Q&A

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q&A

Q&A

1. What do the numbers on barcodes mean?

Barcodes are comprised of a series of vertical lines of varying thicknesses and gaps. The numbers underneath the lines correspond to the product code, which is unique to every item sold. When a barcode is scanned, the number is transmitted to a computer which looks up further information about the product in a database.

Barcodes were invented in the 1970s as a way to automate the process of inventory and product tracking, and have since become ubiquitous in retail stores, warehouses and other settings. The numbers on the barcode help identify the product and streamline the supply chain, making it easier to keep track of which products are selling and which need to be replenished. Furthermore, barcodes have helped reduce human errors in tasks such as pricing and manual inventory counts.

Barcodes are typically generated using specialized software that encodes textual or numerical data into a pattern of black and white lines or bars of varying widths. This pattern is then printed onto labels or directly onto packages or products using a barcode printer.

There are many different types of barcodes, each with their own encoding system and format. Some common barcode types include UPC codes, EAN codes, and QR codes. These barcodes can be read by a barcode scanner, which uses a laser or camera to read the pattern and translate it back into the original data.

When generating barcodes, it’s important to ensure that the encoding system and format used are compatible with the type of barcode scanner being used. Mistakes in barcode generation can result in errors or reading failures, which can cause significant delays and inefficiencies in supply chain management and other industries that rely on barcodes.

Custom barcodes can be useful in a variety of situations. When an organization has specific needs that cannot be met by standard barcodes, a custom barcode may be necessary. Custom barcodes can be designed to include additional information, such as serial numbers, lot numbers, or expiration dates. They can also be designed to comply with industry or regulatory standards, such as GS1 standards for healthcare or retail.

Custom barcodes may also be necessary when a company is dealing with unique products, such as handmade or artisanal items. In these cases, a custom barcode can help to track inventory and sales more accurately, and provide customers with detailed product information.

Ultimately, the decision to use a custom barcode should be based on whether it will provide significant benefits for an organization, such as improved efficiency, accuracy or customer satisfaction. If a custom barcode can provide these benefits, it may be a worthwhile investment.

Yes, barcodes are unique to each item. The barcode is a type of identifier that is used to quickly and accurately identify an item. It contains a series of lines and spaces that represent a unique sequence of numbers, named the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). The GTIN identifies the manufacturer and specific product variant, so two products of the same type produced by different companies will have different barcodes. This uniqueness is important to ensure that products can be tracked throughout the supply chain, from manufacturer to consumer, and to prevent product counterfeiting. When a customer scans a barcode at the point of sale, the system can retrieve the product’s price, description, and other details from a database, allowing for easy and efficient transactions.

No, barcodes cannot be reused. Each barcode has a unique code that is assigned to a particular product or item. The purpose of a barcode is to identify a product, and reusing it can lead to confusion and inaccurate inventory tracking. If a barcode is reused, there is a risk that different products with different prices or descriptions will be scanned under the same barcode, leading to incorrect pricing, inventory shortages, or overstocking. Additionally, if a barcode is reused for a different item, it can also cause issues with supply chain management and distribution. Barcode technology is designed to ensure accurate tracking and management of products or items, meaning that each barcode can only be used once.

Barcodes are a crucial tool for streamlining the checkout process by reducing errors and speeding up transactions. When products are labeled with barcodes, the cashier can simply scan the barcode with a handheld scanner, and the price, as well as additional product information, will be automatically entered into the point-of-sale system. This process prevents errors that can come with manual data entry, such as the misinterpretation of prices or product names, which can cause longer lines and frustrated customers. Speed is a key factor in checkout lines, and barcodes allow for quicker transactions by eliminating the need to manually input information, enabling a more efficient and faster checkout experience for customers. Additionally, barcodes allow for better inventory tracking and management, making it easier for businesses to manage inventory levels, pricing, and restocking.

Thermal direct and thermal transfer label printing are two different methods of printing labels. Thermal direct printing involves applying heat to a specially coated label material to produce an image. This type of printing is often used for short-term labeling applications, such as shipping labels or receipts. Thermal transfer printing, on the other hand, involves using a ribbon of ink to transfer an image onto a label material. This method allows for more durable, high-quality images to be printed and is often used for barcodes, product labels, and other applications where longevity is important. While thermal direct printing is typically a simpler and less expensive process, thermal transfer printing offers greater versatility and quality, making it the preferred method for many labeling applications.

A thermal label printer is an ideal choice for businesses that need to print labels quickly and efficiently. Unlike traditional ink or toner-based printers, thermal printers use heat to transfer ink onto the label. This means there is no need for ink cartridges, toners, or ribbons, which keeps operating costs low. Thermal printers are fast, producing labels at a rate of 4-8 inches per second, which makes them suitable for high-volume work environments. They also produce high-quality printouts that are long-lasting and resistant to fading, smudging, or scratching. Additionally, thermal label printers are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. They can be used for a variety of applications, including shipping labels, product labels, receipts, and tags. Ultimately, using a thermal label printer can save businesses money, increase efficiency, and improve the overall quality of their labeling operations.

The type of adhesive you should use for your labels depends on the material of the label and the surface you are applying it to. For example, if you are using paper labels and attaching them to a smooth surface like glass or plastic, a permanent adhesive should work well. However, if you are using paper labels and attaching them to a rough or textured surface like cardboard or wood, a removable adhesive may be a better choice. If you are using synthetic materials like vinyl or polyester labels, solvent-based adhesives may provide better adhesion to a wider range of surfaces. Always test the adhesive on a small area before applying the label to ensure it adheres properly and doesn’t damage the surface.

A price embedded barcode, also known as a UPC or Universal Product Code, is a series of vertical black bars and spaces that encode information about a product, including its manufacturer and item number. These barcodes are printed on product packaging, and can be scanned by retail point-of-sale systems to quickly and accurately identify the item and its price.

The price embedded in the barcode is determined by the retailer, and is typically based on factors such as the cost of the product, the markup percentage, and the competitive landscape. The barcode enables retailers to maintain accurate inventory records, track sales, and automate the checkout process, saving time and reducing errors. Additionally, consumers can use mobile apps to scan barcodes and compare prices at different retailers or access additional product information.

A 2D code, also known as a QR (Quick Response) code, is a type of barcode that can store information in two dimensions. Unlike traditional barcodes, which contain only a vertical pattern of lines, QR codes contain both vertical and horizontal patterns, allowing for a greater amount of data to be stored in the code. QR codes can be scanned by smartphones, tablets, and other devices equipped with a camera and QR code reader software, allowing users to quickly access information or links to websites without typing in a URL. QR codes are increasingly used in marketing and advertising campaigns, as well as in industries such as transportation, healthcare, and food service to provide quick access to data or instructions.

The answer to this question depends on the specific requirements of your label printing needs. If you are looking for a printer to print labels for occasional use, a desktop thermal label printer will suffice as it is more affordable and portable. For more industrial or heavy-duty label printing needs, an industrial thermal label printer is a better option with a higher output capacity and faster print speeds. Industrial printers are also known for their durability and ability to handle a wider range of materials and label sizes. However, industrial thermal printers come with a higher cost, are more difficult to move around and require more maintenance. Be sure to evaluate your label printing needs before making a purchase, and consider factors such as volume, label size, durability, print quality, and cost.

Color on demand label printing provides many benefits to businesses in various industries. Firstly, it allows for highly customizable labels, which can be printed with unique designs and messaging tailored to specific products or promotions. Additionally, on demand printing eliminates the need to maintain a large inventory of pre-printed labels, providing significant cost savings and reducing waste. Color on demand label printing also offers greater versatility to print a wide variety of label types, including waterproof and high-quality image labels. This flexibility allows businesses to quickly and efficiently produce labels for new products or seasonal items. Finally, on demand printing enhances supply chain efficiencies, as labels can be printed at any time during the production process, improving workflow and reducing lead times. Overall, color on demand label printing provides businesses with a highly cost-effective solution to their labeling needs, enabling flexibility, customization, and increased efficiency.

A mobile computer is a device designed to be easily transportable while performing various tasks. These computers are designed to be user-friendly, efficient and offer multiple functions that enable users to work and communicate while on the go. Mobile computers are widely used by individuals and businesses for different purposes, such as accessing emails and data files, browsing the web, engaging in social media activism, creating and editing documents, video conferencing, playing games, making calls and even controlling IoT and smart home devices. The most popular types of mobile computers include laptops, tablets, smartphones and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices. With the advent of cloud computing, mobile computing has become a crucial part of the digital era, enabling users to work remotely and stay connected to the world at all times.

Mobile thermal label printers are an essential tool for any business that requires printing labels on the go. These devices offer a range of benefits including portability, speed, and flexibility, making them an excellent solution for retail, logistics, and healthcare industries.

One of the main advantages of mobile thermal label printers is that they are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and use in any location. They also produce high-quality labels with exceptional clarity and durability, regardless of the printing environment. With fast printing speeds, mobile thermal label printers are capable of producing hundreds of labels in a short amount of time, increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.

Moreover, mobile thermal label printers eliminate the need for manual labeling, reducing the risk of human errors and enhancing accuracy. They are also easy to use, with simple navigation and customizable features that allow users to create labels with specific layouts, designs, and information. In summary, a mobile thermal label printer is a must-have for any business looking to improve efficiency, accuracy and reduce operational costs.

Linerless labelling is a form of product labeling that does not require a release liner. Instead, the adhesive backing of the label is coated with a silicon release coating that allows the label to be easily dispensed and applied to a surface without the need for a separate liner. The absence of the liner also helps to reduce waste and lower costs associated with label production, storage, and disposal. Linerless labels are commonly used in the food and beverage industry, healthcare, and retail settings as they provide an efficient and eco-friendly labeling solution. They are also becoming increasingly popular in industrial and logistics applications as they enable high-speed labelling and can be used with a variety of different printing technologies. Overall, linerless labelling offers an innovative approach to labeling that provides multiple benefits for businesses and the environment.

We are here to Help!

Feel free to ask!

We well post your answer once we catch it

Want To Learn More About Our Products?

let’s talk