Over the past 50 years, barcodes have changed the way we purchase goods, transmit data, administer medications, and more. Implementing the latest barcode technologies helps companies promote the lean manufacturing principles of right time, right place, right quantity production, improving their operations for better quality and profitability.

Benefits of Barcodes
Companies implement barcode systems to track, secure, and manage data. These systems offer many benefits, including lower labor costs with faster data entry, error reduction, inventory tracking, and better access to information.

Beyond the operational advantages, consider this: What is the cost to your organization if the wrong item is shipped to a customer, the wrong part is installed in an aircraft, or the wrong drug is given to an infant?

Simple Steps to Implement Barcodes
To develop an effective barcode system, you must determine whether you need a static set of pre-printed labels or an on-demand printing system. On-demand printing systems include the material (label, tag, or sleeve), a thermal transfer printer, label design software, and a barcode scanner. These systems allow you the flexibility to print large or small batches of labels cost-effectively. Printing systems also allow the user to adjust the barcode and label for variable data such as employee, batch, serial number, date and time, quantity, or part number.

Effective barcode systems should focus on four key elements

Step 1: Start with your product.
What are your requirements for labels? Physical considerations include: how long must they last, what will they be attached to, and how many labels you will need. What data you need on the label will also determine the size and location appropriate for labeling.

Next determine the application requirements such as agency recognition (UL, CSA, AGA, etc.), tear resistance, abrasion resistance, color, texture, temperature, and other considerations.

Step 2: Choose the right printer for your label material.
Thermal transfer printers are available that are compatible with specialty label materials resistant to rain, chemicals, sunlight, etc. These systems can also print on materials with various types of adhesives, from removable or repositionable to high-grade permanent adhesives. Print resolution is another factor when choosing a printer, with systems ranging from 203 dots per inch (dpi) to 600 dpi.

Step 3: Determine your label design needs.
A variety of label design packages are available that support a variety of label formats, including alphanumeric text, barcodes, and serial number generation. Software packages can be integrated to your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system so data can be downloaded to your label file.

Step 4: Select a barcode scanner.
Your scanner needs are determined by how you apply your barcode data: Does your system need to simply simulate typing the data into your system, or do you need to manipulate the data coming into the computer system? Connectivity is another consideration: USB with a cord or wireless with Bluetooth? The symbology of your barcodes (linear or 2D) and their density are also determining factors.

Conclusion

Barcode technology continues to evolve, as companies discover new ways to use label data to drive operational efficiencies and improvements. Current RFID technology is already pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from label applications. Selecting the right barcode labeling system for your company will allow you to not only identify your products but also support your system at every point.

Brady Worldwide Inc. www.bradyid.com/simple or call 800-940-0616