| Barcode labelling systems have a wide range of | | | | chairs, printers and so on, and a barcode labelling |
| applications. We're all familiar with the price coding | | | | system makes it much easier to keep track of these |
| systems used by supermarkets, but barcodes are | | | | items. |
| useful for tracking anything that can have a barcode | | | | Choosing the right barcode label printer is important. |
| sticker attached. Scientists have even worked out | | | | You may be able to get away with using an ordinary |
| how to attach barcodes to bees, so that they can | | | | office laser printer, id simple paper labels will work for |
| track their mating habits. | | | | your application. If your requirements are more specific, |
| If you run a business which has a large amount of | | | | you may need to invest in a dedicated barcode label |
| inventory, you will find barcode systems offer one of | | | | printer. For instance, if you need labels which are able |
| the cheapest and easiest methods to track the | | | | to withstand high temperatures, or which can be |
| movement of items. For example, if you have an | | | | attached to fabric and washed, you will need to find a |
| equipment rental business, the first step would be to | | | | specialist label and printer manufacturer. |
| create a database of all your stock. You would then | | | | There are two main kinds of barcode label printer |
| assign a barcode number to each item. Using a | | | | available. The cheaper printers are direct thermal |
| computer program and a label printer, you would print | | | | printers, which use heat to print on special paper. |
| a label for each stock item and stick it on to the item. | | | | Thermal transfer printers are more expensive, but |
| You could then use a portable barcode scanner to | | | | more versatile. With these models, the ink from a |
| check each item in and out of your store. | | | | ribbon is melted onto the label. Most Thermal transfer |
| Most companies own assets like computers, desks, | | | | printers can use the direct transfer method as well. |