You've definitely seen barcodes on items you've purchased. You've likely seen them on employee cards, airport boarding passes, hospital wristbands and/or mail parcels. Barcodes are optical or visual representations of data that identifies something about the object it is located on.
Here is the rundown on the fundamentals of barcoding:
Key Benefits
Barcoding really improves operational efficiency and allows you to retrieve and record information more quickly and accurately. With barcodes, you will not be faced with the PBKAC—a computer science term for the problem between the keyboard and chair—as they eliminate human error. Barcodes update data in real time, making sure inventory is always accurate and up-to-date. Ultimately, barcoding cuts costs, saves time and reduces errors.
Types
With one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and radio-frequency identification (RFID), there are many different kinds of barcodes to choose from. Specific kinds of barcodes are used for specific tasks. For example, a one-dimensional universal product code (UPC) is used for consumer goods, while a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code would be used on magazines and smartphones. Of course, the type of barcode you choose to implement must be the one that most benefits your company's goal. Ask yourself who will be using these barcodes: employees, consumers or suppliers? What will the barcodes be used for? Where will they be used?
What do you need to implement barcodes?
To print barcodes, you need a barcode printer and barcode printing software. To read them, you need a business process and a barcode scanner. Keep in mind barcode printing software must integrate with ERP applications. Depending on your preference, there are dot matrix, laser, thermal transfer and direct thermal printers available at varying costs.
As for barcode scanners, the hand scanner is the most common where you just aim at the barcode and pull the trigger. The other options are presentation for a wider reading area, mobile computer for complete mobility and fixed mount on a conveyor line with a wide range of speeds. You can choose your connectivity and ruggedness preference to your liking.
Closing remarks
This is just a quick introduction to the fundamentals of barcoding. If you'd like more information or are interested in implementing a barcoding solution for your organization, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
