Barcode printers and labels

Barcode system helps to speed up data processing in any kind of business venture. Barcode is machine readable information about a product which includes all the identifying feature of a product. This barcode system implements auto ID data capture technology. In this system each item is given a unique bar code represented by the widths of the bars and the white spaces between them. They can be read by barcode scanners and involves faster identification, recording and monitoring.

Barcodes have an extensive use in inventory control system. Each item in the store is tagged with a unique barcode and hence it becomes easier for monitoring the inventory movement. During inventory count, employees use handheld scanner to make the task of inventory count faster, accurate and easier. The barcode system can be used in partnership with point of sales program which reduces the inventory cost considerably. Barcode also finds use in asset tracking, monitoring employees in field and help in reduction of data entry errors.

Barcode software and printers are used to produce barcodes. There are three types of barcode printers, dot matrix, laser and thermal.

Dot matrix was the first printer used to print barcodes. The dot-matrix printers are inexpensive but they cannot produce durable barcode labels. They print barcodes in large amounts and not one at a time which becomes very cost inefficient and wasteful.

Laser printers can print barcodes in high resolution resulting in high quality barcodes. They are also faster than dot matrix printers. However the barcodes printed from laser printers are not very durable as they are printed on regular paper which is not water resistant.

Thermal printers produce the most efficient barcodes and produce them one at a time making them cost-efficient and reducing wastage. They print barcodes in a heat sensitive paper making them durable and water resistant. Thermal printers are again of two types’ direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer. Direct thermal printers are generally less expensive and become more illegible when exposed to sunlight, heat or chemical vapors.

The printers are one of the popular and steady sources in the industry for their relevance in everyday life. These are of immense requirement to managers and supervisors to keep track of records and orders. These printers being new are not only used in simple labeling job but also in many tasks. They also help in reduction of error occurrence and thus save time.

Another way of acquiring barcode labels is to order them from a company which specializes in printing labels. You can consider this idea if you need hundreds and thousands of barcode labels and each of the same type. This can only be done by a dedicated barcode printer. Sometimes barcode labels need to be sequentially numbered for proper tracking of items. If printing is done in-house someone can cause mistake or intentionally replicate to invite trouble. If you want a secured label which is hard to replicate you will always want a third party to do it for you. You might need specialized tags depending on the item. Some may be permanent, metallic, weather proof, extra small etc. Every label needs different software which is not feasible within your company.

About the Author:

Brian Sutter is the author of this article on 2D & Laser Barcode Scanners. Find more information on Barcode Printers & Labels here.