ERP Consulting

BARCODING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

Every modern supply business knows that tracking is very important to ensure visibility, fulfill compliance, if necessary to make effective withdrawals. While some companies still insist on using inefficient and inaccurate information collection methods, automated data collection systems collect information quickly and accurately and store them automatically in a digital database for easy access.

The most common and affordable search method is barcoding. And while barcoding systems make tracking inventory and asset visibility much easier, implementing a system can be a high task. The transition from manual method to barcode forces businesses to overhaul their entire data collection process and require experts to integrate new technologies. However, the benefits of a barcode system far outweigh the headaches that might occur during research and installation.

Here are six guidelines to remember if your business is new to creating bar codes:

Know the standard barcode of your industry.

Before you determine the size of your barcode, or where you will place it on your product, make sure to familiarize yourself with your industry standards. There are often rules in places that businesses must follow, and you must make sure you comply with these rules before you start designing labels. PT Distribusi Inovasi Teknologi is a great place to start. Industry You can also determine whether 1D or 2D barcodes are the best for your application.

Know the environment where your barcode will be scanned.

Depending on the application or industry, barcodes can be scanned in various warehouse environments and distribution centers to retail stores and point of sale applications. Some sizes, types, and colors function better in certain environments. Knowing where your barcode will be scanned allows you to design the best barcode.

Barcode placement is really important.

A barcode cannot be blurred or damaged – this defeats the entire purpose of the barcode system. Folds, flaps and edges are natural enemies for barcodes. Speed ​​is one of the main advantages of a barcode system, so you want to place a barcode label in a clear and unobstructed location. If employees need to search barcodes or smooth the folds to get an accurate scan, the entire traceability system slows down, reducing efficiency.

Size and color affect readability.

The size and color of your barcodes are dictated by your industry’s regulations, but sometimes there is wiggle room for customization. Size is extremely important because barcodes need to be scanned easily. A barcode that is so small that it becomes hard to scan is going to be a massive time-waster. On the other hand, an unnecessarily large barcode is a waste of valuable space. It all depends on your industry, and where and how your barcodes will be scanned.

A black barcode printed on a white label is the default color combination for barcoding, mainly because it is easy for scanners to read. If your industry’s regulations allow it, there are some other potential color combinations that you can take advantage of. However, readability is the most important factor, so don’t compromise on readability just to have more unique or colorful labels.

Integrate the barcode system with any other technologies.

Most businesses use multiple types of software and technologies. When you’re implementing a bar code system, you need to make sure it’s compatible with the business’s current structure and systems. Installing a barcode system will require you to tinker with existing software, so that you need to anticipate and prevent any possible issues that may arise. An experienced barcode solution provider can integrate automatic data capture systems with minimal hitches to ensure a seamless installation.

Know which kind of barcode printer will provide the best ROI for your business application.

Thermal: There are two types of thermal printers – direct thermal and thermal transfers. Both use heat to transfer ink to paper. They’re known for producing high-quality images and being extremely durable. Direct thermal labels have a shorter shelf life than thermal transfer labels; this may be the influence which kind of thermal printer you choose.

Inkjet: These printers can produce readable barcodes at a very fast pace, and are perfect for high-speed production lines. Installation prices are generally quite high though, and inkjet printers need more upkeep than thermal printers.

Dot Matrix: Dot Matrix printers produce barcodes by printing hundreds and hundreds of tiny arranged dots. They’re usually inexpensive and can print barcodes on a variety of surfaces. However, dot matrix printers only print low-to-medium-quality labels.