Utility companies maintain infrastructure for the public by providing services including: electricity, natural gas, water and sewage and occasionally telephone services. By eliminating manual data entry and implementing automatic data capture, bar code scanning can help both small and large utility companies optimize their daily practices. This leads to more efficient and accurate bill payment activities without the major price tag!
Bar codes are becoming such a common occurrence that utility companies have defined their own symbology standards for payment documents such as electricity, water and telephone bills. The bar code comprises of data used for making a payment at the utility company or at ATMs / banks participating in bill payment services. The attaching of a bar code to bills enhances efficiency when processing payments, reduces workload and supports new technology such as making payments via ATM, adding convenience for customers.

	Document Handling Bar code scanners are replacing common document handling activities in utility companies by automatically tracking the movement, filing, location, archival, maintenance and destruction of customer documents. This comprehensive system allows employees to identify documents by reading a unique bar code printed on the document, which enhances overall productivity. By eliminating outdated manual processes, utility companies can experience a significant reduction in errors, critical to maintaining customer satisfaction.
	Image Capture Bar code scanners with image capture capabilities allow important documents such as checks, bills, ID documents and more to be easily captured and stored in customer records by automatically taking a ‘picture' of document when scanning. Image capture can also be used for signature capture, eliminating the need for costly supplemental devices often placed outside employee's work station. By using image capture, utility companies can reduce paper waste and further enhance services for customers.
	Bill Payment Bar code scanning technology is used to facilitate efficient bill payment programs for utility companies. By including a unique bar code symbology on the payment document, bar code readers will be able to efficiently collect bill payment information as well as accurately distribute bills to the right customer. Generally, 2D bar codes are used for bill payment applications with the ability to store more data in equal or less space. In order to read these codes, a 2D bar code reader or ‘area imager' is required.
	Signature Capture Capturing electronic signatures for proof of delivery automates the time consuming and labor intensive procedure of manual signature collection, increasing the productivity of drivers and administrative staff. Real-time information can also decrease time required for billing cycles.
	Meter Reading Utility personnel have the ability to shorten billing cycles with mobile computers that communicate meter data via cellular connection once read. Online access to service materials like manuals allows technicians to respond proactively to both service and maintenance related needs.