Bar Code Labels: A Guide

Bar code labels are tags that contain encoded information. They are used to identify and list inventories in businesses that use a large number of goods. They are made of paper, vinyl, plastic or metal and have an adhesive surface underneath by which they can be affixed to the surface of the item.

Bar code labels use two primary techniques to encode the numerical information on it. One is the line bars technique. Special bar code software can convert an inputted number into a sequence of vertical lines of various thicknesses. The thicknesses of these lines and the spaces between them indicate the number they denote. Another technique is two-dimensional encoding, where information is coded in the form of a pattern of dots of varying thicknesses in a square or rectangular frame. In both techniques, it is not possible by human eyes to decipher what number they indicate.

Bar code labels are designed by software using a computer. Sizes, colors and data fields are placed if required. Once the bar code template is created, it is printed on a specialized paper with an adhesive surface using a printer. Laser printers give good quality outputs, but there are also special standalone printers made expressly for printing bar code labels.

Once the articles are tagged with bar code labels, they get indexed on the database of the company. The bar codes on these labels can be deciphered using scanners. Bar code scanners are small handy devices, which can decode the bar codes into numerical and data information. Scanners can be fixed at a place or handheld.

Companies that have equipment and necessary expertise can design their own bar code labels. This is ideal for companies that produce a large number of goods per day. Some companies even customize their bar codes in order to suit their needs. Smaller companies and temporary businesses can buy preprinted bar code labels from the market. Preprinted bar code labels are available in bundles of hundreds.

Bar codes are very efficient in maintaining large inventory records for companies. It saves a lot of time, as every item is indexed in the register and only a simple scanning procedure enters its records in the required field. The entire process gets systemized and standardized, as a single bar code pattern will be followed for a single product throughout.

The use of bar codes is not limited to consumer products alone, but wherever there is a need of maintaining statistical information. Even consumer bills such as electricity bills, gas bills, maintenance taxes, ID cards bear bar codes.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Scanner Software

Bar codes have specific symbology that is defined in the height and width of the bars as well as the spacing between the bars. Each of these bars might represent numeric data, alphanumeric data or character data, depending on the type of symbology being used.

Each bar code has a start bar and an end bar to allow the scanner to read the data precisely. Some bar codes have another bar before the end bar, known as the checksum bar code. After the scanner calculates the sum, it is verified with the value of the checksum bar code for accuracy. This ensures exact calculation with minimal errors.

Bar codes are read by scanners that are in fact photosensors used to convert the bars in the bar code into electrical signals as it is being scanned. Since the bars are distinguished by their width, height and spacing, they are then measured using software that recognizes and converts electrical signals from the bars into readable characters. The scanner software then transmits this data to the PC terminal. The whole process does not take more than a few seconds.

Bar code scanners are available in a variety of models. A few popular ones are the gun model, countertop model and portable variety. The simplest scanner model is connected to the PC and the keyboard. Software allows the scanner to read the bar code data and input it into the PC with minimal fuss. This is the most commonly used model, although the scanners that can be connected to serial ports or USB wedges are also popular. Since the data read in such cases does not interfere with the keyboard data, the software has complete control over the data flow from the scanner with little or no help manually.

Cordless scanners are also popular. Like cordless phones or cordless keyboards, these connect through radio waves with the base that is connected to the PC. This works similar to regular scanners, except that the data is first transmitted to the base and then sent to the system. These are usually short distance scanners, and they need to be within a specific range of the base to transmit the data accurately. Portable scanners are most useful when the user needs to input data simultaneously along with the scanning. This is especially true in cases when the user needs to go through menus to select the correct option. Almost all portable scanners come with a keyboard that the user can use to select the product.

All these scanners and many other models, such as the wireless ones, charge-coupled scanners, laser models, LED, handheld models, counter scanners, fixed-in-counter scanners and belt scanners, have the ability to store data regardless of the size and shape. The software used in these is basically the same, although a few changes might exist based on their utility. They decode the data in the bar code and store it for future reference.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.

Bar Code Software

Barcode software comes in various styles. It is used to create professional barcode labels. It can be uploaded on a computer like any other software program and possesses a myriad of features. The barcode software can print barcodes on any installed printer with graphics capability. Such software often consists of a menu that displays different options in a user-friendly language. Modern software is very easy to use, giving the user the option to decide a label's appearance, including the type and size of text, bar codes and graphics. Dialogs, another important feature of many barcode software programs, offer many options to design labels and print barcodes.

Many barcode software programs available in the market offer tool tips. These are basically quick hints that help in modifying and printing multiple label designs. Similarly, high precision on-screen design mode provides an accurate real-time view of a label. Print preview mode displays exactly how the labels look before they can be printed. Perhaps the best part of barcode software is that it usually comes with an array of font capabilities. It solely depends on the imagination of the user to put these fonts to the most flexible use with maximum speed. Several printer drivers have the option to support font downloading.

Software consists of a toolbox that provides access to an extensive series of barcode components. The rich text option allows for multiple typefaces and styles. Graphics can be easily imported or exported in barcode software. That makes logos, pictures and company images easy to adapt. Barcode software is programmed to be latched onto all kinds of laser, ink-jet and dot-matrix printers. This software also provides access to countless high-quality symbols. They also allow serialization sequences. We can choose the sequence from a variety of character sets. Modern software is armed with the option of customizing a user’s own features.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Software

All retail as well as wholesale products are labeled with bar codes today. Even the smallest retail items, like chocolates or pencils, have a unique bar code to identify them accurately. Bar codes have specific symbology that is defined in the height and width of the bars as well as the spacing between the bars. Each of these bars might represent only numeric data, alphanumeric data or character data, depending on the type of symbology being used.

Each bar code has a start bar and an end bar to allow the scanner to read the data precisely. Some bar codes have another bar before the end bar, known as the checksum bar code. After the scanner calculates the sum, it is verified with the value of the checksum bar code for accuracy. This ensures exact calculation with minimal errors.

Bar codes are read by bar code scanners, which are photosensors used to convert the bars in the bar code into electrical signals as it is being scanned. Since the bars are distinguished by their width, height and spacing, these are then measured using software that recognizes and converts the electrical signals from the bars into readable characters. The scanner software then transmits this data to the PC terminal. The whole process does not take more than a few seconds, and is a very fast procedure.

The software used to track the bar code is accurate, and keeps precise records of all the bar codes scanned. This ensures that the software itself keeps track of the data relating to all the products sold. Since the software loaded into the computer records the data, the data can be retrieved with no fuss. Also, since the procedure is faster than manually entering the code into the system, it saves time and ensures more work efficiency.

Bar codes are especially useful when taking note of inventory for the annual report. Retailers find scanning the products time-saving and efficient, with fewer chances of errors in the calculations or recording of data. Supermarkets and shopping malls find it very useful to take care of customer’s needs in less time, rather than make the customers wait in line while cashiers entering the data manually into the PC.

Financial matters are crucial, as even the slightest of problems might give rise to complexities that might take a long time to solve. Medical and surgical fields especially would have a tough time with clerical errors while taking inventory. Using bar code software can eliminate this problem, as the error rate is extremely low.

It is essential for an organization to go in for the best kind of bar code to minimize critical errors and other problems. Bar code scanners and related software are inexpensive compared to the wages paid to clerks. They are long-lasting, easy to use and efficient for all kinds of products.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.

Bar Code Printers

Barcode Printers come in various types, including general-purpose laser and inkjet printers. Then there are printers that support multiple symbologies. They are called Thermal bar code label printers. General-purpose laser and inkjet printers cannot directly print barcodes. That is because these basic printers do not support bar code symbologies and are therefore upgraded to do so. They need to be programmed to support bar coding, which may entail addition of more features and fonts.

Barcode printers employ two major printing methods, namely Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer. Both methods basically involve the same technique to print bar codes with difference in the use of ribbon. They make use of a print-head that applies heat to a surface that is pre-marked. Heated ribbon is used to produce long-lasting images in Thermal Transfer printing, while Direct Thermal does not use ribbon and instead prints the image directly on the label. In Thermal Transfer printing, a large number of materials may be used. This generally helps in creating durable images over a long period of time. Direct Thermal, on the other hand, helps in making put-away labels, receipts and other such small variety.

Ideally, barcode printers can print on labels that are specifically designed for the purpose. However, the printers are also capable of printing on fabrics like polyester. We have printers etching away prints on headbands and even synthetic materials. Quite contrary to popular perception, barcodes are not only black. Barcode printers can print in various colors, but black is generally preferred because a light color may end up with insufficient contrast between the bars resulting in unreadable barcodes.

Nowadays, several security features are available to ensure that there is no counterfeit coding by the printers. The latest thermal printers are capable of printing smart labels that contain radio frequency identification chips within the label media. These smart features go a long way in plugging any loopholes in barcode printing and provide a guarantee of authentication.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Labels

Barcode labels are the tags that help both humans and machines to identify any given product. These labels come in several types and resemble the average tags. These labels are differentiated by the type of base material, called stock, that they are printed on. Labels are currently available in all types of materials and come with a variety of adhesive backings. They can also be ordered in several customized shapes and sizes.

Apart from the basic types of barcodes labels, labels can also be categorized into three main forms: aluminum barcode labels, polyester barcode labels, and ceramic barcode labels. The aluminum labels are very durable, usually with an image on the surface that lasts for a long time, even in the harshest of climatic conditions. It can withstand wear and tear, heat, cold, chemicals and abrasion. The polyester barcode label has an image imbedded in the underside of the plastic material. It uses a permanent industrial adhesive bonding and is known for its dependability. However, the last word in durability is the ceramic barcode label. It is made up of a stainless steel base and coated with ceramic. These labels can withstand strong acids or very high temperatures.

Barcode labels can be further subdivided into the following categories: resin-coated paper barcode labels, paper barcode labels, long-range retro-reflective barcode labels, and floor labels. Resin-coated paper barcode labels are the most common labels used in the official work. These labels are created with the help of tough resin coating for durability. Paper barcode labels are very economical and ideal for tracking of documents. A long-range retro-reflective barcode label is another case in point. These labels are normally hung from a wall or a ceiling. Made of rigid metal or plastic, these labels provide maximum functionality for long-range scanners. Lastly, we have floor labels. These labels are used in industrial floors and are developed using steel and are then coated with urethane. These labels can withstand heavy vehicular traffic.

With barcode labels forming an intrinsic part of the daily human existence, they are finding an increasing utility in the day to day life. Newer forms of labels are being designed by the day.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Equipment

Barcode equipment is an all encompassing term. It may include automation products such as Barcode Fonts, latest ActiveX Controls, .NET forms controls, class libraries, components, encoders and barcode hardware including barcode printers and scanners. We will briefly touch upon some of these categories, which add to up what we call Barcode equipment.

Modern barcode fonts are used with a variety of alternative operating systems like TrueType, BDF, FON, PCL LaserJet soft fonts, PostScript et al. Modern fonts also come in several font formats and font tools. Macros and source code in a barcode font helps in the integration of fonts with a given application. These fonts can range from data matrix to the True Type barcode font packs offered by various companies these days.

Some barcode components like ActiveX Control and DLL do not make use of fonts. These components create barcodes as graphic images. They also support several linear and two dimensional barcode symbologies. ActiveX control is basically a trouble-free drag-and-drop control used as a barcode add-in for Microsoft Access and Excel.

Likewise, with .NET barcode web component, we can create images that are then saved to a disk. These controls are simple and compatible with most of the development environments. They permit the creation of barcodes, which are then printed. These barcode controls do not make use of any fonts and function only as smart graphic images.

The Barcode Label Software is very simple to use. It can print barcodes, texts and graphics on a standard laser or inkjet printer. This is in addition to labels that are etched by thermal transfer barcode printers. This software employs the effortless WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) layout and options such as print preview make this labeling software very easy to use.

Barcode scanners and printers also fall in the category of barcode equipment. In the present times, we have thermal barcode label printers and new generation Barcode wands to print and read barcodes in addition to the conventional contraptions.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Bar Code Scanners

Barcode Scanners are hand-held or stationary devices used to read information contained in a barcode. These devices are connected to a computer through any type of port. Scanners cannot do calculations; they only capture the barcode into letters or numbers. Information, once fed into a computer is processed by the computer’s software. A barcode scanner consists of a code reader and decoder. The reader throws light on a barcode and measures the amount of light that is reflected back by the barcode. This light energy is converted into electrical energy by a scanner. The electrical energy in turn is changed into data in the computer.

Barcode scanners are available in many different varieties. They can be hand held and hands free, wearable, rugged, scan engines, laser or digital. Pen-wand scanners are perhaps the simplest types of such devices. They have to be kept in direct contact with the barcode and held at a precise angle. A pen-wand scanner is moved over the bar to read it. General purpose scanners are generally used at checkout counters and hospitals and are also used to process identification documents. Certain other kinds of scanners, like rugged scanners, are generally used in harsh or extreme conditions.

Another major distinction of barcode scanners is that of an image scanner and a laser scanner. A camera reader is embedded in an image scanner. The camera captures the barcode images, which are then processed by sophisticated image techniques to decode the barcode. An image scanner can read a barcode from four to ten inches away. Laser scanners use lenses to read the codes. Laser scanners enjoy the advantage of reading the bar even from a distance of 24 inches. Moreover a laser scanner can be positioned at any angle to read a barcode. With the advancement of technology, modern laser scanners can read the barcodes with ease from a distance of 30 feet.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information about bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is the sister site of Bar Code Software.

Image Processing And Bar Codes - Selecting The Right Bar Code With Image Binarization

Documents that are scanned for image processing or storage are often captured at 8 bits per pixel. These are referred to as grayscale images in that 256 levels of gray are able to be represented in the image. The capability to represent shades of gray is required to faithfully capture photographs and graphics but is not normally needed for text. Consequently, scanned images are often binarized.

This process involves the selection of a threshold value and then changing all pixel values below that threshold to black and all pixel values above the threshold to white. This compresses the image by only requiring 1 bit per pixel instead of 8 bits per pixel. For example, an 8.5 inch by 11 inch document scanned at 200 samples per inch, has its storage requirement drop from 3.6 megabytes to 450 kilobytes. Binarization also occurs when documents are transmitted by fax as images are created that are represented with 1 bit per pixel as well.
 

Given a proper threshold, binarized images that contain text can normally still be read by either human eye or OCR algorithms. Indeed, some OCR algorithms begin the OCR process by binarizing the image as the text is typically dark against a lighter background. However, if bar codes are present within the binarized image, they can by altered enough by the binarization process to cause difficulty for a decode algorithm.

The image to the left shows part of the start pattern of a Code 39 linear bar code. The top portion shows the image represented as 8 bits per pixel, while the lower portion shows a binarized version using a threshold of 100. Note that the smooth transitions from white to black in the grayscale image have been transformed into ragged edges that have plus or minus one pixel variability. As a result, the width of each bar or space can vary by plus or minus 2 pixels. Given that the information in linear bar codes is contained in the widths of the bars and spaces, decode problems can result depending on the size and type of the original bar code symbol. The remainder of this article will focus on two issues that should be considered to improve the read rate of binarized bar codes: sample density and symbology type.
 

Sample Density
Sample density is the number of samples per unit area that an image is captured. Typical sample densities used for document processing range from 200 to 300 samples per inch (dots per inch or DPI). Fax transmission can vary from 100 up to 400 DPI. In bar code decoding, a more important parameter to consider is the samples per module, where the module size is the size of the smallest feature of the bar code. This distance is also referred to as the X dimension. This parameter includes both the sample density of the image capture device along with the size of the bar code being scanned. Volo™, a bar code decode software toolkit from Omniplanar®, requires a minimum of 1.6 pixels per module for linear bar codes in a grayscale image. From above, if the width of a bar or space can vary by 2 pixels after binarization, one can see that problems can exist in the short widths at this low sample density. Consequently, Omniplanar recommends a typical value of 4 pixels per module for bar codes that will be binarized. For a document scanned at 200 DPI, this requires a minimum module size in the printed bar code of .020 inchs or 20 mils. Increasing the samples per module beyond 4 is also recommended for images that will go through multiple binarization processes such as documents that will be faxed multiple times.
 

Symbology Type
 

The choice of symbology used to encode data should also be considered carefully. Linear (or 1D) bar codes can be broadly classified into two distinct groups: wide/narrow codes and multiple width codes. In a wide/narrow code, each bar or space can only be either narrow or wide. The wide to narrow ratio, which gives the size ratio between the two widths, typically ranges from 2 to 3. Popular symbologies that use only 2 widths include Code 39 and Interleaved 2 of 5. Multiple width codes have more than 2 possible choices for the widths of bars and spaces. Popular symbologies that employ more than two possible widths include UPC and Code 128, both of which allow a bar or space to be either 1, 2, 3, or 4 modules. Given the same samples per module, wide/narrow symbologies typically survive the binarization process with higher read rate performance than their multiple width counterparts. This is simply due to the fact that in the presence of edge variation due to binarization, it is easier to determine if a run is X or 3X wide (where X is the length of a module and an assumed wide to narrow ratio of 3) or if it is 1X, 2X, 3X or 4X as is the case with multiple width symbologies. The table below classifies the linear symbologies supported by Omniplanar’s Volo into the two classes mentioned above.
 

Wide/Narrow
 

Codabar

Code 39

Interleaved 2 of 5

Patch Code
Multiple Width
 

Code 128

Code 93

RSS

UPC
 

While wide/narrow symbologies are preferred in applications where binarization will occur, they do not normally have as high a data density (data stored per unit width) compared to multiple width symbologies with the same X dimension. This can be an issue where limited space on the document is provided for the bar code symbol.
 

2D Symbologies
2D (or two-dimensional) matrix symbologies are typically presence/absence codes. They use a regular grid of possible cell positions, and the presence or absence of a cell in a grid location encodes the data. Two-dimensional symbols have much higher data density than 1D codes as information is stored in both dimensions of the symbol. In addition, they normally provide error correction to provide redundancy in case some cell data values can not be determined. When a 2D symbol is binarized with sufficient samples per module (the size of a grid position), they tend to do better than linear codes as the edge information is not as critical: it is the position of the center of the cell that is more important. Volo requires a minimum of 2.75 pixels per module in a grayscale image for reliable operation. If additional samples per module beyond 2.75 is provided, performance continues to improve and is a good choice for images that will undergo multiple binarizations. A sample density of 5 pixels or more for 2D matrix symbologies gives good read performance after binarization. 2D Matrix codes supported by Omniplanar’s Volo include Data Matrix, QR Code, and Aztec Code.
PDF417 is often referred to as a 2D symbology. However, it is not a true matrix code. It is a stacked linear code, consisting of multiple rows of short linear codewords. It allows bars and spaces to have up to 6 different widths and as such it can be adversely affected by binarization at lower samples per module.
 

Summary
In applications where scanned documents containing bar codes are to be binarized, read rate performance can be improved by using linear symbologies that employ only wide/narrow choices for bars and spaces along with at least 4 or more pixels per module. Two-dimensional matrix codes are a good choice when binarization is used with a minimumof 5 pixels per module, and they provide the added benefit of increasing data density of the bar code symbol.

With over 17 years of experience in the bar code industry, Bob Dunphy has been Principal Engineer at Omniplanar, Inc http://www.omniplanar.com since its inception. He has designed numerous CCD camera systems as well as high speed processing platforms. He has also been a key contributor to the design and implementation of SwiftDecoder http://www.omniplanar.com/swiftdecoder.php bar code decode software.

Defining Your Barcode System Requirements Will Give Your Business The Edge It Needs

Implementing a bar-coding system can be difficult without the care and discipline any serious undertaking requires. That means preparing yourself and your staff for the job at hand and setting aside the time to properly implement the barcode systems that will become an integral part of your overall business information system.

When designing any business process it's always best to start out with a plan that outlines the steps involved. To start, your team needs to develop a list of requirements. Requirements are statements that define the action or result you want the system to do for you.

To find your requirements ask yourself and your staff questions such as:

• What are my bottle necks? (Every business has bottlenecks)
• How long does my raw material sit around?
• How long does inventory sit in the warehouse?
• Is any part of my inventory increasing? If so, why?
• How much time is spent looking for things?
• What don't I know about my business?
• What are my customers biggest complaints
• What departments or processes are consistently slow, inconsistent, or have quality problems?

You get the idea. These kinds of questions will lead to opportunities to improve your business information systems and will help you develop your barcode system requirements which are a critical part of most information systems today.

After you list your requirements you then need to develop 'use cases'. These define the actions that might be taken to accomplish the goal set by the requirement. An example of some use cases might be:

• The receiving clerk scans incoming material into your database system
• The order database is updated so the material order status reflects the receiving of goods
• Labels are printed and made available to receiving

Most likely your barcode equipment requirements and use cases will grow as you work through this important analysis phase. Spending time up front defining exactly what your company needs, who will do it, and how it will be done will save you lots of headaches and money down the road. In all likelihood you have been doing this already with some of your non-technical business processes. So don't be put off because you're dealing with technology.

You or an assigned coordinator need to be directly involved in this process if you expect any kind of real success. Technical expertise is not necessary, though having someone involved that understands the technology will bring you benefits upfront and help you through the process, but the priority must stay on the requirements of the business and not the technology itself.

• Assign someone to be the barcode coordinator.
• Talk to people in your industry that have barcode systems. They will be happy to discuss what they did and you will benefit from their mistakes.
• Learn your industry bar coding standards
• Find out what your suppliers already have in place as far as barcode scanners, printers and systems.

Vaughn Balchunas works with small businesses that want to leverage their barcode tracking systems and improve their business processes. More barcode technology information is available at http://barcodegeek.com

Make Your Business Run Smoother With The Right Barcode Systems

We started tracking railroad cars in the 1960's and today we track everything from hospital patient's prescriptions to chain-of-custody crime evidence. Barcode applications are used anywhere information needs to be tracked. In today's world, that doesn't leave much out!

Barcode tracking software is used in law enforcement to keep track of evidence; who's is it, where was it found, the officer in charge, etc. These applications are basically database programs that manage all the information related to the evidence for a particular case. The best programs give adequate flexibility for designing the labels and printing.

In the medical industry, keeping track of patient charts has always been a major problem. The reason is clear when you see how many people handle these charts. The design of a medical chart barcode system obviously needs to connect the chart to the person who has checked it out and the time it occurred. This requires a scan of the medical staffer's ID badge and the chart code. A good system then needs to run periodic checks of the chart room to look for the inevitable discrepancies.

As with any barcode system, having access to solid reporting capabilities is mandatory. What good is information if it it's not easily accessible? Common report queries might be:

* Active File List

* Current Location of Files

* Last Location

* Time of File at Location

* Reserved List

You may have heard the term, "License plate" used in connection with barcodes. This simply refers to the idea that the information in the barcode is a database key that points to more detailed information. Some medical barcode applications are flexible enough to be used in insurance offices as well as hospitals. In these cases the insurance claim number may be used as the key instead of the patient tracking code. You can save your business a considerable amount of money by uses a good quality generic application and modifying it to work in your situation.

Barcodes make excellent visitor tracking systems and can be quick and easy to use. This is important if you need information about who visited, how long they stayed, and who they visited, and you find it saves you money to have this information entered into a database automatically. Obviously, this would be important in high traffic sensitive areas.

We also have technology today that has the capability to track items without scanning. It uses radio frequencies to identify objects with attached Radio Frequency ID tags (RFID).

RFID is much more expensive per unit and to implement than barcodes but in certain situations it makes sense. Take for example an unattended 24/7 equipment room containing very expensive tools. A simple solution is to fit an RFID sensor in the door way that detects the movement of equipment in and out of the room. The door is locked until the technician swipes a bar-coded ID badge or an RFID tag. This way, the system knows who opened the door and what equipment left or returned, and at what time.

This type of system could be used in unattended medical chart rooms too, but the problem is the number of charts is enormous and would require a relatively expensive RFID tag attached to every single chart; so this would not be cost effective under these circumstances.

With today's PC technology, easy database tools such as Microsoft Access, barcode label software, and scanners, many barcode applications can be developed easily and cheaply saving businesses an enormous amount of money each year.

If you are currently paying someone to enter data into a computer you may want to look into the merits of a barcode management system. We have read studies that show barcode scanning is about 10 times faster than a typist and about 10,000 times more accurate!

Some interesting facts about bar-coding is that almost every company that has installed a barcode system is looking for other places to use it, and the return on investment for an automated data collection system is typically one year, and often substantially less.

Vaughn Balchunas writes about technology in business, with emphasis on business processes, automation, and automated data collection. You can read more about barcode systems and equipment at http://barcodegeek.com

The Future For Barcode Reader Manufacturers

They’re not really the greatest invention of the recent century. To claim such would be an unbelievable hyperbole. But barcode readers have attained, and kept, their place as indispensable tools for many businesses the world over. Though the world in general may not have been revolutionized by their introduction to several industries, barcode readers have made quite a fortune for benefiting enterprises and barcode reader manufacturers alike.

Indeed, barcode reader manufacturers have enjoyed tremendous and sustained profit by reason of their main products. Barcode readers have become a must in certain fields that demand for the said products has never waned, instead, has experience a steady increase throughout the years. As a result, barcode reader manufacturers are always aiming to discover new applications and improvements for their cash cow.

The Driving Force Behind Barcode Reader Manufacturers

Like most industry giants, barcode reader manufacturers discovered a need, and they provided for such a need through their worthy invention: barcode readers.

Before barcode reader manufacturers started to distribute their products, businesses involved with the identification and verification of items, especially those in minor or major transits, have been fraught with errors and delays. The reason? Everything was being carried out manually, hence the processes are susceptible to human fallibilities.

Barcode reader manufacturers offered barcode readers to solve these problems. The bread and butter of these barcode reader manufacturers was able to make things more accurate and convenient, resulting in a more efficient and speedy execution of the said processes.

Barcode Reader Manufacturers And The Developments In The Industry

Since the time they have started to offer barcode readers for the usage of relevant businesses, barcode reader manufacturers have likewise introduced improvements over the original models. Today, barcode readers come in a variety of forms, care of the many barcode reader manufacturers in the industry.

Fixed readers, portable batches and portable RF readers are just some of major types of barcode readers that barcode reader manufacturers are currently selling in the market. They come in further variations, of course. Barcode reader manufacturers have also developed scanner-based barcode readers, camera-based barcode readers, and CDD barcode readers for businesses with equally varied needs.

Barcode reader manufacturers also change the products to conform to current demands. For example, barcode reader manufacturers today offer barcode readers that could decode numeric barcodes. These barcode reader manufacturers also offer barcode readers that could translate barcodes using alphabetic characters. They also offer barcode readers that could identify and verify barcodes with lines of fixed or varying lengths.

Barcode Reader Manufacturers And The Future

Judging from history, only good things can be expected from barcode reader manufacturers in the coming years. The leading barcode reader manufacturers of today such as Symbol Technologies, Intermec, Opticon, Argox and American Microsystems, Ltd. Are already positioning themselves for their continued success in the future. They are heavily investing on their research and development departments to come up with better applications and features for the barcode readers they will manufacture for tomorrow.

It is an exciting time for both interested businesses and barcode reader manufacturers. Fueled by unceasing success, the future does look bright for those tools that have helped boost the efficiency of countless businesses throughout the years.

Ewen Chia is the owner of BarCodeReader.info providing excellent bar code reader information, news plus completely *free* barcode fonts!  http://www.BarCodeReader.info

Barcode, Move Aside - QR CODE is Here

Soon we will be pushing flash movies, coupons, MP3 files, good-old text and god knows what else to our cell phones by pointing their tiny built-in cameras to a QR Code, taking a snapshot, and then pressing the SEND button.

A QR (from “Quick Response”) Code can store a dozen to a few hundred times more data than a barecode.

Since it can be programmed both vertically and horizontally, a QR Code can be 90% smaller than a barcode.

QR Codes can be read from any direction. They do not need to be aligned perfectly like a barcode in order to be read correctly.

Data can be restored even if QR code is damaged or torn partially. Data from a torn barcode cannot be retrieved.

The revolution is already well underway in Japan and it's just a matter of time before it reaches the American shores.

Imagine, you are at the supermarket. You see an odd looking bottle of something on the shelf with a QR Code on it.

You point your cell phone camera at it, take a snapshot and push SEND and presto!

Soon you are watching a video about how to use the product, its benefits, complete with a 15% discount coupon that you can use right there at the same store!

McDonald's in Japan has already started tagging their food packages with QR Codes so that the consumers can download all kinds of nutrition information with their cell phones.

Welcome to the 21st century and make all your marketing plans accordingly.
 

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a senior writer and web content consultant with 20 years of experience.

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Barcode Scanner - How Does it Work

Barcodes have become a part of our lives. They are on everything from auto parts to your groceries. A barcode is the way things can be traced by a computer. Barcodes and automatic ID systems are the most effective asset a business could have. A barcode is a message that is coded by the length and width of the bars and spaces that are printed in pattern.

They use the binary code and is essentially just bars and spaces representing ones or zeros. Barcodes are read by sweeping a spot of light over the printed barcode symbol. The light is called a barcode scanner and it will ring the item up or display some information about the product, a barcode with start with a white space and then alternative black and white spaces until needed with a bar. The heights of the bars are simply a technique to try to keep the information within the bar code area. The longer the information that is needed to be coded, the longer the barcode will be.

The decoder is the most important component of the barcode scanner and it accepts about 33-200 scans per scanning rate to be able to read error free. An automatic discrimination feature on the scanner means that it will pick out what kind of code that it is scanning. In grocery stores you will find that almost every thing as a UPC code. It will read the UPC code or the universal price code and then ring it into your total. There are other parts of the scanner that is as equally important, but what is the purpose of the Barcode Scanner?

The purpose of a bar code scanner is the fact that it needs to read a hidden message that is coded with the white spaces and black bars and it is vital information. Practically everything will scan into a computer now since out world has been so technologically advanced. Barcodes have also made our world easier to function within.

Because of barcodes we don’t have to wait in line for everything to be typed up, all you do is scan and go. Everyone who is anyone can use a barcode scanner and it is so easy to learn. It doesn’t take a genius to learn how to work the scanner and you don’t need a degree. In fact, most of the people who are employed at business that use scanners are under the age of 25 or with the extent of a high school education. Bar code scanners are very easily to operate and they are very helpful when it comes to large orders or such because they save so much time. Barcode scanners are just an easy way to find out information.

Read more about Barcode Scanners on http://www.barcode-scanner.info

Barcode Printers for Your Business

Choosing the right barcode printer for your needs can be a bit overwhelming. There are a few questions you must ask yourself before buying a printer. The first is what are you printing? Most people use a thermal barcode printer to print labels or tags. The paper that runs through these printers isn't standard laser paper. Depending on what printer you buy, it may require a certain type of paper. Smaller, desktop printers are great for running small batches of labels or tags. These printers are typically direct thermal only; meaning they use a heat sensitive paper. Direct thermal labels are fine for shipping labels or something that isn't going to be around for a long period of time. Direct thermal paper changes color with exposure to heat or sunlight. Choosing a printer with a thermal transfer option will give you more range in the materials that you can print on. Thermal transfer paper is a coated paper label or tag stock that bonds well with a thermal transfer ribbon. The advantage of thermal transfer is longer life to the image on the label. Direct thermal labels are typically more expensive, but you have to factor in purchasing a ribbon with a thermal transfer label. Thermal transfer printers will give you more versatility. For instance; you may need to print shipping labels and also print a synthetic rack label for your warehouse. There are more thermal transfer label material options on the market, so if you think you'll be printing more than just shipping labels, then thermal tranfer might be a better option. Most of the larger printers can switch between direct thermal and thermal transfer with just a setting on the front panel of the printer. Using thermal tranfer labels will require that you change a ribbon after every 2 to 3 rolls of labels. In a manufacturing setting like a seafood distributor, they don't want the downtime of changing out a ribbon. A direct thermal shipping label can get printed rather fast and is only on the product the time of transit. A health care facility printing patient file labels may want to go with a thermal transfer barcode printer because the label will be around for the life of the patient.

If you are just printing a handful of shipping labels every month because a retailer requires you to, consider purchasing some sheet fed laser labels for your laser printer. Seagull Scientific makes a great label design software package called Bartender that allows users to create labels on the fly and incorporate barcodes and text on one label. Bartender will work with your laser printer and most thermal printers, should you decide to upgrade down the road.

If you are needing to print thousands of labels at a time, tying up your laser printer really doesn't make sense. Toner is expensive and it's not fun printing several sheets of labels at a time. A thermal printer will give you the speed and functionality you need. I would go with a printer that has a 4" print width and the capacity to hold an 8 inch roll diameter of labels. Your options are more diverse for different size labels than smaller, compact rolls. A printer will run between $800 and $1500. Plan on additonal money if you need faster speed, additional memory, higher resolution (DPI) or a wider print width. These printers can accomodate a variety of different label stocks from papers to polyesters. Print rack labels, asset labels and shipping labels on the same printer.

Rule of thumb is that if you are printing just text and a barcode on the label, a printer with a 203 DPI resolution is just fine. If you want a nice looking logo, have it preprinted on the labels and use the thermal printer to print just the variable information on the label. This will give you a professional look to your labels without breaking the bank.

Brad Hole is President of Eversio Technologies; a Seattle based distributor of barcode equipment, labels and software. http://www.eversio.com

Track and Tracing – From Barcode to RFID

Search for "Tracking & Tracing" and you are overwhelmed by a response from producers, distributors, retailers and consumer organizations. Tracking and tracing is mentioned in one sentence. But there is a small difference between the two; one is focused on the process in which you need to intervene (tracing) the other is needed to manage the first (track).

Tracing is the main (process) requirement in which a product ought to be traced during the end-to-end food chain. A track is used to fulfill this process. For example, you might want to trace a product when there appears to be an “over” doses of chemicals found in a food sample. In that case you want to trace the origin of the product (and of the fertilizer) – the producer - and all the other retailers which are selling the same product to different customers.

One innovation in this area is the evolution of the barcode. We are all familiar with this code which looks like a little invisible burglar caught and send behind bars. And that was indeed the function; bar the product so it couldn’t escape.

This barcode although still sufficient a more intelligent token will speed up the process now that new tracking and tracing requirements have slowed down the same food chain.

For those of you who have a pet, for example a dog, will know that they have this little chip. You will not find it, but it is there. This chip will not only identify the dog, but will also identity the dog owner, which may change during the dog’s “life cycle.”

Now that these chips are reduced in price over time, the barcode has innovated to something called the RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification). This RFID uses a chip that you can read from a (long) distance, which is an advantage which speeds up the identification process in the food chain. But you can also add information to it on your way.

Now this technology is more widely available, new business developers are looking for a new application. There are many more to find…

Hans Bool is the founder of Astor White a traditional management consulting company that offers online management advice. Astor Online solves issues in hours what normally would take days.

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Barcode Scanner - a Practical Tool

A barcode scanner or reader is a computer peripheral that reads barcodes printed on various items. It will consist of a light source, lens, and a photo conductor, which will translate optical impulses into electrical ones. Practically all barcode scanners are produced containing decoder circuitry analyzing the image of the barcode, provide a photo conductor, and send the barcode’s message to the scanner’s output port. For grocery stores this would be the receipt that you receive for your purchase.

The different types of barcode scanners are by light source or by housing. A light source will either be an LED Scanner, Laser Scanner, or an Imager Scanner. An LED scanner is like a CCD scanner. Laser is definitely more expensive then LED scanners, but they are cable of longer scanning distances. As for the imager, it scans an image of a linear barcode and are more rugged because the have no moving parts. Housing is simple handheld. It is held in the hands and you will need to push the trigger button for a light source.

Want scanner is just pen shaped and is scanned and swiped almost practically at the same times. You will also notice a stationary scanner that is simply mounted and the barcode is passed under or beside. This is what you would find at a retail store or supermarket. Fixed position scanner is just an industrial barcode reader that will identify products while being processed. This is often used to identify the different pallets or cartons of items. Finally, a PDA is a scanner that has a built in barcode reader that will help you when it comes to looking at inventory and deciding what to purchase so that your inventory doesn’t go down passed the need of demand.

Barcodes are used throughout our lives. They have become so important when it comes to tracking inventory and goods. It is also necessary when it comes to knowing information about the product. By scanning the barcode you will know the price, the year it was manufactured and other information.

Barcodes play a major role and purpose in most transactions. A barcode scanner is simply just something that will read a hidden message. The message could be anything from price to history of the product. The code is formed by white spaces and black bars. All the information that is decoded is vital. Practically everything will scan into a computer because we live in a world that needs to collect as much data as quickly as possible. We live in a technologically advanced world that expects to know everything about a product in a split second. Barcodes and Barcode scanners have made our world as simple as possible.

Read more about Barcode Scanners on http://www.barcode-scanner.info.

How To Choose A Barcode Scanner?

Barcode scanners are light emitting devices that are used to read barcodes. Usually attached to a computer or laptop via PS2 or RS-232, the data collected is stored on a computer for processing or storage. It is now used in many different industries such as retail or production.

They have been on the market for many years now with new versions of barcode scanners available every year. The prices can vary from as low as $50.00 to as high as several thousand dollars. So how do you pick a good barcode scanner?

To answer that question, it is important you know there are 2 major classes of barcode scanners, image-based and laser-based. Image-based barcode scanners use a camera usually embedded in a barcode scanner. The camera will capture the images and then processed by complex image techniques to decode the barcodes. Laser-based barcode scanners uses mirrors and lenses to read the barcodes.

Laser barcode scanners are usually more expensive than image-based scanners. They have their own pros and cons. An image-based barcode scanner do not have internal movable parts therefore are more resistant to drops or knocks than laser barcode scanners. Also, image-based barcode scanners have a shorter scanning distance (4 to 10 inches) compared to laser barcode scanners. On the other hand, laser scanners are more prone to wear and tear due to their lenses. They not only have a longer scanning distance (up to 24 inches) but also are able to scan from a wider angle from the barcode.

Be aware that the scanning distance for both image-based and laser barcode scanners have already improved dramatically over the years and I wouldn’t be surprised if a barcode manufacturer claims an image-based scanner has a scanning distance of 24 inches.

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself before getting a barcode scanner. The size of scanner required? Type of environment the barcode scanner will be using (outdoors, shop, warehouse)? The scanning distance required? Are they to be used hands free or hand-held? Your budget?

So my suggestion is if you need a barcode scanner for long range scanning, get a laser barcode scanner. For short range scanning, use an image-based barcode scanner such as a CCD barcode scanner. The environment as I asked earlier also plays an important part. If the barcode scanner is being used outdoors or in rugged environments where it is expected to take a drop or knock or two, then it is best to get an image-based barcode scanner. If it were for example being used in a retail shop, then a laser barcode scanner would be the best choice.

There are such a wide variety of barcode scanners available that I just can’t explain completely in this article. If you are in doubt, consult the barcode manufacturers such as symbol or metrologic who have sales consultants who are able to do an analysis of the type of barcode scanners needed by your business.

Ricky Lim is the owner of http://all-barcode-scanners.info. Visit his site for more barcode scanners reviews and recommendations

Barcode Label-design Software

Barcode label-design software is a complete solution to all your designing needs for barcode labels. A barcode label is the common way to identify a product or asset. The software designs a pattern of black lines of different thicknesses, each unique from the other. Most design software is compatible for barcode label printing applications.

Label-design software first generates a template, which is the actual format of a barcode label. Once the template is created, it is printed on a specialized paper with an adhesive surface using a printer. All barcode label-design software packages are easy to use. No programming is needed by the user.

Starting with thousands of predefined label stocks, each package guides you through label design with intuitive menus and help features. You can create labels with constant data, serial numbers, and dynamic data from text files. It is also possible to write notes that do not print and keep them in the scratch area (off of the label). Some packages allow you to link fields and enter dynamic information from the keyboard at print time.

Barcode label design software is commonly classified into two types: stand-alone menu-driven programs and barcode font programs. The menu-driven programs come with scalable fonts, graphic image import, all popular barcodes, data file import, and easy custom operator interface. A font-based program can select barcode fonts from any word processing program (such as Word, Excel, PageMaker, etc.), independent of operating systems.

Most barcode label-design software packages available on the market are easy; they enable you to integrate barcode label designing into your business processes. Choosing which one is right for you depends on how comprehensive you want to get. It is always better to use a trial version before you select your barcode label design software solution. A lot of web sites provide barcode label design software downloads.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.

How To Read A Barcode Reader

The barcode reader is used for the scanning through the photo detector. The photo detector then extracts the printed barcodes on the surface of the product. They enable the seller to identify the originality of the product. The information that is extracted is enough for the production of the necessary data. This is known to be consisting of the automatic input device equipment. The input device is significant of the barcode signs where the requirement of the recognition of such signs is necessary and there is a possibility of such devices in circulation. These are known to be circulated in the form of the scanning devices.

To read the barcode

When the signs are transmitted they can be devised through the photo detector and then the light emitting diode is used for the scan barcodes. They are then absorbed through the device where the bar codes are decoded. There are four types of the different bar code readers where the technology is used for the reading the data encoded. Even the pen type readers are used and the laser type scanners, CCD readers and the camera based readers. In order to read a barcode reader the tip of the pen is dragged. The thick lines of the bar codes are related to the measurements of the photo diode where the intensity is reflected through the source of the light then it is gradually converted in the form of the waves. These waves are converted into the data signals. Then the waveform is thus decoded in the photo diode where they are undergone with the scanner. They then print the Morse code dots and dashes and thereafter they are decoded. The CCD readers are the charge coupled device. These devices undergo the same procedure and then detect the barcodes.

Conclusion

The different types of the bar codes are then used for the productivity of the different photo diodes where they carry the significance of converting them into the main productive devices. The inclusion of the procedures in all the devices undergoes a same procedure but the extraction is leaded in the different ways. The use of those signals can be determined in a way through the camera and the pen viewer.

Allan Wilson owns and operates http://www.barcode-readers-programming.com

Barcode Reader

Barcode Label Adhesives

An integral part of barcode labeling, barcode label adhesive is the substance or material applied to the back of a barcode label to attach it to the surface of a particular item. A barcode label adhesive should be of industrial grade and must have an apply temperature ranging from 40 °F to 250 °F.

Shear, tack, and peel are among the properties that are critical for barcode label adhesives. Shear represents the measurement of an adhesive's internal strength with which it attaches itself; shear is especially important on curved surfaces. Adhesives with a low shear fall off easily, while high-shear adhesives do not. Tack measures the ability of an adhesive to build an instantaneous bond with the surface on which it is applied. Peel determines the force required to remove a label.

Barcode labels are available in a variety of adhesive backings, and the application of adhesives depends upon the type of surface and quality of label material. The weight of the adhesive coat varies according to the application requirements. Barcode label adhesives are generally classified into two groups: permanent and removable barcode label adhesives. Most of the barcode applications employ permanent barcode label adhesives. A feature of this type of barcode label adhesive is that it has a strong adhesion to a range of surfaces including paper, plastic, and stainless steel. Permanent barcode label adhesives are generally used for applications where removal is not required or necessary.

Removable barcode label adhesives are used for barcode applications where the label is temporary. Common examples of removable barcode label are price tags affixed on costly consumer items. The apply temperature of removable barcode label adhesives starts at around 40°F, which is higher than that of the permanent barcode label adhesives. For particular applications, barcode label adhesives are further sub-divided into acrylic, acid-free, cold-temperature, high-temperature, pressure-sensitive, emulsion, food contact, silicone, solvent, rubber, and glove-friendly adhesives.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information on bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is affiliated with Bar Code Software.

Your Face is a Barcode

Themes from this article:

1. A digital image of a person's face, can be matched against a database of other images.
2. The potential will exist to track the movements of everyone in a country.
3. Automatic face recognition is now becoming practical.
4. Face recognition systems in public places, is a matter for serious concen.
5. The shock value of the horrific events on September 11 could make many people opposed to excessive security much more tolerant of its implementation.
6. Information is collected and transferred without Knolouge or permission from the subjects.
7. Abuse of face recognition may generate additional crimes.
8. The question is that of proportion, there must be a balance between liberty and control.

Points inferred indirectly:

1. And everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned the best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intensity.
2. Technology is intrinsically neutral, how it is used determines if it is a force for good or evil.
3. The central principle of our culture should be that which makes ours a free democratic society.
4. One can extrapolate from historical events such as the unclear tests in 1947, that technologies can not be dis-invented or confined to one use.
5. Data protection Act may apply, providing at least some basic rights, (no other statutory right in English law to personal privacy).
6. Technology can make surveillance cheaper through automation a some processes.
7. Freedom is only the perception of being autonomous.
8. A society can only be considered free where the goverment forces do not have absolute power over the general populace.
9. Democracy is in part based on the principles that groups can develop views in insolation from goverment.

Summary:

The main points made in an article:
Security system impresses US officials, a special report on the terrorism crisis by Stuart Millar published in the Guardian on Tuesday September 25 are summarised as follows:

American authorities are committed to deploying a relatively new combination of software and surveillance technologies in response to the attacks of September 11th as part of an airport security review.

The system under consideration, known as FaceIt, is designed to identify known suspects, through comparison of a person's face against a database of facial images, it does not require the cooperation of the subject, and may not even generate irrefutable evidence in adverse conditions, such as those that exist in many airports, which would increase the risk of false identifications.

This development is being driven by political interests and could be implemented on mass, to form an equivalent to the British ring of steel, supposedly for our safety and protection to help law enforcement track known subjects. But once in place it's use will invariably be extended over time to infringe upon the populous without our consent or knowledge.

The question is that of proportion there must be a balance between liberty and control. It should be noted that the current increase in the number of youths waring hoods is possibly a direct result of the introduction of CCTV systems.

Abstract:

The populace of an informed society would generally resist even the proposal of any potentially repressive technology such as the FaceIt facial recognition system, with the capacity to indiscriminately report on the movements of any subject, especially when these technological developments are being driven by political interests.

However such fears are currently being circumvented by the stronger feelings of national insecurity, which are also causing fundamental adjustments in political reasoning of the United States authorities whom are by implication encouraging development of technologies previously believed to be technically and socially unjustifiable.

The United States goverment:

Is committed to deploying a derivation of traditional surveillance technology, in response to a review of airport security in lite of the attacks of September 11th, as a measure to help prevent simular incidents in the future. This may be a futile gesture as they are looking at technology to identify known suspects, the problem is that this is not very useful as it is the unknown terrorists that the authorities need to be conce ed about.

Technology:

This is a relatively new combination of software and surveillance technologies, the basic components of the FaceIt system under consideration have been about for years, the system is designed to identify known people in public, this could be implemented to form an equivalent to the British ring of steel and notwithstanding a highly unlikely series of events resulting in absolute control of this type of technology, invariably it will find other uses. For example, marketing research is frequently carried out via the use of surveys. It would be a trivial matter to use such a powerful security system to generate statistical data for analysing consumer trends.

This technology may be able to capture and analyse an image of your face, identify you from a see of people, read your face and even infer things from your body language, but the context outside the view of the cameras and the essence of the moment will be lost forever.

Effectiveness:

The efficiency of any technology is a function of firstly its inherent advantages over traditional methods and secondly whether its use would solve more problems than it would create.

Automation of surveillance operations may reduce part of the administration required, through effective communications and more centralised control, than is possible with human surveillance. The implication being that reduction in the time necessary to complete inconsequential tasks (moving paper around) allows more effective use of the staff resources.

However most law enforcement technologies, including standard CCTV security cameras are only effective with the cooperation of the people, these systems are often useless against those with criminal intent, and this technology does not generate irrefutable evidence in adverse conditions, such as those that exist in many airports, which would increase the risk of false identifications. The problem is that false identification by a person does not involve the implied reputation of technological accuracy.

Freedom of actions:

Absolute freedom would require the absence of any controls, legal of otherwise, this would amount to anarchy. Thus despite being free to do as we peace, we would, ironically, not have the ability to act upon our pleasure, as our lives would be consumed with the nauseate of saying alive! This is in direct contrast with what we are able to accomplish with in the restrictions of society, as a result of the opportunities such restriction creates.

Implications:

The implications of expediency adopting such systems are numerous fighting terrorism notwithstanding, there are many as yet unresolved questions as to the uses of a system designed to infringe upon the populous without the consent or knowledge of these people whose faces are captured. As logs as there are successive gove ments, that take control and change policies, the uses of such tools will also be continually changing.

The problems arise when one considers the wider effects that unwanted surveillance may have, fore example democracy is in part based on the principle that groups can develop views in insolation from goverment.

One can extrapolate from historical events such as the development of Atomic weapons, to save thousands on both sides by ending the second would war without invading Japan The plans for which were stolen be the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which started a sequence of events that untimely ended in the current situation where several minor nation have the ability to start a chain reaction that would literary destroy the world.

Data protection laws:

The American people have built into there laws safeguards that could reasonable be used to help prevent the uncontrolled spread of privative systems. We in direct contrast have no rights built rights to protect the privacy of information apart from those set into the data protection legislation which maybe a futile gesture as there are get out glasses for anything evan remotely related to law enforcement.

Innocent Majority:

Should this severance technology be implemented anywhere, the unique situation will be created where information will be collected and processed without the individual's knowledge and will be used without the individual having consent. The Data protection Act may apply, providing at least some basic rights, (no other statutory right in English law to personal privacy exists).

Ethical Dilemmas:

In a stable society the freedom of the individual can not be absolute, there must be a balance between liberty and control. It is conceivable that there would be no civilised society without a govement able to curtail liberty to a reasonable degree. The question is that of proportion technology can be use as a tool for control, however over use of such technologies implies oppression.

Any technology can effect a society in significant ways. Fore example increasingly travail bits of data are collected, transferred precessed and used without the individual's knowledge, this is a situation in which people can be completely manipulated by technology and it has long been the case that legal decisions lag behind technical developments.

Conclusions:

There is an old Buddhist proverb that states "To every man is given the key to the gates of heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell". Words of wisdom and of waing as within computerisation lies such a key.

The implication is that nearly everything has some kind of cost to it, new technologies are not created instantaneously, so the consequences of such new systems are also not instantaneously realised, if we choose to ignore certain circumstances in fever of expedient action, in the end, the full implications will be realised, unfortunately too late.

As implied above, the events of September 11th are important, these events have almost certainly changed things forever. The question is that of proportion, this is what will determine whether the have won or not. Especially when these systems are idolised and become more important then the humans that they exist to serve, we know from history that this sequence of events inevitably fall back upon and destroy its makers in the end. Such subject have as yet been sadly lacking in our studies thus.

Technology is intrinsically neutral, how it is used determines if it is a force for good or evil, if a technology offers savings to one segment of society, some cost may be exacted ageist another. The Bible will teach us that we are to count the !

cost of our commitments. Is there a price tag for your soul? Jesus asks the most profound question "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul in hell forever" Jesus is asking if we have really thought about costs; spiritual and material. (Jesus said, Matthew 16:26).

As long as we can justify the cost in terms of how it allows us it feel safer, then we are free because we believe the gove ment is curtailing our liberty to allow a better quality of life. However, if as a society we accept invasive methods of protection then we surrender a little more freedom to choose how to five as we see fit and not as other would dictate. This includes the right to life without others watching our every move.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Hart

Barcode Label Programs

Barcode label programs or software are a set of Windows programs used to generate barcode labels. They generally work with specialized barcode label printers only. The primary purpose of a barcode label program is to design a symbol for identification purposes.

Users need not apply any barcode font or learn any command language to run barcode label programs. Accuracy, compatibility, cost-effectiveness, durability, ease of handling, interactive data feeding, user friendliness, and high-quality output effects are the advantages of good barcode label programs. Industry-specific barcode label programs and software packages are available. Barcode label printers depend upon barcode label program applications. Some barcode label programs work with any printing technology.

Most advanced barcode label programs work easily with any operating system including Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP. High-quality barcode label programs provide quick on-screen label design, perform numeric and alphabetic serialization, and minimize errors.

Barcode label programs may be stand-alone or integrated Windows programs. Stand-alone barcode label programs are designed in such a way as to work with standard office printers such as dot-matrix and laser printers. Sometimes, these are also used with direct thermal and thermal-transfer printing technologies. Stand-alone programs enable a user to create batches of barcode label templates, which in turn can be stored as computer files. These label templates are inclusive of one or more fields representing barcodes or graphics. In certain circumstances, barcode label programs are integrated with existing software applications. In contrast to stand-alone barcode label programs, integrated barcode label programs are more accurate and flexible.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information on bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is affiliated with Bar Code Software.

Durable Barcode Labels

One of the prime features of high-quality barcode labels is durability. Durable barcode labels are vital for any industrial application and are integral for equipment marking and security. These are important for cassettes, plates, slides, vials, and laboratory and medical items.

Durable barcode labels can withstand abrasion, corrosion, moisture, heat, solvents, and UV light. Accuracy, clarity, consistency, easy identification, flexibility, high quality, legibility retention, and reliability are the major advantages of durable barcode labels. Warehouse barcode labels, work-in-process barcode labels, utility asset labels, barcode labels for industrial use, asset tags for property identification, and polyester barcode labels are some examples of durable barcode labels.

Durable barcode labels are available in a range of adhesive backings and are generally categorized into aluminum barcode labels, polyester barcode labels, and ceramic barcode labels. Aluminum barcode labels are able to resist wear and tear and harsh chemicals. Polyester barcode labels have permanent industrial adhesive bonding, which ensures dependability. Ceramic barcode labels are coated with ceramics and have a stainless steel base. This type of label can withstand extreme temperature and strong acids. Durable barcode labels are also made from materials like polypropylene, polycarbonate, photo anodized aluminum, and stainless steel.

Quality of label stock, ribbon, printing technology, and barcode label programs employed are the primary factors, among many others, that determine the durability of barcode labels. Since they have the capability of printing long-lasting images on a range of materials, thermal-transfer printers are generally used to produce scratch-resistant, durable barcode labels. Sometimes laser printers and matrix impact printers coupled with the right media and ribbon technology are employed to print durable barcode labels. Many sophisticated barcode label systems and barcode label programs are available now to ensure the durability of barcode labels. However, the cost to generate durable barcode labels is exceptionally high.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information on bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is affiliated with Bar Code Software.

Understanding Barcode Labels

The bar code is a tool to efficiently and accurately identify items and collect information. The patent for the bar code was issued to Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in 1952. This first bar code was not the rectangle of thick and thin lines that we now know, but a bull's-eye-type symbol made of concentric circles. It looked much like the rings on the inside of a tree.

While the bull's eye bar code did help companies to maintain their inventory and keep track of their products, it soon became evident that some sort of universal bar code system needed to be set up. The Uniform Product Code, or U.P.C., was invented in 1973 to allow retailers and manufacturers to coordinate their bar codes.

The use of bar code labels is a simple way to save the time and energy of your employees. With a bar code system, you can quickly and accurately inventory your stock instead of spending hours counting and recounting. Bar codes help to reduce time spent by employees marking and changing price tags on products.

With barcode labels, you'll be able to increase productivity in your employees and save your company money. To have a barcode system you need to get your bar code system set up including bar code labels, bar code ribbons, bar code rewinders, barcode printers and bar code scanners. Blank barcode labels and blank laser label sheets can use in conjunction with most bar code software.

If there are any bar code supplies that you need but are not on our website at http://www.adazonusa.com than give us a call at (847) 235-2700. We are happy to order products specifically for a customer. Find Barcode Labels and a large selection of the latest Barcode Printers at AdaZon.

Free Barcode Labels

Free barcode labels are barcode labels offered free of charge by certain barcode label manufacturing firms. Offering free barcode labels is a promotional technique adopted by barcode label manufacturers in order to increase their sales.

Free barcode labels enable users to try out the labels and make a quick decision before bringing them to a specific application. Free barcode labels are available in a wide range of barcode symbologies and colors. Sometimes, custom-made barcode labels are also offered free of charge. Generally, these barcode labels are produced by high-quality printing and control checks. Free barcode labels are usually available when an individual purchases a barcode printer or software packages. Sometimes, barcode labels are offered free of charge when buying a particular barcode labeling item.

Today, most of the companies in the U.S. offer free barcode labels. In order to get free barcode labels, all you have to do is to fill out a mailing list form that is provided by the companies, which contains fields for information such as your name, company name, company address, telephone number, fax number, email, barcode number, and barcode symbology. After you have provided this mailing information, the company will send free barcode labels as well as information on the latest barcode generators. Free catalogs that consist of product shots and features also come attached with the free barcode labels. In addition, most of the barcode label manufacturing firms have online ordering services; by utilizing these services, you can also take advantage of free barcode labels.

Bar Code Labels provides detailed information on bar code labels, bar code label printers, bar code label software, bar code label makers and more. Bar Code Labels is affiliated with Bar Code Software.

Barcode Software Companies

The term barcode software company can be applied to a firm that develops barcode software, distributes software from a third party, or provides services such as custom software development. Barcode software programs are used to create professional barcode labels, including those on photo IDs, warehouse goods, departmental store products, and driving licenses.

Many software companies deal in developing barcode software and selling them to other establishments. They also customize barcode software according to specific requirements. While several companies offer free trials for their products before charging a fee, some companies offer their products for free. Among a few famous companies that develop barcode software are Azalea Software Inc., MEC Software, Seagull Scientific Inc., Teklynx, and Worth Data.

Azalea Software provides barcode fonts and barcode printing software independent of operating systems. Their barcode fonts create Data Matrix, PDF 417, and many other barcode symbols using Crystal Reports, Excel, Access, Visual Basic, C/C++, and other applications. These programs can be uploaded on a computer like any other software program.

MEC Software develops software barcode fonts, data collection software, and inventory software. MEC barcode programs provide barcode printing capability for any laser printer, regardless of make, model, or operating system. Data collection software features simple, effective, and flexible tools for capturing barcode data.

Seagull Scientific is noted around the world for barcode label design software. Their products have powerful features for compliance labels and integration with enterprise software. Seagull allows you to download its free demo software from the website.

Teklynx is one of the world's leading developers of AIDC software. Each software package provides a complete set of solutions designed to meet the product identification and labeling needs of customers. The programs are grouped into three major categories: label design, data collection, and ERP/host connectivity.

Worth Data is the developer of barcode label printing software and the publisher of barcode fonts. Its products are reliable, easy to use, competitively priced, immediately available, and come with a money-back guarantee.

Bar Code Software provides detailed information on Bar Code Software, Bar Code Scanner Software, Bar Code Printing Software, Free Bar Code Software and more. Bar Code Software is affiliated with Retail POS Software.