Small Business Inventory Control v4.5 serial key or number

As a retailer, you’re always looking for ways to increase sales and profits, as well as manage the space you have for inventory. There is a delicate balance between having too much or too little stock on hand. Too much inventory leads to high holding costs, while too little stock means possibly missing out on sales.

For the most part, inventory management is all about finding that balance and ensuring that you have the right products at the right time.

One of the key metrics that can help you figure all that out is inventory turnover, which as you’ll learn below, plays a critical in planning and managing your stock.

What is inventory turnover?

Also referred to as “stock turn,” “inventory turn,” or “stock turnover,” inventory turnover is a measurement of the number of times inventory is sold in one year. In accounting practices, it is usually calculated for the year but could also be done on a monthly or quarterly basis.

When you compile the average inventory for a year, you get a clearer picture of the financial standing of your business. Throughout the year, there will be peaks and valleys of inventory due to holidays, back-to-school, and seasonal apparel shopping that will skew your numbers.

Inventory turnover formula: How do you calculate stock turn?

The formula for calculating inventory turnover ratio is:

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) divided by the Average Inventory for the year

For example:

High Five Streetwear sold $500,000 in products this year and had an average inventory of $250,000.

$500,000 in sales divided by $250,000 worth of inventory = 2

Their inventory turnover is 2, meaning they had to replenish their full inventory twice over the past year. This number shows that products are selling at a profitable rate.

In a second example:

Luxe & Company sold $100,000 in goods this year and had an average inventory of $350,000.

$100,000 in sales divided by $350,000 in average inventory = 0.29

Their inventory turnover is 0.29, indicating that they are spending too much money on holding costs (storage costs), and items are lingering on the shelves. Being overstocked potentially points to inefficiencies in marketing, sales, and purchasing or to an economic downturn on a local, regional, or national level.

What is a good inventory turnover ratio for retail?

The sweet spot for inventory turnover is between 2 and 4.

A low inventory turnover may mean either a weak sales team performance or a decline in the popularity of your products. In most cases (read: not always), the higher the inventory turnover rate, the better your business goals are being met.

That said, an extremely high turnover rate is not always positive. If your retail store is going through its inventory 9 times a year, your purchasing levels might be too low – potentially leading to lost sales if the product is sold out.

Why do you need to measure inventory turnover?

If you’re not measuring inventory turnover yet, here are a couple of reason to consider doing so:

It puts you in a better financial position

Inventory turnover is a key performance indicator (KPI) for managing and growing your business. The measurement also shows banks how liquid your assets are. Since inventory is often put up as collateral for a loan, banks want to make sure the inventory is easy to sell and can quickly be turned into cash.

You’ll make smarter business decisions

Closely monitoring stock turn also gives you a better handle on your inventory so you can make smarter purchasing decisions, keep merchandise moving, and sell more of the products your customers want.

Specifically, this metric can inform your decisions on:

• What items need to be ordered  – If the stock turn for a particular item is too high, it could be an indication that you need to order more of it.

• What units need to be relegated to the sale aisle – Stock not turning fast enough? It may be time to put them on sale before they become dead stock.

• What has to be ordered in advance to allow ample time for manufacturing/production/shipping – By knowing how many times a product turns per year, you’ll be able to plan ahead to ensure that you don’t run into untimely stockouts.

Clearly, when you have a solid handle on inventory turnover, you’ll be able to answer — and take action on — the above questions more quickly.

Now that you know why you should measure stock turn (and how to do it) let’s look at some of the ways to improve your inventory turnover ratio.

Get yourself a solid inventory management system

You can’t optimize your inventory turnover without measuring it in the first place. That’s why it’s important to arm your business with a good POS and inventory management platform that enables you to track your sales and stock levels in real-time.

These retail platforms allow you to easily manage your inventory and report fluctuations so you won’t have to do any manual calculations.

Know your benchmarks

Being aware of your business’ stock turn number is important, but it will be doubly helpful to know how your business compares with others in your industry. For instance, the Houston Chronicle cites that “the average merchandise turnover in the retail clothing industry for the 12-month period ending June 2011, was 3.91.”

If your apparel store has a stock turn rate of 4.0, it means that your store is quite in line with your industry’s average. On another hand, if your inventory isn’t moving as quickly, then you may need to evaluate your sales, marketing, and inventory practices to see how you can improve.

The Business Development Bank of Canada has an inventory turnover calculator with benchmarking capabilities. If you’re curious about how your store’s stock turn measures up compared with similar merchants, check out the tool here.

Get your team in sync

Your sales team, purchasing managers, marketing executives, and senior management need to share information about inventory. Keep each other in the loop regarding what products are flying off the shelves and which items are not generating any interest.

Here are some of the ways the various teams can work together:

• The salespeople are the front line of retail and can gauge whether a product is a hit or a flop with your customers.
• The marketing department may have to work on increasing foot traffic through events or improving your online visuals for certain products.
• Management and the purchasing department need to review inventory turnover to determine what items generate the most profit and what items are not worth ordering anymore due to a lack of consumer interest.

If you have a smaller retail operation, it still helps to keep your employees in sync. Catch up with your partners and/or employees on a regular basis and make everyone has a handle on how fast your products are moving.

Come up with ways to move inventory faster

If your inventory turnover is on the slow side, it may be time to spruce up your sales and marketing efforts to ensure that you’re selling more merchandise.

As each retail store is different, there isn’t a one size fits all strategy on how to improve your sales. The best thing to do is to explore the various strategies and tactics and see what works best for your store.

Here are a few ideas:

Final words

Knowing which products to stock and how much to order are game-changing insights to your retail business. Having a solid handle on your inventory turn allows you to stay on top of those decisions so you can continue carrying the products at the right time.

Hopefully, the tips in this post bring you closer to doing just that.

Good luck!

About Francesca Nicasio

Francesca Nicasio is Vend's Retail Expert and Content Strategist. She writes about trends, tips, and other cool things that enable retailers to increase sales, serve customers better, and be more awesome overall. She's also the author of Retail Survival of the Fittest, a free eBook to help retailers future-proof their stores. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Google+.

Handheld scanners are designed for use in industrial settings, warehouses, and other applications where durability is required. But they can be heavy and bulky, and, let’s face it: They’re not always convenient. If you have staff working with products in the field or employees who have the occasional need to scan a bar code, but the frequency doesn’t necessitate carrying around a handheld scanner all day, a barcode scanner app can be just the ticket to maintain functionality without adding complexity to otherwise simple processes.

The great thing about barcode scanner and inventory apps is that they’re often compatible with your existing software, and many are available with cross-device compatibility. That means your team could be using their personal smartphones to scan barcodes on the job, with a minimal additional cost to your organization, provided security can be adequately mitigated with a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy.

The following 36 apps are among the most functional and popular applications available for scanning barcodes. While they’re not rated or ranked in any particular order, we’ve provided all the information you need to decide which app is best for your unique needs.

The 36 Best Barcode Scanner Apps and Readers

Table of Contents

Cross-Platform Compatible Apps

1. BarCloud

The ASAP BarCloud App is actually a complete, cloud-based asset management or inventory program, accessible from any iOS or Android device, as well as from any Internet browser. With automatic backup and the ability to schedule your own custom backups, your data is always secure and readily accessible. Simple inventory counting to complex systems, such as batch-lot and serialized inventory, are supported, and you’ll never lose track of shared assets with BarCloud’s check-in and check-out system. There aren’t an abundance of user reviews available, but the mobile apps earn four stars or better on both iTunes and Google Play.

OS: iOS, Android

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/barcloud-pro/id1065877687?mt=8 

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.asapsystems.barcloudpro&hl=en

iTunes Rating: 4+

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars

Key Features:

• Manually enter data or scan
• Vendors, customers, models, locations, and other data
• Search and view files for stock items
• Filter options
• Export data as PDF or Excel
• Visual analytics tools
• Overdue items, expiring items, low inventory

Cost: Mobile app – FREE

Asset Management Plans & Pricing:

• Lite – $25/user/month
• Standard – $75/user/month
• Professional – $125/user/month

Inventory Plans & Pricing:

• Lite – $25/user/month
• Standard – $75/user/month
• Professional – $125/user/month

1. Scandit

Scandit is an SDK that enables enterprises to incorporate barcode scanning functionality in a mobile app. An SDK is similar to an API for developers, as it enables companies to build mobile apps for iOS or Android. Not quite the traditional ready-to-go mobile app, Scandit is an option for developers who are building apps that would benefit from scanning capabilities, as well as enterprises commissioning proprietary mobile apps where this capability would be a value-added component and alleviate the need to download a third-party application.

OS: iOS, Android, and Symbian, Phonegap plugin

Download: Get Trial or Full Downloads here.

iTunes Rating: N/A

Google Play Rating: N/A

Key Features:

• Transform smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices into barcode scanners
• Lightning-fast, accurate barcode scanning
• Wide range of symbologies supported
• Doesn’t require autofocus
• Scans at any angle
• Size does not impact accuracy

Cost:

• Community – FREE (or 8% of your paid app price)
• Enterprise Basic – $199/month
• Enterprise Premium – $399/month

1. Scan to Spreadsheet

Scan to Spreadsheet is a simple app with simple functionality. But sometimes, that’s exactly what users need; a basic app that scans barcodes and stores data in a central database, Scan to Spreadsheet is precisely what you’re looking for. A few reviewers criticize its lack of flexibility and customization tools, but others like its basic features.

OS: iOS, Android

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan-to-spreadsheet/id478631675?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.berrywing.scantospreadsheet

iTunes Rating: 4+

Google Play Rating: 3.4/5 stars

Key Features:

• Date and time stamp
• Custom fields for data entry
• Maintains one large database with information

Cost:

• Android – $0.99
• iTunes – $2.99

1. QuickMark

With QuickMark, you can not only scan, but create barcodes and QR codes. The cross-platform scanner reads multiple types of barcodes and multiple barcode formats, making it one of the most versatile barcode apps available. With less manual data entry, you can quickly and easily record URLs, item names, locations, and much more. Overall, owners seem to be pleased with the QuckMark app, although a few users complain that it doesn’t scan much.

OS: Android, iOS, Windows

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tw.com.quickmark

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qr-code-reader-quickmark-barcode/id384883554?mt=8

Other Download Options:http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/downloadmain.asp

Google Play Rating: 4/5 (21,327)

iTunes Rating: 4+

Key Features:

• Quickly scans multiple QR code and barcode formats
• Not fully cross-device compatible
• Attach images to records for more transferability
• Accurate and simple; email and transfer data

Cost: FREE

1. ScanLife

ScanLife is a barcode inventory app that allows consumers to scan QR codes and barcodes on any product and pull up information such as nutritional facts and ingredients, prices, and nearby locations where products can be purchased in real time. The ScanLife app is part of a larger platform for businesses who want to better engage mobile users, by incorporating QR codes into marketing strategies. With nearly 48,000 user reviews on Google Play alone, ScanLife gets positive feedback overall.

OS: iOS, Android

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scanlife-barcode-scanner-qr/id285324287?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ScanLife

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 3.5 (6,200+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars (46,700+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Complete history of everything you’ve scanned, even offline
• Send an email to yourself as a reminder for later
• Nutritional information and ingredients for food products
• Find products and prices at online and brick-and-mortar retailers
• Built-in Facebook and Twitter sharing options
• Business platform enables better consumer mobile engagement

Cost:

• Basic – $25/month
• Basic Plus – $85/month
• Enterprise – Contact for a quote (free trial)

1. NeoReader QR & Barcode Scanner

NeoReader gets tons of user feedback at the iTunes and Google Play Stores, but it seems the most current version fares much better than previous editions of this app. At iTunes, the current version earns an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, in just over 30 user reviews. The overall rating, however, is just two stars, based on more than 5,200 user reviews. Most users say it scans practically any code, in contrast to typical barcode scanner apps, which can be limited on the scope of their scanning capabilities.

OS: Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows, Ovi

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.gavitec.android&hl=en

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/neoreader-qr-reader-barcode/id284973754?mt=8

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 2/5 stars (5,200+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars (18,600+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Scans the broadest set of 1D and 2D barcodes, including: QR, Data Matrix, Aztec, EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 128, PDF 417, and more
• Automatically detects code type
• Create your own QR codes for free
• Omni-directional, live-stream scanning
• Full scanning history
• Scans vCard, meCard, WiFi, phone number and email codes
• Built-in sharing for email, SMS, Facebook or Twitter

Cost: FREE

1. i-nigma Reader

i-nigma is free to download, but the company uses advertising to offset some of the development and ongoing maintenance costs. This causes some users to gripe about small ads on the dashboard, but most don’t seem to mind and say they have no problems scanning just about any barcode using this app. It scans vCards and MECARDs to act as a streamlined Rolodex, instantly storing contact information in your phone’s contact list, opens maps with Geo codes, and adds events to your phone’s calendar with calendar barcodes, all in addition to scanning QR, DataMatrix and UPC/EAN codes for a fully-functional app for reading barcodes.

OS: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/app/i-nigma-4-qr-datamatrix-barcode/id388923203?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.threegvision.products.inigma.Android

Main Download:http://www.i-nigma.mobi/

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 4/5 stars (260+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4.4 stars (6,600+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Scans QR, DataMatrix and UPC/EAN codes
• SDK provides additional code compatibility
• Scan typically difficult codes, such as colored, creative, or reversed codes
• No need to pre-set barcode types
• Share scanned codes through social media, SMS, email
• Create your own QR codes
• Scan vCards or MECARDs to easily store contacts
• Geo barcodes to open maps
• Calendar barcodes add events to your calendar

Cost: FREE

1. Lynkee Reader

Lynkee is a barcode scanner app geared more towards the consumer than the inventory control or asset manager, but it is a simple and handy app with the ability to scan a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including DataMatrix barcodes. Scan vCards and MECARDs to store contact info, compare prices, search your scanning history and more. Users say this barcode reader application is quick and accurate, but there are a few complaints from users who just can’t seem to get it to open or scan properly.

OS: Android, iOS, Windows

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/lynkee-2-lecteur-qr-code-barres/id416446101?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lynkee.Reader

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 4/5 stars (120+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars (520+ ratings)

Key Features:

• QR code generator
• Read barcodes from camera, file or webpage
• Reads a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including vCards, Geolocation, URL, DataMatrix, Flashcode and more
• Add and share product reviews
• Create a Lynkee profile

Cost: FREE

1. UpCode

A free optical barcode scanner app that supports 2D, Bidi and 1D (Datamatrix / QR /Ean 8 & 13) barcodes, UpCode is designed to be simple and straightforward to use. Users can create their own optical barcodes for free, and scan any supported barcode to quickly access content like music, images, videos, files, websites, and more. Built-in sharing features enable you to share the content you discover with your contacts, as well. This barcode app gets just two stars at iTunes, but no written reviews are available, so it’s difficult to tell why users give it a low rating. Google Play users generally like it, but some think it’s just standard technology and nothing special.

OS: iOS, Android, Lumia and Windows

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/fi/app/upcode/id297104013?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fi.upcode.upcode

Main Download:http://www.upcode.fi/mobile/pc_download.asp?language=1

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 2/5 stars (130+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 3.9/5 stars (315+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Quickly scans 2D, Bidi, 1D barcodes
• Supports DataMatrix, QR, Ean 8 & 13 1D barcodes
• Create your own optical barcodes
• Access music, videos, websites, and other content

Cost: FREE

1. BeeTagg

BeeTagg has a set of apps: a mobile barcode scanner app, a QR code generator app, an app for contacts management and generating your own personal QR-code business card, a PriceCheck app and now even a mobile app to make fancy, designer QR codes. A free barcode app, BeeTagg is pretty sophisticated in terms of its scanning functionality, but it doesn’t offer any comprehensive built-in database capabilities. That said, you can copy and paste information and codes for later documentation. Users generally say it works okay, but there are some difficulties reported with 1D codes and certain phone models.

OS: iOS, Blackberry, Android, Windows, Samsung, Ovi

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beetagg-qr-reader/id313157282?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.connvision.mobileaccessor.android

Main Download:http://get.beetagg.com/en/qr-reader/download

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 2.5/5 stars (450+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 3.4 stars (880+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Goes beyond merely opening a browser window
• Contextual actions
• Obtains more info from a single code than most barcode scanner apps
• 2D codes including QR Codes, BeeTagg Codes and Datamatrix
• 1D codes including EAN-13 and UPC-A
• Create your own contact code to exchange information
• Supports a variety of content types, including vCard, MeCard, Text, SMS, eMail, Geo, Event.

Cost: FREE

1. Kaywa

Kaywa claims to be the best mobile barcode scanning app around, and users seem to agree for the most part. This app gets solid reviews on both iTunes and Google Play, with users saying they love that the scan images are held in memory for later reference. That said, data for this QR barcode reading app is stored in your phone’s internal memory. That means it may eventually slow down other apps, and it can’t be easily removed and transferred to another device if you switch. Otherwise, it lives up to its claim of speed, accuracy, and simplicity.

OS: Android, iOS

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kaywa-qr-code-reader-scan/id520776783?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kaywa.barcode

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 4/5 stars (40+ ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4.1/5 stars (460+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Free QR code generator
• Scans all types of barcodes
• Automatically detects code type
• History with scan image, text and geolocation data
• Contact cards with landscape mode

Cost: FREE

1. EZ Office Inventory

EZ Office Inventory is a complete office inventory management platform that comes with a free barcode scanning app to streamline the process of tracking and maintaining accurate inventory counts. When combined with the full-featured program, you can take advantage of features such as data backup, chart-based actions, bundles, and more. Users say it’s easy to set up, super functional, and is ideal for a variety of applications.

OS: iOS, Android, Windows

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/office-inventory-tracking/id516935177?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ezofficeinventory.mobile2

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 3.5 stars (11 ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4.4./5 stars (25 ratings)

Key Features:

• Supports custom barcoding
• Mass scanning
• Member ID card scanning
• Real-time asset locations, assignments and alerts
• Delegated model allows custodians to be active participants

Cost:

• App – FREE
• EZ Office Inventory Plans & Pricing:
  • Silver – $29.99/month
  • Gold – $49.99/month
  • Platinum – $95/month
  • Corporate – Contact for a quote

1. Scout Mobile Inventory

Scout is a product of topShelf, a web-based and fully mobile-enabled inventory management system that can be used either as a standalone software platform for managing inventory and asset control, or can be configured as an adjunct to an existing application, such as accounting software or CRM. Available for most modern devices, Scout earns middling scores from users who say it works, but it seems slow and sluggish.

OS: iOS, Android, Blackberry

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scout-mobile-inventory/id380138845?mt=8

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.scoutsft.mobileInventory&hl=en

iTunes Rating: 4+ (not enough customer ratings)

Google Play Rating: 3/5 stars (21 ratings)

Key Features:

• Scan barcodes
• Create transactions
• Ship and pack products
• Print barcodes to any barcode-enabled printer
• Reporting functions
• Generate lot and serial numbers
• Manage returns and tasks

Cost:

• Mobile App Pricing:
  • FREE (Android)
  • $0.99 (iTunes)

• Platform Pricing:
  • TopShelf Plus+ – $50/user/month
  • TopShelf Advanced – $69/user/month
  • TopShelf Enterprise – $120/user/month
  • TopShelf Unleashed – $150/user/month

1. OnHand BT

OnHand BT is a product of Steven’s Creek Software, designed to streamline inventory management by turning an existing mobile device into a barcode scanner. It captures all one-dimensional barcodes, and it has a built-in calculator for entering data or changing quantities. With a number of features designed to make the inventory process simpler, such as a restocking mode, it’s a useful platform for any business dealing with inventory. It is one of the more expensive barcode apps available, though, at about $30 on iTunes and Google Play. There aren’t an abundance of user reviews, but the few available reviews indicate that developer support is excellent and features and functions are adequate for a variety of settings.

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stevenscreek.onhand&hl=en

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/on-hand/id365920832?mt=8

iTunes Rating: 4+ (Not yet enough reviews to determine an average rating for the current version.)

Google Play Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)

Key Features:

• Built-in calculator to change counts for large amounts
• Quantity, barcode, name, note, named location, date/time created, date/time last modified
• User-configurable input and output
• Multiple modes including: restocking mode, multi-location mode, ‘Pick and Pack’ mode for shipping applications, and more
• Input and output with UTF-8 encoded text to support special characters and non-Latin alphabets

Cost:

• $29.99 (iTunes)
• $29.95 (Google Play)

1. CLZ Barry

Users say CLZ Barry is quick, accurate and efficient, although a few complain that it doesn’t have a feature for entering ISBN book codes. It’s really geared to the collector audience, for those who collect things like comic books, DVDs and the like. Because it can be configured to export data to Excel and other programs, it’s useful for a variety of applications, and users say it’s a huge time-saver. This barcode scanning application requires Android 2.1 or higher, so it may not work on all devices.

Download for iOS:http://www.itunes.com/apps/clzbarrywirelessbarcodescanner (NOTE: link only works for iOS users with an iTunes account or iPhone)

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.collectorz.clzbarry

iTunes Rating: 3.5 stars (8 ratings)

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars (165+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Supports UPC, EAN, ISBN, UPC+5 barcodes and QR codes
• Transmit scanned data to your PC or MAC
• Integrate data collection with any program or text document on your desktop
• Offline scanning
• Send scans in batch
• Targeted to the collector audience
• Automatic title and image look-up

Cost: $7.99

1. CodeREADr
   @codeREADr

With CodeREADr, you can turn your mobile devices into enterprise-grade barcode scanners and data collection tools. Quickly and accurately scan all types of 1D and 2D barcodes, collect photos, and more, with the option to store your scan data on your own servers or in the cloud.
Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/codereadr-production/id389044458?mt=8 (NOTE: link may only work for iOS users with an iTunes account or iPhone)
Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skycore.android.codereadr&hl=en
iTunes Rating: 3.5 stars (11 ratings)
Google Play Rating: 3.5 (238 ratings)
Key Features: 

• Easy, rapid barcode scanning
• Voice and text search
• On-device backup ensures your scans are always saved
• Auto next scan initiates subsequent scans without the need to press a button
• Multiple choice and short answer options enable data collection during scanning
• Photo capture

Cost: FREE
 

1. Gamma Play QR & Barcode Scanner
   @GammaPlay

Images via Google Play

Gamma Play’s QR & Barcode Scanner is a fast QR/barcode scanner that is easy to use with your iOS or Android device. Simply point your device at a QR code or barcode and the app automatically will detect and scan it. You won’t need to waste any more time pressing buttons, taking photos, or adjusting your zoom.
OS: iOS, Android
Download for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qr-code-reader-barcode-scanner/id1159068566
Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamma.scan
iTunes Rating: 4
Google Play Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Key Features:

• Scans and reads all QR and barcode types including text, URL, ISBN, product, contact, calendar, email, location, and Wi-Fi
• Receive only the relevant options for the code you scan
• Scan product codes and compare prices while shopping, too

Cost: FREE
 

1. Scan – QR Code and Barcode Reader

Images via Google Play

Scan is a QR code and barcode reader app available on iOS, Android, Windows, and more. Scan is easy to use and does not require pressing a button or taking a photo because the app automatically recognizes the code at which your camera points.
OS: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, OS X, Windows
Download for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan-qr-code-barcode-reader/id411206394?mt=8
Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.scan.android.scan
iTunes Rating: 4.5
Google Play Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Key Features:

• Codes containing URLs will take you automatically to the website
• Codes containing text will automatically be readable
• Recognizes all popular barcode types including UPC, EAN, and ISBN and shows pricing, reviews, and more
• View a history list and map of all past scans

Cost:

• iTunes: $1.99
• Google Play: FREE

iOS-Only Apps

1. Inventory Scanner

Inventory Scanner is packed with useful features for inventory managers. Ideal for data input, this app allows you to scan and register products, and record related product data. It’s all stored in an integrated database for at-your-fingertips access to product details, prices, inventory counts, and more. With a logical category and sub-category structure, it’s easy to organize diverse inventories without sacrificing accessibility. It gets some mixed feedback from users, however. Some users complain that it lacks an importing feature to easily add data from other sources, and others say it won’t scan some barcodes. Overall, it earns an average rating of three stars out of five in about 285 reviews.

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inventory-scanner/id365563373?mt=8

iTunes Rating: 4+ (Not enough info for average rating, 284 ratings)

Key Features:

• Register products and data, such as location, item numbers, quantity, etc.
• Track inventory
• Streamline automatic document processing
• Saves all data in integrated database for further processing and analysis
• User-configurable data
• Export via email or integrated Wi-Fi export server

Cost: FREE

1. AssetTrack

AssetTrack is a simple-to-use scanner app designed for iOS devices. Apps like AssetTrack make it possible for enterprises to capitalize on the growing BYOD trend, although in this case, all employees or users would require an iOS (Apple) device. With options for pre-configuring certain form-field options and data entry information, scanning both expected and rogue inventory is simple with AssetTrack.

OS: iOS

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/TR/app/id916955240

iTunes Rating: N/A

Key Features:

• Supports Socket Bluetooth scanner
• Instant identification of rogue vs. expected inventory
• Easily input model and serial numbers for rogue items
• Assign item location from pre-configured location options

Cost: Contact for a quote

1. Business Inventory

Business Inventory is an iOS barcode app available from the iTunes store for just 99 cents. It gets some mixed feedback from users, however, with complaints of bugs and crashes. One user gripes that you can’t mark an item as sold by using the scanner function. It does have touchscreen options for doing so, along with filters to generate custom reports, inventory reporting options, exporting capabilities, and more.

OS: iOS

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/app/business-inventory/id535888410?mt=8

iTunes Rating:  4+, user rating 2/5 stars (19 ratings)

Key Features:

• Summary reports
• Filtered lists
• Mark as sold, buy new, or cancel touchscreen options
• Works on the iPhone or iPad
• Summarize your inventory
• Export inventory reports

Cost: $0.99

1. Stock Control

Stock Control is a barcode scanner app developed by Kiwi Objects, designed to improve your productivity by giving you better control over your inventory counts. Users are generally positive about this app, and it’s pretty straightforward to use. Simply scan your items, organize your database by category, type, personal vs. work, or whatever hierarchy works for your purposes. You can manage two sets of stock completely independently. For precise control, Stock Control enables refined management of quantities in different locations, such as storage, as well as shortage alerts so you’ll never find yourself out of supplies again.

OS: iOS

Download for iOS:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stock-control-easily-manage/id492472375?mt=8

iTunes Rating: 4+, user rating 4/5 stars (100+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Refined management of quantities
• Organize by category; create logical hierarchies
• Shortage alerts
• Importing and exporting
• Create PDF catalogs and print or email lists of products

Cost:

• FREE (limited to 15 items)
• Unlock additional items with in-app purchase

Android-Only Apps

1. Barcode Scanner App

The Barcode Scanner App was built to demonstrate the functionality of Barcode Xpress for Mobile, Accusoft’s barcode SDK for Android. It’s designed for enterprises and developers who want to build a barcode-aware application for Android devices, integrating powerful decoding capabilities into a custom application designed specifically for your company’s requirements. Simply position a barcode in the middle of the scanning screen for instant decoding. Depending on the data stored in the scanned barcode, actions may include redirecting to a website, displaying product data, or other results. The Barcode Scanner App recognizes a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes. This demo app gets positive feedback from users, earning an average rating of four stars out of five in more than 165 reviews. Accusoft also offers a Barcode Xpress for iOS SDK if you’re building a custom application requiring barcode-scanning capabilities for an iPhone or other iOS device.

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.accusoft.barcodescanner.client

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars (160+ ratings)

Key Features:

• 2D scanning capabilities, including Aztec, DataMatrix, PDF417, QR
• 1D scanning capabilities, including UPC, EAN, Matrix, Patch Code, and many more
• Built with Barcode Xpress for Mobile, Accusoft’s barcode SDK
• Accusoft’s barcode SDK can be used for custom barcode scan development
• Share decoded text by email or SMS
• Search for books with ISBN
• Automatically scans; no need to input type manually

Cost: FREE

1. xMAT

ixMAT relies on Java-based software to turn your device into a barcode scanner. This free barcode scan app works for Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile and JavaME devices, but it’s not available for the iPhone or iPad. It supports a variety of 1D and 2D codes, analyzing automatically without the need to input the barcode type. Those who want to share contact information via a 2D code may be initially put off by the idea that this requires constant access permission, but the company assures users that their personal privacy settings are honored. Users, however, say this barcode reader asks for a slew of permissions.

OS: Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, JavaME

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ixellence.ixmat.android.community

Google Play Rating: 3.8/5 stars (2,700+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Capable of scanning rotated DataMatrix codes and barcodes
• Instant search
• Scan history
• Bulk mode
• Send small text files via email
• Not compatible with iOS devices

Cost: FREE

1. GetBlue Bluetooth Reader (Demo)

Another barcode scanning app exclusively for Android devices, Hi Tec’s GetBlue Bluetooth Reader offers a variety of data collection methods and exporting options, including files, spreadsheets, third-party applications and more. GetBlue gathers data from any supported data source and forwards it to any supported Bluetooth SPP and Bluetooth RFCOMM. Any Bluetooth that supports the Serial Port Profile, such as SPP or RFCOMM barcode scanners, can be used.

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tecit.datareader.android.getblue.demo

Google Play Rating: 3.9/5 stars (450+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Collects data from Bluetooth SPP, serial USB, TCP/IP, HTTP and camera scanners automatically
• Exports via files, spreadsheets, etc.
• Bi-directional device communication support is provided
• Manual data input; device commands may be entered manually
• Functions as a keyboard wedge

Cost: Demo version: FREE

1. Wireless Barcode Scanner

The Wireless Barcode Scanner is another product by Tec-It, but unlike its sister products, this barcoding app doesn’t yet have any user feedback. With adjustable 1D and 2D barcode scanning support, adjustable character sets, and compatibility with some standard software tools, the Wireless Barcode Scanner offers usability and functionality for a variety of uses and applications. This mobile barcode app only works with Android devices.

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tecit.android.bluescanner.full

Google Play Rating: 0 (no ratings available)

Key Features:

• Adjustable 1D/2D barcode support
• Adjustable character set
• All scanned barcodes are stored for later access
• Supports adjustable barcode prefixes, suffixes, and various decoding character sets
• Can be read with standard software tools from virtual serial port
• Single shot or batch scanning

Cost: $12.99

1. Inventory Droid

Inventory Droid, as its name suggests, is available only for the Android operating system. A similar barcode app is available for web-based reporting and inventory tracking that’s compatible with iOS devices, but this app does not support barcode scanning. Inventory Droid gets positive feedback overall, with a few quirks noted. For instance, one reviewer says she’d prefer that the inventory search evaluates her inventory only, not that of Amazon and other online retailers.

OS: Android

Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.inventorydroid&hl=en

Google Play Rating: 4/5 stars (298 reviews)

Key Features:

• Custom fields, field units, and scanable fields
• Multiple accounts and categories for streamlined management
• CSV import/export
• Account backup and restore
• Built-in shopping features
• Loan reminders
• Store photos and receipts in SD folders

Cost: $4.99

1. Barcodescanner Keyboard

Other than some compatibility issues with specific devices, users say the Barcodescanner Keyboard works well. With multiple keyboard layouts to support a variety of languages, this reader application is both versatile and functional.

Download for Android:

Demo: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tecit.android.barcodekbd.demo

Full: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tecit.android.barcodekbd.full

Google Play Rating: 4.2/5 stars (60+ ratings) – full version

Key Features:

• Multiple keyboard layouts available for language support
• Automatically fills fields with scanned barcode information
• Can be configured with target application control keys
• Does not require Internet or SMS control permissions
• Secured data is protected from keylogging
• Scans in landscape or portrait mode

Cost:

• Free Demo
• Full paid version: $3.99

1. ScanPet

ScanPet is a barcode app for Android devices, and it’s compatible with the Kindle Fire. This barcode app garners feedback from more than 1,500 users on Google Play, where it earns an average rating of 4.1 stars out of 5.  ScanPet uses Excel as an item database, enabling the app to function as a complete inventory management application – all managed by your smartphone, which doubles as a scanner. It’s being used for everything from personal CD collections to business inventory. With exporting options and a slew of other features, it’s easy to get the essential inventory data you need to other applications and programs. There’s a basic, free version and a more sophisticated, paid version available.

OS: Android

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maiko.scanpet&hl=en

Premium/Paid Version Download:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maiko.xscanpet

Google Play Rating: 4.1/5 stars (1,500+ ratings)

Key Features:

• Customization wizard
• Add as many custom fields as you require
• Compatible with a variety of data types: string,number,lists of values,date,time,photo, latitude,longitude, etc.
• Functions as a WiFi scanner for direct-to-PC data transmission
• Sales and shipment tracking
• Reads most barcode formats and symbologies
• Also functions as an attendance tracker or roster

Cost:

• FREE
• Premium paid version – $2.10

1. Inventory X Pro

The ultimate inventory, asset management and collection app, Inventory X Pro has a built-in barcode scanner and the other tools and capabilities to turn your smartphone into a total inventory control system. It’s only available for the Android operating system, and it doesn’t have many reviews. Those that are available are positive, however, with users praising developer support and overall functionality and usability.

OS: Android

Download for Android:http://inventory-x.msurflab.com/ 

Google Play Rating: 4.4/5 stars (7 ratings)

Key Features:

• Multi-level categories
• Tags for easy searching
• UPC, EAN, ISBN, ASIN codes
• Attach photos and receipts to items
• Scan custom barcodes, UPC, EAN codes
• Check-in and check-out transactions
• Multi-level locations with time stamps
• Generate inventory reports
• Quantity balance updates
• Customization options
• Importing and exporting

Cost: $2.99

1. Rapid Inventory App for Android

The Rapid Inventory App for Android can solve your most pressing inventory concerns by turning your smartphone or other mobile device into a barcode scanner. Easy importing and exporting options make it possible to transfer data to other applications for accounting and other purposes. With customization options, such as custom fields, you can categorize and filter your products in a variety of ways to suit your needs. With simple, intuitive operation and three different price levels, including a free version, sers say this smartphone barcode scanner is exactly what they needed.

Download for Android:http://www.tec-it.com/en/download/android/rapid-inventory/Download.aspx

Google Play Rating:

• Free – 3.8 (270 ratings)
• Business – 4.5 (2 ratings)
• Unlimited – 4.0 (3 ratings)

Key Features:

• Maintain item stock lists, part lists, serial and item numbers, and other characteristics
• Track fixed or moveable assets
• Tag items with labels for easy sorting and searching
• Import and export reports and data (CSV, Excel, Google Drive)
• Custom fields; custom sort order

Cost:

• Pay-as-You-Go
• Free
• Business – $13.99
• Unlimited – $39.99
• Volume Pricing
• Free Demo available

1. My Inventory

My Inventory enables you to create several inventory databases, sort and categorize products based on a variety of characteristics, construct reports, export product lists, full inventory, check-in and check-out entries, and more via CSV or XML. Bulk-scanning products is possible once you’ve created your inventories. Users say it’s stable and easy to use, but the help page could be more robust and the exporting feature could be a bit simpler to use. Otherwise, users seem to think this is an excellent barcode app to scan and manage inventory.

Download for Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appdevandroid.framework.inventories

Free:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appdevandroid.framework.inventoriesfree

Paid:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appdevandroid.framework.inventories

Google Play Rating: 3.7/5 stars (30 ratings)

Key Features:

• Export inventory in a CSV or Excel file by products, inventories, check in-out entries
• Create multiple inventories; sort products by inventory
• Input includes name, type, location, price, quantity, purchase date, inventory
• Sort and filter using the above tags
• Form auto-fill saves time

Cost:

1. Inventory Barcode Scanner (Action-Plus)

Inventory Barcode Scanner is a pretty simple and straightforward app that does exactly what you’d expect a barcode scanning tool to do. You can enter product and inventory data, and the app automatically adjusts your stock counts when additional barcodes are scanned. You can manually enter data or rely on the scanner, and export your data as a .csv file to integrate your inventory data with another application. It gets middling scores from users, earning an average rating of 3.3 stars out of five, but the written reviews provided are generally positive. One user describes the Inventory Barcode Scanner as “Great for quick and dirty inventory,” and most agree that it’s fast and accurate.

Download for Android: