Barcodes consist of several strips that can be read by a machine. Bits of data can be stored using these codes. Barcodes are used all over the world – from inventorying goods and tracking parcels to POS systems (“point of sale” systems, i.e. cash registers). In this article, you will find an overview of the different barcode types. Barcode printing solution enables barcodes to be printed on forms from a wide variety of software applications such as ERP, accounting, etc. Depending on the number of barcode-capable systems, it is individually checked whether a hardware or software solution makes sense.
This solution can easily expand any printing system in the network to include barcode and Unicode functionalities, without the printer having to be equipped with special hardware options. Possible restrictions are thus lifted without complex and cost-intensive interventions in existing IT structures.
What are barcodes?
A barcode, bar code is an optoelectronic ally readable font that consists of parallel bars and gaps of different widths. This designation was chosen even though it is not a code. The data in a barcode are read in by machine using optical readers, such as barcode readers such as scanners or cameras, and processed further electronically.
All UPC barcode labels that exist today are printed on modern printers. At the same time, each of this equipment should be selected depending on the purpose of the printed product, its size, and other characteristics. Therefore, the choice of printers is not an easy task and it is worth taking the advice of consultants.
Where are barcodes used?
Barcodes are mainly found in sensitive work areas such as logistics, health care, and trade or for labeling goods in the industry.
The simple handling, the low-cost production, and its security enable the barcode to triumph. Serious input errors have expensive consequences – here it is particularly important to identify materials and objects beyond doubt. Today, barcodes can be generated with almost any conventional printer.
When choosing the barcode, attention must also be paid to the correct symbology (font). The variety ranges from one-dimensional numeric to the modern two-dimensional barcode, which can display almost any character and even contain images. Use a widely used code that displays the desired information as securely as possible in as little space as possible!
The main initial task when barcode printing online is to generate a barcode and develop a label design. When developing a design, it is necessary to control that the barcode is formed correctly, that is, all its elements are present. Missing just one small stroke can result in unreadable barcodes. This situation occurs quite often, but such errors can be corrected by printing the “correct” barcode on self-adhesive labels. It is advisable to check the readability of the barcode using a barcode scanner or verifier.
Printing a barcode on a label printer
This type of printing is used in the automation of production, accounting, control, storage, and sale of products. Printing is done on roll media. Barcodes are printed on self-adhesive labels, tags, labels, and ribbons. With label printers, you can print on various materials: paper, thermal paper, polypropylene, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), cardboard, and textile tapes (nylon and satin).
