Custom Solutions for Unique Problems
Barcodes may be one of the most widespread tools used for rapid item identification, but due to their customizable nature, no two barcode systems are identical. In order to maximize efficiency for a specific barcode system application, there are many factors that need to be taken into account.
This blog will be focused around some of the factors we can collaborate with you on to design a custom barcode labeling solution – specifically for your needs. Barcode labels are just one component of a barcode system that includes:
If even one component of the system is not functioning properly, then the effectiveness of the whole system is dramatically lowered.
Optimizing the Barcode Label
All of the organization & efficiency that a barcode system provides is lost if there is no way to access that information when it matters most. This is a very real possibility if you choose the wrong type of barcode label. As you might expect, barcode labels are available in all sorts of sizes and materials to allow for customization. So, let’s take a look at 6 important factors that play into creating the perfect barcode label solution:
- Human-Readable Information
Label printers are capable of printing much more than just barcodes. Most labeling applications benefit from the inclusion of some form of human-readable text or images, in addition to the barcode. For example, an item can often be identified much faster by a person reading text than by scanning a barcode and accessing a database.
- Machine-Readable Information
There are two types of barcodes: One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional. 1D Barcodes can be read by any type of barcode scanner and can contain upwards of 12-15 characters. 2D Barcodes must be read by specialized barcode scanners known as 2D Imagers, but can hold much more information than a 1D barcode. For example, QR Codes, a type of 2D barcode, can hold more than 4,000 characters.
- Graphics
Many barcode system applications will require some form of graphic on the labels, along with a barcode and human-readable text. While barcode labels can range from up to 4” by 6” in size, free label space can be taken up faster than you might expect. Keep in mind that as the size of the label increases, the number of labels on a roll will decrease. Also, larger labels generally cause ribbons to be consumed faster in Thermal Transfer printers.
- Lifespan
Speaking of printing methods, there are two types of label printers: Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer. Direct Thermal printers produce labels that have a shorter lifespan than labels produced with Thermal Transfer printers. Another factor that influences the lifespan of a label is the medium used to print on. Paper labels have a much shorter lifespan relative to synthetic labels (like those made of polypropylene), which can have a lifespan of up to 2 years.
- Adhesive
What material will the barcode label be attached to? This question is important to determine what sort of adhesive you will need for your label, as different materials require different types of adhesives. Also, if the label must be removed at some point without damaging the surface underneath, then you will need labels with removable adhesive.
- Environment
The environment the label is exposed to also is a factor to consider when selecting various components of your labeling solution. If your labels will be exposed to a lot of sunlight, then you should take measures to enhance their longevity by using Thermal Transfer printing and synthetic labels. There are more specific applications (such as in a laboratory) that require a unique type of label designed to resist damage from exposure to certain types of chemicals.
There are a lot of factors that go into selecting the proper barcode label for the job. On top of that, there are even more factors that must be taken into account for the other components of a barcode system.
Questions?
Call 800-830-9523 or Email info@L-Tron.com
Our barcode system experts will happily provide you with the help you are looking for.
Curious about some of the terms I used today? Check out an [Infographic]: 10 Key AIDC (Auto Identification and Data Capture) Terms.
About the Author:
Cal Goheen is on the marketing team here at L-Tron, specializing in content creation. When he’s not busy writing informative blog posts, you can find him absorbed in his studies at the University of Rochester.