Tuesday 13 August 2013

An overview of the barcode label

Barcodes are commonly presented as a self adhesive barcode label, and can be found on almost every consumer item sold in retail outlets across the world. We rarely go for a single moment without sighting a barcode label - They’re read on packaging, parcels, post and now our mobile phones are even equipped to read them.

Barcodes come in many different formats, according to their end use. Some codes are referred to as ‘linear’ and these have the traditional stacked vertical line appearance we’re all familiar with. The latest generation of codes are referred to as 2 dimensional codes. These are typically square in shape, and are made up of a series of dots running inside.

2D codes are commonly used by mobile phones, and these are normally the QR format (Quick read). QR codes are very robust, in that the encryption of the data in the code is such, that a reader can interpret a code even if part of the code is damaged or missing. They are also capable of holding mass volumes of data (over 7000 characters). 2d codes are also used by the military and other federal organisations to identify an array of vital components. These are typically the PDF417 type of code, which has a hybrid appearance to it, a 2d code with vertical stacked bars either side of it. Airlines are now using the Aztec code more and more at airport terminals for baggage labels and boarding passes. The Aztec code is a 2d code with a bullseye pattern in the middle of it.

The most commonly used linear code is the UPC (Universal product code) code, or EAN (European article numbering code) UPC’s/EANs are the codes that the retailer scans when you do your grocery shopping, The UPC/EAN has eight or thirteen characters in it, of which the last one is a check digit, (a final character devised from an algorithm applied to the preceding numbers).  The numbers that make up an EAN/UPC code are very specific, and the two halves of the code are specific to the retailer and the product they are selling.

The Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is a linear barcode that was traditionally used on 35mm film reel. The ITF14 is a variation of this code and is commonly found on the outside of cartons for wholesale, for example an outer carton of 24 stubbies will have an ITF14 code on which identifies the retailer, the product and the quantity of items within.

Barcodes have become an integral part of our daily life as computerised systems, retail, health care, heavy industry and many other sectors have grown to rely on them. For this reason it is important that the code is printed accurately to ensure correct decoding by the scanner and software. The quality of a barcode is determined by a series of factors laid out by ANSI (the American NationalStandards Institute).

Always choose your barcode label supplier carefully. Label Makers Pty Ltd have been manufacturing and supplying barcode labels for over 30 years. All of our barcodes are verified and tested to the ANSI standards, which is the international standard for barcode quality.
For more information, or help sourcing your barcode labels, contact us via the Label Makers website.



Thursday 16 May 2013

Label Makers Completes Bar Code Racking Project


 
 
At label Makers we pride ourselves on providing more than just quality bar codes & labels.

Label Makers were recently awarded the contract to print and apply bar-coded labels for a new ‘state of the art’ 15,000m2 warehouse in South Guildford, containing over 28,000 pallet and parts locations.

Our experience lies in warehouse labeling solutions including variable data, bar-coding, label manufacture & label application, and was key to winning this extensive project. Other recent warehouse projects, together with many years experience in printing bar codes for national companies such as Australia Post gave us the confidence to put forward a winning solution.

Based on consultation with the client and a wealth of internal knowledge, specific material was recommended for the project which covered key specifications of durability, printability, block out properties, adhesive performance, product warranty & bar code scanning properties.

As part of the value add service that Label Makers provides, client supplied files were audited for accuracy to ensure labels were printed correctly first time, and in the correct order for ease of application.

Bar-codes & human readable alpha numeric data was printed based on 4 part strings for specific locations and verified for scanning performance. Directional arrows were also printed based on specific location requirements. All of the codes produced were scanned and tested for compliance with the ANSI standard for bar code verification, using specialised ISO tested and accredited equipment​.

Working closely with the clients project manager, our experienced application team completed the project on time, meeting all safety requirements and expectations with minimal disruption.

If you have a barcode or warehouse project that can benefit from our experience and knowledge,​ contact Label Makers and let our professional team provide a solution.


 

Thursday 2 May 2013

Dangerous goods labels


Label Makers manufacture and stock a wide range of labels specifically for the labelling and identification of Hazardous and  Dangerous Goods. We stock a range of sizes and designs including;
  • Flammable Liquid
  • Explosives
  • Corrosives
  • Oxidizing Agents
  • Flammable Gas
  • Toxics
  • Non-Flammable Non Toxic Gas
For advice and guidance about label printing, visit http://www.label-makers.com.au Australia’s experts in all things labels and tags.

Saturday 9 February 2013

News page

Just added a new news page to our website to communicate some of the latest developments at Label Makers Pty Ltd. Please view the news page here. http://www.label-makers.com.au/#!news/cgjc

First post

Well here we are.... just testing out the new blogger page - hoping to build some interesting content for the new webpage found here - www.label-makers.com.au