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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? |
| |
 |
| |
1.
Do I need special barcode software to scan barcodes?
No, a keyboard wedge interface (KBW) scanner comes with
a Y cable. Unplug the keyboard from the PC and connect
the Y cable so that the data can either be keyed or
scanned in. Old style terminals may need an adapter
to achieve the same results. |
 |
2.
What does the barcode signify?
The
barcode is merely a graphic representation of the number
printed beneath. 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. |
|
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). |
|
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. |
|
5.
Can't I download a free barcode font from the Internet?
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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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