--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: i18n_link: 4371 updated: 2026-02-11 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_articles category: restaurant-operations tags: operations, plumpos, inventory scanner, inventory management type: article page_id: 4371 hreflang_id: 4371 date_published: 2021-10-20 date_modified: 2026-02-11 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: nav_submenu_iconview_v2 - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: Inventory Scanner Fast & Fun Facts For Restaurant Staff t_meta_description: If you've ever been to a restaurant and saw a large object that looks like a small TV with a cord attached to the top it was probably an inventory scanner. Here are some facts about these scanners. t_meta_abstract: If you've ever been to a restaurant and saw a large object that looks like a small TV with a cord attached to the top it was probably an inventory scanner. Here are some facts about these scanners. i_meta_image: og_inventory-scanner-fast-fun-facts-for-restaurant-staff.png article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2021-10-20 v_date_modified: 2026-02-11 author: p_author_id: 124 t_author: Lauren Christiansen p_author_url: lauren-christiansen.html i_author: 124.jpg t_author_description: Lauren Is An Experienced Writer Who Enjoys Reading, Travelling, And Spending Time With Her Children. p_author_facebook: p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/ p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: podcast_section: v_links: podcast_links: - t_title: Iheart Radio v_url: i_icon: iheart_radio_icon.png - t_title: Amazon Music v_url: i_icon: amazon_music_icon.png - t_title: Youtube Music v_url: i_icon: youtube_music_icon.png - t_title: Spotify v_url: i_icon: spotify_icon.png feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: What is an Inventory Scanner? t_description: Gone are the days of counting and recounting inventory by hand. Nowadays, businesses rely on inventory scanners to keep tabs on their stock and make buying decisions. But, what is an inventory scanner, and why do businesses use them. A scanner is a type of data capture device typically used in a retail or grocery store to read and transmit data encoded on a product label. content: heading: t_title: Inventory Scanner Fast & Fun Facts For Restaurant Staff t_description: If you've ever been to a restaurant and saw a large object that looks like a small TV with a cord attached to the top it was probably an inventory scanner. Here are some facts about these scanners. image: i_image: inventory-scanner-fast-fun-facts-for-restaurant-staff-1634770948-5126.png t_image_description: v_image_attribution: v_image_license: v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: What are Inventory Scanners? t_text: Have you ever wondered how small businesses can tell whether they have too much or too little stock in-store? They're likely using inventory scanners. An inventory scanner is a device that can detect, read, and analyze barcodes using barcode reader apps. It's an electronic device that tells you how much of a certain product you have on hand. This is a crucial piece of technology for any retailer.

Increasingly, restaurants also use barcode scanners to optimize inventory management and keep tabs on ingredients. Inventory management software reads the data that is embedded within a barcode. A POS system or point sale software tracks all inventory data, depending on the functionality of the provider. This makes it much easier to scan items whether in the fridge, the freezer or on the countertop.

Restaurants use barcode scanners because they are cheap, they eliminate human error, and they generate better data insights. Owners can use barcode scanners to gain greater visibility into restaurant processes and inventory management. It also minimizes theft and fraud, which are serious problems that cut into profit margins.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: what-are-inventory-scanners-1634770948-2300.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/archive-boxes-shelf-folders-1850170/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/archive-boxes-shelf-folders-1850170/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: How Inventory Scanners Work t_text: Inventory scanners are automated devices that are used to count and measure the inventory of a particular store. These devices are programmed to scan barcodes and detect the amount of stock that is present. The information is then transmitted to a computer or other device that will process the data. While the scanner may vary depending on who manufactured it, the steps are essentially the same. These include- p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: how-inventory-scanners-work-1634770948-8990.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/spices-chilies-paprika-powder-370114/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/spices-chilies-paprika-powder-370114/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: call_to_action: p_type: signup t_title: If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you know that there are a lot of things to keep track of. There are orders to be filled, people to be seated, and food to be cooked. t_text: It can be hard to keep track of everything. If someone orders a burger without cheese or with extra pickles, how do you make sure it is correct? t_button_text: Schedule a demo p_button_url: p_button_color: ff7a59 v_form_id: 138 v_product: plum-pos background: type: image i_image: https://wp.altametrics.com/assets/images/cta/24-Download_Your_Free_E-book!_copy.png p_video: p_color: - t_headline: Why Use Inventory Scanners? t_text: The business world is rapidly changing, and inventory scanners are an important part of that change. In the past, the only way a store could track its inventory was by manually checking stock and counting products. This was a time-consuming and inaccurate process. Inventory scanners have transformed this process and eliminated a lot of the problems that went along with it.

Not all restaurants will need to use a barcode scanner for Inventory Planning, depending on their size and type. Barcode scanners are typically only used in the back of the house to maintain accurate stock levels. Employees need to know how to use one properly to track all inventory and ensure it is accurate in the system. Otherwise, any keyed-in customer orders will not align with what's in stock, and numbers will be inaccurate. This could lead to shortages, food waste, and profit loss.

If restaurants sell items at the point of sale, they may use barcode scanners as well. This includes any sodas, candy, or packaged bakery items. Lately, restaurants have been using QR code menus so customers can access menus on their mobile devices.

QR codes are not the same as barcode scanners for inventory. But restaurants can use them on certain items as a replacement for barcodes. The benefit is that QR codes can hold a lot more information than barcodes. Barcodes also require certain scanners to read them. QR codes can be read through mobile devices.
p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: why-use-inventory-scanners-1634770948-8246.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/bottles-alcohol-drinks-bar-liquor-3623317/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/bottles-alcohol-drinks-bar-liquor-3623317/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_title: Top Inventory Management Problems t_text: Retailers are sitting on $1.36 of inventory for every $1 in sales
- Demand for inventory management software has doubled in the last 5 years
- Businesses that use RFID had 95% greater inventory accuracy
- Human error is the leading problem in 46% of inventory-related warehouses
- t_headline: Who Uses Inventory Scanners? t_text: Who uses an inventory scanner? Scanning your inventory is a common practice in several types of businesses. In fact, in some industries, it's a requirement. And it's a necessary skill for many people in the business world. Here are some of the top industries that use inventory scanners- p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: video: v_video: 05kYhmrbSWA v_video_language: en t_name: Six Most Important Things You Need to Know About Your Restaurant Food t_description: Restaurant Owners...Food Cost is one of the things that I get contacted the most about. Today, I am sharing my list of the 6 most important things to know about Food Cost. Watch now!To learn more please either watch the videos above or click the link below to read the transcript or listen to the podcast on my website.Also, please leave your questions or comments I will answer them all.COST CONTROL BASICS-//www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZTQ1biId0gHaPMxcyuLL9leGd5l2hcs1WATCH THIS VIDEO ON OUR WEBSITE- //therestaurantboss.com/six-things-restaurant-food-costLEARN MORE ABOUT BACON-//clickBACON.comDOWNLOAD THE RESTAURANT PROFIT GUIDE-//restaurantprofitandperformance.com FREE RESTAURANT TRAINING TIPS-//TheRestaurantBoss.com MORE FREE RESTAURANT TRAINING TIPS-//RestaurantProfitandPerformance.com SUBSCRIBE-//www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=gromfinboss At The Restaurant Boss, I post weekly training tips for restaurants and bar's. Tips range from food and labor cost, to restaurant specific marketing and management. I welcome you to check it out and sign up for my FREE video training series. LET'S CONNECT!Facebook - //facebook.com/TheRestaurantBossTwitter - //twitter.com/RyanGromfinInstagram - //instagram.com/ryangromfin v_url: //youtu.be/05kYhmrbSWA i_thumbnail: //i.ytimg.com/vi/05kYhmrbSWA/default.jpg i_thumbnail_1x1: //i.ytimg.com/vi/05kYhmrbSWA/default.jpg i_thumbnail_4x3: //i.ytimg.com/vi/05kYhmrbSWA/mqdefault.jpg i_thumbnail_16x9: //i.ytimg.com/vi/05kYhmrbSWA/sddefault.jpg v_upload_date: 11-5-2019 v_length_minutes: 12 v_length_seconds: 18 v_view_count: 12140 callout_text: - t_headline: How to Use an Inventory Scanner t_text: Do you want to know how to use an inventory scanner? Inventory scanning is the process of counting items in an inventory by scanning them one at a time. An inventory scanner is a hand-held device with a built-in barcode scanner that counts items as they are scanned. The scanner is used to count inventory with a scanner that is barcode-enabled. It's a fairly straightforward process that helps millions of restaurants save thousands each year on Inventory Management costs and eliminate countless errors. It also helps organize stock levels in the back of the house and ensures employees can effectively perform their jobs.
p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: how-to-use-an-inventory-scanner-1634770949-2021.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/buffet-indian-food-spices-lunch-315691/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/buffet-indian-food-spices-lunch-315691/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: call_to_action: p_type: signup t_title: Food and drink establishments use barcode scanners to keep track of their inventory. t_text: Barcode scanners are expensive and require a lot of training to use effectively. t_button_text: Schedule a demo p_button_url: p_button_color: ff7a59 v_form_id: 138 v_product: plum-pos background: type: image i_image: https://wp.altametrics.com/assets/images/cta/24-Download_Your_Free_E-book!_copy.png p_video: p_color: - t_headline: Inventory Scanner Benefits t_text: Thanks to barcode scanning technology, most of us are now able to complete most of our shopping lists in a fraction of the time it would have taken us just a few decades ago. And barcode scanning does more than just save us time. It's also increased efficiency, increased inventory control, reduced loss, and reduced shrinkage.
They are easy to implement and use. All they require is a very simple driver and some minor coding that most can figure out on their own. It's also easy to train employees on how to use them. Even customers can figure out how to scan their groceries at the self-checkout aisle!

A wireless barcode scanner is great because inventory managers can carry them around anywhere. This allows for easy back-of-the-house inventory management. Because it is a computerizedsystem, there's a lot less potential for human error. Everything is scanned instead of manually counted.

This ensures customers receive the items they want and restaurants don't lose out on any money. It's also much less time-consuming to use a barcode scanner. This improves employee morale and makes it easier for everyone to perform their jobs through employee productivity tools. Additionally, managers benefit from the real-time updates and accurate reports that help them streamline Food Management and ensure Food Safety.

p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: inventory-scanner-benefits-1634770949-2156.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/qr-code-quick-response-code-to-scan-1903447/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/qr-code-quick-response-code-to-scan-1903447/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_title: Fascinating Stats on Inventory Management t_text: - t_headline: Inventory Scanner Drawbacks t_text: There aren't a lot of downsides to barcode scanners as they tend to optimize efficiency and eliminate errors. One potential downside is that barcode scanners have no read/write abilities as of now. They cannot know the expiration date or other pertinent information that may help improve customer service and inventory management.

While they are less time-consuming to use than manual processes, employees still need to scan each item individually. This can be a lot of work, depending on how many items there are and where they are stored. New technologies like QR codes and robotics may be better for warehouses and other manufacturers who have high volume inventory levels. But for restaurant owners, a regular inventory scanner will suffice.
p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: inventory-scanner-drawbacks-1634770949-9271.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/bar-lounge-cocktail-alcohol-glass-498420/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/bar-lounge-cocktail-alcohol-glass-498420/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: call_to_action: p_type: signup t_title: You’re in a hurry, you just want to get your food, and you have no idea what the person is doing with the scanner. t_text: You’re not sure if they’re scanning your food or if they forgot to charge you for something. t_button_text: Schedule a demo p_button_url: https://altametrics.com/schedule-demo.html?utm_source=plumpos.com%2F.html&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=You%E2%80%99re+in+a+hurry%2C+you+just+want+to+get+your+food%2C+and+you+have+no+idea+what+the+person+is+doing+with+the+scanner.&utm_term=inventory+scanner&utm_article=18302 p_button_color: ff7a59 v_form_id: 138 v_product: plum-pos background: type: image i_image: https://wp.altametrics.com/assets/images/cta/24-Download_Your_Free_E-book!_copy.png p_video: p_color: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.altametrics.com?site=altametrics faq: t_faq_title: Frequently Asked Questions faq_ask: - t_question: How do I scan inventory in Excel? t_answer: How do I scan inventory in Excel? An inventory scanner is an electronic scanner that is used to scan barcodes on inventory, to track inventory levels. It can be connected to a computer to upload the scanned information into a database, or it can be connected to a printer to print barcoded labels which are then affixed to items. - t_question: How do inventory scanners work? t_answer: Inventory scanners are technological devices that are used in the retail world to help keep track of stock levels. They are commonly referred to as barcode scanners, but this is not the only category of scanner that is used in retail. Barcode scanners are most often used in grocery stores to scan the UPC barcodes on the products. This will tell the store the location of the product on the shelf. - t_question: How do you use a barcode for inventory? t_answer: Barcodes are used for inventory management, which is the process of counting, listing, and tracking the quantities of products, services, or information. Barcodes are the universal product code (UPC) that is used to identify products. ---