Why barcode labels

Bar codes reduce occurrences of lost or misplaced shipments by minimizing errors in receiving. Automated data capture improves the accuracy and speed of data entry. Traditional manual key entry of data yields one error in every 300 characters. Conversely, scanning bar code data greatly improves accuracy with one error for every 7,000,000 characters entered.

Why a Standard?

Standards ensure that all of the players in the manufacturing pipeline - manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers - comply with one guideline that clearly defines label format, usage and information. Standards also specify the use of mandatory data fields and optional data fields, acceptable barcode symbologies, print quality minimums and environmental considerations.

A standard can be created by the customer of follow the formal guidelines of an industry association, such as the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) or the Electronics Industry Association (EIA). The key point to compliance labelling is that you agree to follow your customer's shipping specification or standard. A shipping specification or guideline provides a standard method of identifying containers shipped from one trading partner to another. Shipments with customer - required bar code labels can be processed rapidly and efficiently at the customer's receiving dock.

Where to Start?

The first thing you will need to do is obtain a copy of the specification from your customer along with an implementation guide, if available. The implementation guide will clarify the technical information supplied in the specification. You should also find out if the customer is offering educational programs or services to help implement the bar code project.

Who needs to be Involved?

The implementation of a barcode labeling project needs input and assistance from several departments including MIS, shipping and purchasing, plus key upper - management personnel. Without the support of top management, the project will have difficulty succeeding.

The barcode project manager needs to bring everyone together and review the labeling project. She/he also needs to explain the benefits of bar coding and why this project is important to the company. Additionally, the manager must gain consensus from each department and outline the role each is expected to take. Finally, an implementation schedule must be created that clearly links key responsibilities and deadlines with the specific departments. If any one department fails to meet a deadline, the project can quickly derail, causing costly delays.

Which Printing Technology is Best?

Several on-site printing technologies can be used to generate compliance shipping labels. If the customer does not recommend a printing method, there are three popular choices: thermal transfer, laser and dot matrix.

Thermal Transfer: A high-quality, rugged, economical technology

Thermal Transfer barcodes look the best, not only to the human eye, but to the scanner as well. The printhead contains many tiny, resistive dots that provide the heat necessary to cause the ribbon ink to melt and transfer to the media substrate (label) that moves under the printhead. Bar code edges are crisp and sharp, since the 'dot' is rectangular or square.

Thermal Transfer inks contain chemical binders that provide exceptional image stability, especially in wet or abrasive environments. Sharp edge definition, high print contrast signal (PCS) and high resolution printing capabilities coupled with conventional roll-fed media handling have made thermal transfer printing the 'technology of choice' for barcode shipping label applications.

Laser Printers: High cost, limited performance

Lasers have made their office printing mark, using heat and pressure to fuse toner directly to paper, much like a photocopier. Laser printing produces barcodes with an inferior edge definition. They are granular when compared to thermal transfer printing and could result in images that are difficult to scan.

Dot Matrix: Questionable image scannability

Dot matrix printers use pins or hammers that fire against a multi-strike nylon ribbon to produce a single dot or a line of dots on an underlying substrate. New ribbons produce very dark barcodes, but the barcodes become lighter and lighter with each pass of the ribbon, eventually resulting in poor quality and unscannable bar codes.

In short you should consider print quality, per - label supplies costs, maintenance requirements, printer reliability and industrial suitability when selecting a print technology.