Bar Code Label Uses for Your Business

 

Bar Code Labels can have many uses within a business, and there are many types available, a few of them are listed below with specific purposes. 5 top areas covered are: asset tags, parking permits, product labels, general solutions / applications, and bar code types.

Asset Tags: Asset tags can be used to identify equipment, furniture and other physical assets in your business. They are usually printed with sequential serial numbers for tracking in database systems. Typical materials are white polyester, metalized matte silver polyester, security silver polyester, destructible reflective vinyl, Lexan®, or LexSaver®.

Parking Permits: Bar Code labels can be integrated on wide range of parking permit types; such as hang tags, bumper stickers and window stickers. Some materials used are PVC, LexSaver™, static cling, vinyl with permanent adhesive, and destructible reflective vinyl.

Product Labels: There are 100’s of uses for bar coded product labels. To name a few, industrial labels, media labels, Product ID labels, Property management, shipping / mailing, tracking / pricing and many others.

General Bar Code Solutions / Uses: Product ID Labels with UPC bar code on rolls or fan folded, product ID labels with UPC code on laser sheets, very small sizes, bar code only, no other printing on the label and blank laser, thermal and ink jet bar code labels.

Bar Code Types: Codabar (numeric only): Codabar bar codes are typically used in labeling solutions for applications that require sequential issuing and processing of information. Some examples would include library systems, membership cards, overnight package delivery systems, and other simple processing and tracking applications.

 

• Code 128 (alphanumeric): Code 128 bar codes are typically used when a high reliability code read is required from the label application.

• Code 39 (alphanumeric): Code 39 is the most popular, general purpose bar code printed on labels. Some examples would include serial numbers for any type of hard good (from automobiles to laptops). Asset tags and parking permits typically are printed with code 39 bar codes.

• EAN-13 (numeric only) EAN - 13 is often referred to as the international retail product code. EAN stands for European Alpha Numeric (bar code). This is the global version of the UPC codes used in North America. The primary bar code label application of EAN 13 codes is products that are to be sold in Europe.

• Interleaved 2 of 5 (numeric only) Interleaved 2 of 5 bar codes are the compressed version of EAN-13 code described above. Used to provide bar code product information on small products throughout Europe.

• PostNet (numeric only) PostNet bar codes were developed by the USPS to make automated mail a reality. Most PostNet bar codes are printed on labels and are ultimately applied pieces that are mailed through the USPS, ranging from envelopes to catalogs.

• UPC-A UPC-A stands for Universal product Code. The UPC bar code is required on all products sold in North America and throughout the world. Typically, the UPC bar code is printed on the product ID label.

• UPC-E Compressed UPC code used on small products sold in North America and throughout the world. Typically, the UPC-E bar code is printed as a separate label rather than as part of the product ID label.

• 2D Bar Codes: 2D (two dimensional) barcodes contain more information than typical one dimensional barcodes. One dimensional barcodes get wider as more data is encoded. Typically, 2D bar codes area applied to labels by a thermal printing device. 2D barcodes make use of the vertical dimension, allowing for more data to be stored. Bare in mind that using more square inches and a larger label which will add expense to your bar code labels. 2D barcodes have become possible as auto scanning CCD and laser scanners have replaced the original 'light pen' type of scanner. At this time most conventional CCD and Laser scanners cannot read 2D barcodes but low cost 1D/2D scanners are entering the market.

• Ink and Printing Methods for Bar Code Labels: Bar code symbols are printed in black ink. The rest of your label can be printed in spot (PMS) colors or in process (CMYK) colors. You also have a choice between excellent quality traditional flexo printing or high end photo quality digital printing. The example to the left displays the difference between the flexo and digital production methods. Either method will ensure excellent readability of your bar code. Digital label printing is best suited for label quantities of 5,000 or fewer. Traditional flexo printing is best suited for quantities of 1,000 or more labels.

This was written by Tim Frisch with the permission of Maverick Label - http://www.MaverickLabel.com

Maverick Label - We're All About Printed Labels. Maverick Label was founded in 1994. Located in Edmonds, Washington, our goal is to meet the growing need for a custom label source utilizing the latest technologies blended with old fashioned quality and customer care.

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