By
Admin, September 15, 2008
For a barcode to work, it is comprised of various codes or symbols. These codes contain both numbers and letters, have variable or fixed length, and most include check digits. We wanted to provide you with a list of some of the common codes you would find in barcode labels. Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list.
- Code 39 (Code 3 of 9) – This particular code is used for purposes of identification, inventory, and tracking. The code itself is variable in length, offers alphanumeric string support, and is printable in ratios of varying aspects and sizes using a coordinating ID printer.
- Code 93 – In this case, the symbols are compact, typically used for various electric components.
- Code 128 – This barcode is also compact but dense, designed to support lower 128 ASCII characters. Usually, Code 128 would be the primary choice when space is an issue. For instance, the shipping industry commonly uses Code 128, which consists of three options to include Set A, Set B, and Set C
By
Admin, September 15, 2008
While we know what a barcode is, many people still have questions. For instance, a vendor might be interested in printing a barcode label for application to certain products. In this case, labels can be printed simply by using a quality laser printer. Of course, if you had a large quantity of asset labels to be printed, any number of professional companies could handle the job. Another great option is rather than spend money to have barcode labels created and printed for you, consider purchasing asset tracking software or barcode fonts and do the job yourself.
Another common question is how to make barcodes so they can be scanned. In this case, when you create the barcode, it is imperative that the alternating black and white lines have enough space between them so the scanner can read them correctly. The same would be true when producing several barcodes, making sure adequate space is left between each label. Although you might want to keep barcodes small so you get more on a page to print, the truth is that a scanner often has trouble reading them if they are too small. Therefore, be sure the barcode is right, the bigger the better (within reason). Finally, symbol label scanners come in a wide array of options so choose one of decent quality for quality results.
By
Admin, September 15, 2008
Sure, you could hire someone to scan your barcode labels but an alternative would be to purchase a quality barcode scanner and do the work yourself, thus providing you with savings on time and money. With this equipment, the code would translate the symbols, spaces, and characters. When finished, the information would be sent to your computer. The process of using symbol scanners is exceptionally easy, meaning there is no learning curve to worry about.
Most likely, you would consider options for CCD barcode scanners or laser scanners. With CCD, or Charge Coupled Device, a camera emits a red light, which scans the code. From there, the various aspects making up the barcode are translated, and again, the data is sent to the computer. In the case of the laser scanner, a special type of laser light is what goes across the code. Although both options are good, most people prefer the laser scanner in that it is capable of reading barcodes from a greater distance than that of the CCD.