SageData is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
A frequent opening remark from a potential client runs along the lines of we want to
install a barcode system, so the first thing we need is a barcode printer
.
For many stores applications, and for most warehouse applications, where items are tracked by SKU, then demand printing is necessary, and demand printing necessarily means an in-house printing capability. But for many asset management applications, where items are tracked by a UIC (a unique identification code), preprinted labels can often be used.
Compared to other functions within computing generally, printing is often problematic. It involves lots of mechanics as well as the stock materials.
So our first piece of advice, is that if you can go with preprinted labels, then do so. And if your application involves item level tracking, for asset management or for tracking high-value items or for items which must be rigidly controlled or for file tracking or for confirming inspections, such as for firefighting equipment, extinguishers, and so forth, then preprinted labels are generally the better solution.
The next decision to be made is around print technology. The standard barcode labels used
in
most
applications are produced using thermal transfer technology. The basic stock consists of a label
material,
which is usually polyester. The ink
is provided on a ribbon and during the printing process
this
ribbon
is
held tightly against the substrate, and selectively heated. The heat causes the material from the
ribbon
to
be deposited on the substrate to form the barcode or text that is required. This technology provides
extremely sharp edges without the blurring that is visible on the high magnification for other print
technologies. As such it provides the most accurate barcodes and therefore the highest read rate.
This
technology is particularly appropriate for asset tags, which are required to last for several years
and
which will be read repeatedly during that time.
It is of course possible to print barcodes onto paper labels using a
standard
laser
printer. Specialized software is best used to print these labels, particularly to ensure that the
barcodes
are to specification. The advantage of this method is economy - no special equipment is required
and
the
label stock is cheap. There is no special setup or maintenance procedure for the printer.
There
are, however, two
specific disadvantages. The first is that labels can generally only be produced by the sheet. So if
there
are 60 labels to a sheet, you always get 60 identical labels, whether you want three or 13 or 58.
The
second
disadvantage is durability. Paper labels will not last as long as polyester stock, though, depending
on
your
application, this may not be a material issue. (No pun intended).
For more detailed information, please contact SageData directly. We would be happy to help.
A frequent opening remark from a potential client runs along the lines of we want to
install a barcode system, so the first thing we need is a barcode printer
.
For many stores applications, and for most warehouse applications, where items are tracked by SKU, then demand printing is necessary, and demand printing necessarily means an in-house printing capability. But for many asset management applications, where items are tracked by a UIC (a unique identification code), preprinted labels can often be used.
Compared to other functions within computing generally, printing is often problematic. It involves lots of mechanics as well as the stock materials.
So our first piece of advice, is that if you can go with preprinted labels, then do so. And if your application involves item level tracking, for asset management or for tracking high-value items or for items which must be rigidly controlled or for file tracking or for confirming inspections, such as for firefighting equipment, extinguishers, and so forth, then preprinted labels are generally the better solution.
The next decision to be made is around print technology. The standard barcode labels used
in
most
applications are produced using thermal transfer technology. The basic stock consists of a label
material,
which is usually polyester. The ink
is provided on a ribbon and during the printing process
this
ribbon
is
held tightly against the substrate, and selectively heated. The heat causes the material from the
ribbon
to
be deposited on the substrate to form the barcode or text that is required. This technology provides
extremely sharp edges without the blurring that is visible on the high magnification for other print
technologies. As such it provides the most accurate barcodes and therefore the highest read rate.
This
technology is particularly appropriate for asset tags, which are required to last for several years
and
which will be read repeatedly during that time.
It is of course possible to print barcodes onto paper labels using a
standard
laser
printer. Specialized software is best used to print these labels, particularly to ensure that the
barcodes
are to specification. The advantage of this method is economy - no special equipment is required
and
the
label stock is cheap. There is no special setup or maintenance procedure for the printer.
There
are, however, two
specific disadvantages. The first is that labels can generally only be produced by the sheet. So if
there
are 60 labels to a sheet, you always get 60 identical labels, whether you want three or 13 or 58.
The
second
disadvantage is durability. Paper labels will not last as long as polyester stock, though, depending
on
your
application, this may not be a material issue. (No pun intended).
For more detailed information, please contact SageData directly. We would be happy to help.
If you found this useful, you might also want to review:
- an
introduction to barcode technology
- an introduction to RFID
- mobile data collectors
- consulting
services: barcodes and their applications
QAOK2564-6
