idea how to proceed with project.

 

[grace1231]

Thank you for your help, I'll look into inventory management programs and different scanners.

I'm not sure why it censors the word k.i.t.c.h.e.n

 

[dmt32]

Thank you for your help, I'll look into inventory management programs and different scanners.

I'm not sure why it censors the word k.i.t.c.h.e.n

I am sure a MOD here can fully answer your question but we do get some spam postings for k.i.t.c.h.e.n.s & tv / video links on board so perhaps key words are filtered.

Good luck with research for your project but if draw a blank or need further assistance - do post back - there are plenty here to offer help.

Dave