Bar Code Basics
What is a Bar code?
A bar code is a way of encoding information into a machine-readable pattern that can be quickly and accurately read by a computer. Part numbers, purchase order numbers, lot numbers or any information can be encoded into a bar code.
Bar codes can be quickly and accurately read by a piece of equipment called a bar code scanner. The scanner sends the bar coded information to a computer where it is used just as if it had been entered by hand or through a computer keyboard.
Benefits of Bar codes
Companies use bar code because scanning is easier and more accurate than manually writing or keying data with a keyboard. Manual data entry can create many problems. Inaccuracies and delays in updating critical information contribute to lower inventory turns, missed delivery dates, lower sales, lower productivity and a host of other important problems.
More accurate and timelier information is needed to improve inventory control, but keyboards aren't the right tools. Bar code is the right tool because it is fast and accurate... about 15 times faster and 10,000 times more accurate than keyboard data entry.
Bar code Applications
Bar code can be used everywhere data is manually entered onto paper or into a computer. Manufactures, distributors, retailers, financial services, public utilities, phone companies, government agencies, health care providers, transportation companies and virtually every other type of industry can use bar coding to replace manual data entry. Consider the following just a partial list of applications where bar coding can be used:
· Counting raw materials and finished goods inventory
· Automatic sorting of cartons and luggage on conveyor belts and pallets
· Lot tracking
· Fixed asset tracking
· Production reporting
· Time and attendance and labor reporting
· Automated warehouse operations including receiving, put-away, picking and shipping
· Identifying production bottlenecks
· Document tracking
· Package tracking
· Access control
· Tool crib and spare parts
· Controlled substance tracking
· Patient billing
· Retail POS (point of sale) price look-up
Different Types of Bar codes
As the use of bar codes became more common it was required to create new types of bar codes for different applications. Bar codes come in many different shapes and sizes; encode only numeric or alphanumeric data, store pictures and large amounts of data. These different types of bar codes are called symbologies. Below is a partial listing of the ways information can be encoded in a machine-readable format:
· UPC
· Code 39
· Code 128
· Interleaved 2 of 5
Components of a Bar code System
The components of a bar code system are very simple. Putting these components together are what determine the success of your bar coding project. The three basic components of a bar coding system are listed below:
· Bar code labels or tags
· Bar code input devices (scanners)
· Bar code compatible software
The bar code label is the "object" where the encoded information is stored. It is important to make certain that labels and encoded information are designed correctly for your application. Pre-printed bar code symbols can be purchased from a service bureau or bar code symbols can be printed in-house using virtually any printer that is computer controlled.
The bar code input device is the "eyes" of the system. There are several different types of scanners including contact scanners and non-contact scanners. Scanning wands and badge readers require contact while CCD's (Charged Coupled Device) and lasers do not. All scanners perform the function of reading the bar coded information and sending it to the computer. Different types of scanners can be mixed in the same system to reduce overall cost and meet different scanning requirements.
The bar code application is the "brain" of the system. The application software is what accumulates and processes the bar code information entered through the scanners. Some applications have not been designed to use automated data collection and therefore you do not see all of the benefits associated with bar coding. This includes features to interface with wedge inputs devices, batch or radio frequency portable computers and thermal and thermal transfer bar code printers.
Compatibility With Existing Systems
Your computer systems may already be capable of interacting with bar code technology. Many times a simple bar code scanning device can be connected to your computer system and automate the input of bar coded data just as if it were manually keyed. However, your existing software may not be as efficient if it was not designed to work specifically with bar codes. If you do not know if your system is bar code compatible you can contact Barcodes West to evaluate your bar coding needs and requirements.
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