| We all know what a barcode looks like, but what are | | | | The benefits of dot matrix label printers include being |
| our options for printing barcodes? | | | | cost-efficient and relatively inexpensive. However, dot |
| Barcodes are machine-readable information attached | | | | matrix printers do not produce high-quality and durable |
| to store items that implement Auto ID Data Capture | | | | labels. Dot matrix printers also typically have to print |
| (AIDC) systems for faster data entry. The most | | | | barcode labels in larger quantities, and not one at a |
| common barcode standard is the Universal Product | | | | time which is both wasteful and not very cost-efficient. |
| Code (UPC) bar code. It is the type that is usually used | | | | The second type of barcode printer is the laser printer. |
| in retail stores. | | | | Laser printers can print barcodes much faster than a |
| Each product that is registered into the system is given | | | | standard dot matrix printer, and also print at higher |
| a unique bar code, represented by the different widths | | | | resolutions resulting in better quality barcode labels. |
| of the bars and the number of spaces in between the | | | | However, laser-printed labels are not very durable as |
| bars, that can be decoded by barcode scanners for | | | | they are printed on regular paper and not the |
| faster identification, recording, and monitoring of each | | | | water-resistant paper available with thermal printers. |
| item. | | | | The third type of barcode printer is the direct thermal |
| The use of barcodes for inventory control serves as | | | | printer which is the most efficient printer you can use |
| its most important function. Each item in a store is | | | | for printing barcode labels. Thermal printers work by |
| tagged with a barcode, and when the time for | | | | printing barcodes using heat on a special heat-sensitive |
| inventory comes, each employee can use handheld | | | | paper or labels. |
| barcode scanners for a faster and more accurate | | | | Thermal printers can produce high-resolution barcode |
| inventory count. This works when the barcode system | | | | labels and can print them one at a time, reducing |
| is used in partnership with a point of sale program. The | | | | waste and making them much more cost-efficient |
| use of the two systems together significantly reduces | | | | than laser and dot matrix printers. |
| inventory costs as well. | | | | Most importantly, thermal printers are capable of |
| Barcoding can be used not only to improve inventory | | | | working with the latest high-quality point of sale |
| control, but also to help track assets, monitor | | | | programs for inventory tracking. Most high quality POS |
| employees in the field, increase sales and reduce or | | | | programs can help to use these thermal printers to |
| eliminate data entry errors. | | | | print barcode labels that include detailed information |
| Now the question is, how do you make barcodes? | | | | such as prince, model number, description etc. |
| Barcode software and printers are used for this | | | | Barcodes are not a new invention. They have been |
| purpose. There are three kinds of barcode printers: | | | | around since the 1960's. However, with the cost |
| laser, dot matrix, and thermal. Each barcode label | | | | effective nature of today's software and thermal |
| maker has their own benefits and limitations. | | | | printers they can be utilized by businesses of all sizes |
| Dot matrix printers were the first types of printers | | | | to increase sales and to maintain more accurate |
| used for creating barcode labels at the consumer level. | | | | inventory. |