AboutDavid E. Coffman CPA/ABV, CVA Expertise General questions about small business management, planning, and measuring and improving business performance. Specific questions about what a business is worth.
Experience Certified Public Accountant, Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Over 30 years experience advising, owning and operating small businesses. Specializing in business valuation and innovative consulting services for small businesses since 1997.
Question Dear, I have a few questions that I do not know who to ask. Please help or please show me the right experts who can help. I have a small gas station that has not used bar code system to control the inventory. As a result, I have lost (a lot!) due to employee stealing. Now, I need to have a control system that use bar codes. When employee sells things, they need to scan the items and I will know what and how many has been sold for the day. I do not know where to start utilizing such a control system. Please help. Thank you very much.
Answer There are a number of suppliers of point-of-sale (POS) systems that incorporate bar coding. Search the Internet and yellow pages for vendors near you. Some vendors offer complete packages including hardware, software and training. Also, check with some industry trade associations, because there may be some vendors with systems designed specifically for gas stations. One drawback is that you will be stuck with one brand of equipment or software.
Some local accounting or consulting firms also offer POS and bar coding services. Look for firms that deal extensively with small retailers. Some firms offer turnkey systems or they will recommend hardware and software then help you install and set up the system. The accounting or consulting firm can also help you implement other inventory control procedures.
I suggest approaching an accounting or consulting firm with your problem and let them suggest some solutions. There may be other (cheaper) ways to reduce theft without installing a bar coding system.
