| Bar Code Labels can have many uses within a | | | | primary bar code label application of EAN 13 codes is |
| business, and there are many types available, a few of | | | | products that are to be sold in Europe. |
| them are listed below with specific purposes. 5 top | | | | - Interleaved 2 of 5 (numeric only) Interleaved 2 of 5 |
| areas covered are: asset tags, parking permits, | | | | bar codes are the compressed version of EAN-13 |
| product labels, general solutions / applications, and bar | | | | code described above. Used to provide bar code |
| code types. | | | | product information on small products throughout |
| Asset Tags: Asset tags can be used to identify | | | | Europe. |
| equipment, furniture and other physical assets in your | | | | - PostNet (numeric only) PostNet bar codes were |
| business. They are usually printed with sequential serial | | | | developed by the USPS to make automated mail a |
| numbers for tracking in database systems. Typical | | | | reality. Most PostNet bar codes are printed on labels |
| materials are white polyester, metalized matte silver | | | | and are ultimately applied pieces that are mailed |
| polyester, security silver polyester, destructible | | | | through the USPS, ranging from envelopes to catalogs. |
| reflective vinyl, Lexan®, or LexSaver®. | | | | - UPC-A UPC-A stands for Universal product Code. |
| Parking Permits: Bar Code labels can be integrated on | | | | The UPC bar code is required on all products sold in |
| wide range of parking permit types; such as hang tags, | | | | North America and throughout the world. Typically, the |
| bumper stickers and window stickers. Some materials | | | | UPC bar code is printed on the product ID label. |
| used are PVC, LexSaver™, static cling, vinyl with | | | | - UPC-E Compressed UPC code used on small |
| permanent adhesive, and destructible reflective vinyl. | | | | products sold in North America and throughout the |
| Product Labels: There are 100’s of uses for bar | | | | world. Typically, the UPC-E bar code is printed as a |
| coded product labels. To name a few, industrial labels, | | | | separate label rather than as part of the product ID |
| media labels, Product ID labels, Property management, | | | | label. |
| shipping / mailing, tracking / pricing and many others. | | | | - 2D Bar Codes: 2D (two dimensional) barcodes |
| General Bar Code Solutions / Uses: Product ID Labels | | | | contain more information than typical one dimensional |
| with UPC bar code on rolls or fan folded, product ID | | | | barcodes. One dimensional barcodes get wider as |
| labels with UPC code on laser sheets, very small sizes, | | | | more data is encoded. Typically, 2D bar codes area |
| bar code only, no other printing on the label and blank | | | | applied to labels by a thermal printing device. 2D |
| laser, thermal and ink jet bar code labels. | | | | barcodes make use of the vertical dimension, allowing |
| Bar Code Types: Codabar (numeric only): Codabar bar | | | | for more data to be stored. Bare in mind that using |
| codes are typically used in labeling solutions for | | | | more square inches and a larger label which will add |
| applications that require sequential issuing and | | | | expense to your bar code labels. 2D barcodes have |
| processing of information. Some examples would | | | | become possible as auto scanning CCD and laser |
| include library systems, membership cards, overnight | | | | scanners have replaced the original 'light pen' type of |
| package delivery systems, and other simple | | | | scanner. At this time most conventional CCD and |
| processing and tracking applications. | | | | Laser scanners cannot read 2D barcodes but low |
| - Code 128 (alphanumeric): Code 128 bar codes are | | | | cost 1D/2D scanners are entering the market. |
| typically used when a high reliability code read is | | | | - Ink and Printing Methods for Bar Code Labels: Bar |
| required from the label application. | | | | code symbols are printed in black ink. The rest of your |
| - Code 39 (alphanumeric): Code 39 is the most popular, | | | | label can be printed in spot (PMS) colors or in process |
| general purpose bar code printed on labels. Some | | | | (CMYK) colors. You also have a choice between |
| examples would include serial numbers for any type of | | | | excellent quality traditional flexo printing or high end |
| hard good (from automobiles to laptops). Asset tags | | | | photo quality digital printing. The example to the left |
| and parking permits typically are printed with code 39 | | | | displays the difference between the flexo and digital |
| bar codes. | | | | production methods. Either method will ensure excellent |
| - EAN-13 (numeric only) EAN - 13 is often referred to | | | | readability of your bar code. Digital label printing is best |
| as the international retail product code. EAN stands for | | | | suited for label quantities of 5,000 or fewer. Traditional |
| European Alpha Numeric (bar code). This is the global | | | | flexo printing is best suited for quantities of 1,000 or |
| version of the UPC codes used in North America. The | | | | more labels. |