1. A computer-implemented data entry method for an inventory computer system, comprising: querying, by the inventory computer system, an operator for identification of a first inventory tracking code from a collection of pre-printed inventory tracking labels which have not yet been associated with inventory, the inventory tracking labels to be physically affixed to inventory items; querying, by the inventory computer system, the operator for status information about a first inventory item; storing the status information about the first inventory item in association with the first inventory tracking code in a memory of the inventory computer system; and repeatedly, proposing, by the inventory computer system, to the operator a subsequent inventory tracking code derived from the first inventory tracking code and previously used tracking codes, querying, by the inventory computer system, the operator for status information about a subsequent inventory item, and storing the status information about the subsequent inventory item in association with the subsequent inventory tracking code in the memory of the inventory computer system, wherein after the operator enters a portion of the first inventory tracking code, the computer inventory tracking system generates a list of unused tracking codes containing the portion entered by the operator.