Barcode labels have encoded information printed and stored on them. They are used for the tracking, identification and registration of items. They are an indispensable stock management tool. Barcode labels usually have self sticking/adhesive backs and can be simply stuck on the product or package like a normal label. They can be ordered in customised varieties as per requirements.
Features and uses of barcode labels
Barcode labels are made of paper, vinyl, metal, rubber and plastic. They are either stuck on the product package or welded onto equipment, as is the case in metal barcodes. Line bar formation is the common method. These lines are of different thicknesses and have different gaps in between them. They can be read by an optical device and are either in a square or a rectangular formation. These barcode line formations are generated by use of a computer program.
There are special printers for barcode printing. Once printed, the inventory is classified by these tags. The information of the barcodes is recorded onto the central database. The scanners read information on these barcodes and signal it to the database.
Barcode scanners can be fixed or handheld. Large business corporations can customise their own barcode formations and print them by the help of an in-house printing division. A certain degree of expertise in designing barcodes is required for this purpose. Smaller businesses can buy readymade barcode labels from the market and assign product values to them before putting them to use.
Bar-coding offers automatic reading of outgoing products. They keep us ready with replenishments when needed. Tracking of missing products becomes simplified by the use of barcode labels.