Barcode Labels
High-Performance Barcode Labels for Efficient Inventory Management and Tracking
Barcode labels are adhesive labels containing barcode symbology, consisting of vertical bars and spaces representing information in a machine-readable format. Barcode labels support various industries' inventory management, product tracking, asset tracking, and point-of-sale (POS) systems. Barcodes use barcode readers or scanners, which decode the information encoded in the barcode. The decoded information can include product details, such as the item's name, price, stock-keeping unit (SKU), and other relevant data for tracking and identification purposes. We can print barcode labels in any format, including linear barcodes (ex., UPC or EAN codes) and 2D barcodes (ex., QR or Data Matrix codes). Barcode labels have the following purposes:
Efficient and Accurate Data Entry: Barcode labels enable quick and accurate data entry. Instead of manually typing in product or asset information, barcode scanners can read the barcode and automatically input the data into a computer system, saving time, reducing errors, and improving data accuracy.
Inventory Management: Barcode labels prevent stockouts, optimize inventory levels, and improve supply chain efficiency.
Product Tracking and Traceability: Barcode labels enable effective product tracking and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems: Barcode labels improve point-of-sale efficiency, enhance the overall customer experience, and are widely used in retail environments to streamline checkout. Asset Tracking: Barcode labels mitigate asset loss, theft, and misplacement, leading to cost savings and improved organizational asset utilization.
Overall, barcodes simplify data entry, improve inventory management, enable accurate tracking, enhance customer service, and optimize operational efficiency in various industries. These labels are typically printed on adhesive-backed materials, making affixing them to products, packaging, or assets easy. They help streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing efficiency.
Why Choose Our Barcode Labels
Barcode Size and Density: Our barcode labels are printed in code with your specified barcode sizing and density to ensure optimal scanning.
Durability and Material: Compatible with cleanrooms and many other environments. We accommodate general-purpose barcode label materials and specialized label stocks for specific applications, such as high-temperature environments or harsh chemicals.
Adhesive Strength: High-performance and reliable adhesives remain intact throughout the item's lifespan and can be cleanly removed from the surface if desired.
Readability and Contrast: Our barcode labels prioritize readability and contrast. Every barcode will have clear differentiation to allow scanners to read the barcode, even in challenging lighting conditions, accurately.
Regulation Compliance: Barcode labels may need to adhere to specific industry standards or comply with regulations, such as GS1 standards for retail barcodes or UID requirements for government contracts. Adhering to these standards ensures compatibility, interoperability, and smooth integration with existing systems.
Customization and Branding: We print high-quality logos, colors, and other branding elements consistent with your product or packaging design. Our barcode label customization options include variable data printing, allowing for the incorporation of unique identifiers like serial numbers or batch codes into each label.
Find The Right Barcode Labels
In order to find barcode labels that perform and properly satisfy your quality standards, it is important to partner with a label expert familiar with a wide array of controlled environment applications. Our team has extensive experience working with companies involved with advanced research and manufacturing. We can work in tandem with your technical team to design, prototype, and manufacture barcode labels that are engineered for your application. Our aim is to make this quick and easy for you.
Barcodes have been a prominent fixture for data storage for over a half-century since Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Gum made the first retail barcode transaction in 1974. Since then, many variations of barcode types have emerged to the tune of 30 major barcodes currently being used globally, including popular ones such as UPC, EAN, QR, and Aztec code. Barcode types are classified as one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) formats. 1D barcodes consist only of uniquely spaced lines that are laser scanned horizontally. In contrast, 2D codes use horizontal and vertical space but are only scannable with camera-containing devices such as smartphones. To the left, we illustrate the differences between 1D vs. 2D barcode archetypes.
Cleanroom + Sterile
Labels manufactured with synthetic materials, processed in a Class 100 cleanroom and sterilized to prevent contamination from harming patients, research and products.
Labels manufactured with synthetic materials, processed in a Class 100 cleanroom and sterilized to prevent contamination from harming patients, research and products.
Cold Storage
Labels designed for use in cold storage applications can withstand exposure to ultra low temperatures and moisture so that they remain in place and legible.
Labels designed for use in cold storage applications can withstand exposure to ultra low temperatures and moisture so that they remain in place and legible.
Chemical Resistance
Labels engineered with durable materials can withstand direct exposure and immersion to harsh industrial chemicals and solvents so that they remain in place and legible.
Labels engineered with durable materials can withstand direct exposure and immersion to harsh industrial chemicals and solvents so that they remain in place and legible.
Cleanroom
Labels made for cleanrooms are manufactured with synthetic materials that are processed and packaged to protect sensitive research and products from contamination.
Labels made for cleanrooms are manufactured with synthetic materials that are processed and packaged to protect sensitive research and products from contamination.
Autoclave
Labels designed for use in autoclave devices can withstand high temperatures, moisture and pressure so that they remain in place and legible when exposed to sterilization.
Labels designed for use in autoclave devices can withstand high temperatures, moisture and pressure so that they remain in place and legible when exposed to sterilization.
Gamma
Labels manufactured with radiation sensitive material that changes color from yellow to red when exposed to gamma irradiation to help identify products that have been sterilized.
Labels manufactured with radiation sensitive material that changes color from yellow to red when exposed to gamma irradiation to help identify products that have been sterilized.
Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
EtO sterilization process indicators are EtO sensitive labels which undergo a significant color change from purple to green upon exposure to ethylene oxide concentration of 450 mg/L.
EtO sterilization process indicators are EtO sensitive labels which undergo a significant color change from purple to green upon exposure to ethylene oxide concentration of 450 mg/L.
Retail and Point-of-Sale (POS): Barcode labels are used in retail environments to track and manage inventory, automate checkout processes, and ensure accurate pricing. They enable efficient stock management, sales tracking, and seamless integration with POS systems.
Inventory Management: Barcode labels are essential for inventory management in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. Each item or SKU is assigned a unique barcode label, allowing for accurate tracking of stock levels, efficient order fulfillment, and streamlined inventory control.
Supply Chain and Logistics: Barcode labels facilitate the smooth movement of goods throughout the supply chain. They enable efficient tracking of products from manufacturing to distribution, improving traceability, reducing errors, and enhancing supply chain visibility.
Asset Tracking: Barcode labels help organizations track and manage valuable assets, equipment, and resources. Each asset is labeled with a unique barcode, allowing for easy identification, tracking of maintenance history, and preventing loss or theft.
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Barcode labels are used extensively in the healthcare industry for patient identification, medication management, and inventory control. They ensure accurate tracking of medical supplies, reduce errors in medication administration, and enhance patient safety.
Manufacturing and Production: Barcode labels are crucial in managing production processes, tracking work-in-progress (WIP), and ensuring quality control. They facilitate efficient tracking of materials, components, and finished goods, streamlining production workflows and reducing errors.
Document and File Management: Barcode labels help organize document and file management systems. Each document is assigned a unique barcode label, making locating, tracking, and managing files easier, improving organizational efficiency, and reducing paperwork.
Library and Asset Management: Barcode labels are used in libraries and educational institutions to track books, media, and other assets. The labels enable efficient check-in/check-out processes, accurate inventory management, and effective asset utilization.
Laboratory and Scientific Research: Barcode labels in laboratories and scientific research settings track data and inventory. They improve traceability, reduce errors, and accurately identify samples and reagents.
Barcode Symbology: Choose the appropriate barcode symbology based on the specific requirements of your application, industry standards, and scanner compatibility. Consider data capacity, readability, and the type of information you need to encode.
Label Size and Density: Determine the optimal label size and density to ensure proper scanning. Consider the space available for the label, the average barcode scanning distance, and the scanning equipment. The label should be large enough to accommodate the barcode and accompanying text or graphics.
Durability and Material: Select label durable materials commensurate with environmental exposure. Consider moisture, chemicals, temperature variations, and abrasion resistance. Choose synthetic materials like polyester or polypropylene that offer durability and longevity.
Adhesive Strength: Ensure that the barcode labels have a reliable adhesive that adheres securely to various surfaces, such as packaging, products, or assets. The adhesive should be appropriate for the intended application and capable of withstanding environmental conditions without peeling or fading.
Readability and Contrast: Optimize the readability of the barcode by ensuring clear contrast between the bars and spaces. Use high-quality printing techniques, such as thermal transfer or direct thermal printing, to achieve sharp and well-defined barcodes. The background color and print color should have sufficient contrast for easy scanning.
Human-Readable Information: Include text on the label, providing additional information or context alongside the barcode. Ensure the text is legible and clear, using appropriate font sizes and styles.
Compliance and Standards: Adhere to industry standards and regulations, such as GS1 standards for retail barcodes or UID requirements for government contracts. Compliance with these standards ensures compatibility, interoperability, and seamless integration with existing systems.
Testing and Verification: Perform thorough barcode label verification to ensure accuracy and readability. Use barcode verification tools to assess the quality and conformity of the printed barcodes. Regularly check the readability of barcodes throughout their lifecycle to maintain optimal scanning performance.
Appropriate Barcode Customization: Consider customization options to align barcode labels with your brand and product packaging. Include logos, colors, or other branding elements while maintaining the necessary barcode specifications.
