This handy guide explains what a barcode is, how it works and how it can be used. It outlines the benefits of using a barcoding system, particularly when compared with manual data input or auditing. The slideshow gives some examples of barcode applications and which type of products are used for certain industries.

1. A Guide to Barcoding

2. Barcoding systems save time and effort when
it comes to retail and industrial operations.
It provides a way of quickly entering and
collecting data without the need for manual
input. Studies have shown that if data is
entered manually a mistake will be made
once every 300 characters entered
compared to a barcode which will make an
error once every 3 million characters.
Barcoding was originally taken up by
transport industries for vehicle
identification but is now used in many
applications including:
- Electronics – Food – Government – Packing –
Printing – Quality control - Manufacturing

3. A barcode is a way of encoding data that
can be read by a machine. The bar code
normally contains a unique number that
correlates to a document containing
readable information for people.
Reading the bar code employs an optical
technique because information is
scanned using light that reflects from the
bars and spaces within the symbol. Each
industry is represented by different
barcode symbologies.

4. Barcoding systems are an investment because you may
need a variety of components including a scanner, label
printer, label design software and PDAs. Although you
need some hardware and software, generally barcoding
systems pay for themselves within a year because they
save so much time and therefore money too.
Barcoding ensures very fast data input for inventories
and pricing; this leads to greater productivity. They can
also be used to manage stock levels and help organise
stores. Whatever the business system, a bar code
solution can be added to:
• Improve service levels
• Improve working environment
• Improve margin.

5. The vast majority of shops have barcode systems
installed; from independent gift shops to massive
supermarkets. Supermarkets have mounted projection
scanners on their checkouts and also upward projecting
scanners on self-service tills. Smaller shops may opt for
hand held scanners or wireless ones to enable them to
create inventories. Supermarkets have an online
database of stock which gets automatically updated as
stock is sold. In most supermarkets barcode shelf-edge
labels are also used. These are often used to provide
pricing information to the customer.

6. Barcode systems are frequently used in
warehouses to record the delivery and
despatch of items, as well as stock levels of
products. Using electronic data collection is
far more accurate than paper-based
inventory methods, as if mistakes are made
customers could end up receiving the
wrong products. Codes conform to an
industry standard so that they can be read
at different points along the delivery
journey by different scanners and they will
always reveal the same information.
Electronic data capture greatly saves time
compared to manual data entry.

7. Barcodes can be used to record the attendance and
time lengths of work for employees. These are
normally implemented through the use of ID
cards which have unique barcodes printed on
them and these are swiped or scanned by wall
mounted machines which are connected to
computers. This is useful for freelance workers
who record their working hours, to record
attendance at university lectures, or can even be
used for clubs and institutions.

8. If you have any further queries about how barcode
systems can benefit your business, or you want to
discuss which products are right for you, please feel
free to contact us.
Address:
GSM Printer & Label Systems Ltd
Park House, Parkside Drive
Houghton Regis
Bedfordshire
LU5 5QN
Phone: 0845 269 6689
Email: sales@barcodesuperstore.co.uk
Website: http://www.barcodesuperstore.co.uk