Barcode Labels

Before Barcodes ever existed everything had to be inventoried by hand, and this was a time consuming process. A graduate student named Joseph Woodland is the creator of today’s Barcode. His idea for the Barcode originated from Morse code and a 1920’s movie soundtrack system. He extended the dots of the Morse code into parallel lines. General Motors was the first company to use true Barcode systems. They monitored automobile axle units for production and distribution. Now they are used worldwide. Barcodes consist of a row data that are read by Optical Scanners. These Barcodes can be 1 Dimensional which is a row of parallel lines that consist of data. They can also be 2 Dimensional which is a geographical pattern that is capable of holding more data than the 1 Dimensional Barcode. The 2 Dimensional Barcodes may also be referred to as a Matrix Code. 

The Matrix Code looks nothing like the Barcode but functions in the same manner. This code is capable of being read by specialist camera equipment and software, even if part of the code is missing. This is more effective than the traditional Barcodes. The Matrix code is not as sensitive as the Barcode because its readability is measured in micrometers. It is the preferred method of Identification by the US Department of Defense.

After companies started to become more aware of Barcodes and how they work, they wanted to find a better way to track their inventory. They discovered the UPC code which is a group of numbers split into 2 halves of six numbers each. The first number on a UPC code is always zero, unless it is produce, meat, or another specialty item. The Manufacturer’s Code is the next five numbers, and then the Product code consists of the next five numbers. The very last number is referred to as a check digit to make sure that the other numbers were scanned correctly. The Barcode is capable of being scanned in any direction because it contains hidden cues. Every company has to register their barcodes with the Uniform Code Council so that all of the items that they carry will have its own identifier. In today’s society more than 60% of retailers are equipped with Barcode scanners.

It is amazing to know that Barcodes can be used on almost everything because they range in size from microscopic to over 2 feet long. There are microscopic Barcodes actually being used on bees to keep record of when they are mating. The military used a Barcode that was over 2 feet long to keep track of large boats that were being stored. Barcodes are also well known for being used by FedEx and UPS to track packages that are being shipped daily. Barcodes are now considered to be an essential part of our every day lives. There are a lot of benefits to having Barcodes. They hold up to date detailed information allowing companies to gain quick access to it which saves them time and money. The type of information that Barcodes typically hold include: prices, historical data, identification, and sales.

There are many different types of barcode systems. Some companies have the barcodes integrated into their inventory system using a barcode label software program, and can easily print their labels by hitting a key command from within the program. There are also many different barcode label printers. Some printers use a thermal printing ability. The problem with thermal barcode labels is that they will fade over time when they are exposed to direct light. The advantage to these types of printers is that they tend to be more cost effective and they also typically have some sort of barcoding software included with them. They really are the standard whenever it comes to printing barcodes. When looking for a  thermal barcode label maker there are two main types. These are called direct thermal barcode printing and transfer thermal barcode printing. Each of these different printing methods uses heat to the surface to create a mark. The thermal transfer method uses a heated ribbon to create the image. This method creates a longer lasting label. In direct thermal printing does not use a ribbon but prints directly on the label and has more options whenever it comes to printing materials.

Zebra barcode label printers are very popular thermal printers. They can range any where from $200 up to $6000. There may even be a few that cost more. Of course whenever you buy a printer like this you will want to use the Zebra barcode labels. It is important to use the right labels for the printer you but and you should do a little looking around at the cost of the labels before committing to the printer. Whenever you are trying to pick out a barcode label printer you should have some idea of the symbology that you will be using because not all printers can print any symbology. A simpler system will most likely be best for many because you would be able to have barcodes printed with with packaging graphics and you will not have to go through the additional expense of creating barcodes if you are planning on creating your own product packaging. If you are a big time manufacturer or plan on distributing you will need to make sure that your barcodes are "compliance labels".

Printing barcode labels can be done with a laser printer, many of the symbologies can be printed this was, but this is not recommended en mass because the labels will ruin the printer over time. The way a laser printer works involves heat and the glue from the labels will gum up the transfer unit. The other issue is that laserjets may not be able to reproduce the label at a high enough quality for the barcode scanner, but this is only a problem with some symbologies. You will also have to purchase the barcode label printing software separately.

You may opt for buying some preprinted barcode labels for your business but having the ability to print custom barcode labels yourself is very beneficial and definitely a lot more convenient. The connivence alone could actually save you money because you will not have to be waiting on someone else to print them for you.

Barcode Label Disadvantages

Having Barcodes on things can also be a disadvantage at times to some people but to others it can make your job much easier. It is best to have Barcodes coated under plastic so they cannot be scratched off or torn. This makes it difficult for the Barcode to be scanned. Another disadvantage to having Barcodes is that the scanners can become very expensive to replace. That can be solved by how quickly inventories can be taken with using the Barcode system. You will replace the money that was spent on the scanner within three or four month’s time. All in all there really is no disadvantage to having Barcodes. As the world progresses, Barcodes will be on just about everything you see, sometimes they will even be right under your nose without you knowing it. So let’s sit back and watch what the world of Barcodes has in store for us.