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| 1. Do I need special barcode software to scan barcodes? |
| 2. What does the barcode signify? |
| 3. Who controls the barcode numbering? |
| 4. There are a lot of symbologies, which one do I use? |
| 5. Can't I download a free barcode font from the Internet? |
| 6. Do barcodes have to be black? |
| 7. Why use a barcode printer instead of A4 sheets of labels? |
| 8. Can't I print the retail barcode as part of my packaging artwork? |
| 9. Is barcoding expensive? |
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1. Do I need special barcode software to scan barcodes?
No, modern scanners are supplied with a USB connection. Simply connect the device to the PC via an available port. Old style terminals may need an adapter to achieve the same results.
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2. What does the barcode signify?
The barcode is merely a graphic representation of the number or text printed beneath it. With retail barcodes, the number is structured by the European Article Numbering (EAN) format to signify the country code (5 for the UK), followed by the manufacturers code, followed by the product code (as determined by the manufacturer), and finally the check digit.
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3. Who controls the barcode numbering?
In the UK the numbers are allocated by the E Centre (tel: 0207 655 9000) or www.e-centre.org.uk.
If you are not involved with retail you can use any numbers you want (e.g. part numbers, customer codes &c). |
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4. There are a lot of symbologies, which one do I use?
Most non-retail barcodes use Code 39 or the more modern Code 128. If you have ASCII characters such as * or - make sure that your software can encode these. You could also consider using 2D barcodes which can store many times more data than a conventional 1D code.
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5. Can't I download a free barcode font from the Internet?
Yes but most free fonts do not incorporate check digit computation. This means that a barcode of 12345 may be scanned in as 1234 or even 123. Please check first for compatability with your software.
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6. Do barcodes have to be black?
Barcode scanners work by reflecting the contrast between dark and light. This means that you can have any dark colour except red on a light background.
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7. Why use a barcode printer instead of A4 sheets of labels?
Low volumes of laser printed A4 sheets are quite economical (don't use inkjet because the ink will run if it gets wet). You have to add back the cost of the toner and the laser drum when doing your calculations for high volume printing and you will soon see why most organisations have a dedicated barcode printer. Also you may find that laser labels will leave glue in the printer once it has warmed up. This tends to jam up the printer after a few sheets of labels.
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8. Can't I print the retail barcode as part of my packaging artwork?
Yes, use the EAN-13 symbologies, but you may want additional labelling for batch traceability, sell by dates or serial numbering.
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9. Is barcoding expensive?
If you have to label goods, printing barcodes is slightly more expensive. The capital investment is in the scanners and the hand-held terminals, but the payback is very fast. Most companies have to close their stores in order to do a stocktake and the staff performing the stocktake are then paid at overtime rates (maybe even weekend rates). The time saved by using barcode scanners means that the costs are minimised and the accuracy increased.
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