Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bar code readers or scanners

A bar code reader or scanner is an electronic device that can read printed bar codes. Bar code readers contain a decoder circuit that analyzes the image data.

I recommend: To find out more on bar code readers, read through information at TAL Technologies, a provider of communication software solutions.

Bar code printer

A bar code printer is a special kind of printer that can print on labels and tags. The printer can be a dot-matrix printer, thermal direct printer or thermal transfer printer.

I recommend: You can get the definition of a bar code printer at Tyner, a retailer of printers and scanners.

Bar code labels

A bar code label is a label that carries a bar code and other readable information. Affixing a bar code label to products helps in identification and retailers find it useful for keeping track of the inventory.

I recommend: To learn more about bar code labels, see the Brodart Company, a supplier of library equipment.

Bar code keyboard wedge readers

A wedge reader is attached to a computer through a keyboard interface. Wedge readers physically wedge between a keyboard and a computer and appear like a second keyboard. The advantage of a wedge reader is that there are no changes on the software side.

I recommend: Learn more about bar code keyboard wedge readers at InPath Devices, a provider of data automation tools and equipment.

Light pens

A light pen (also known as barcode wand) is a pen-like bar code scanner that reads the code when swept across the barcode.

I recommend: Get the definition of light pen at Zebra Technologies Corporation, a software and hardware solution provider.

Bar code generators

A bar code generator is software that allows you to create a bar code graphic by providing bar code data, encoding type and the output file format. Bar code generators can be online or stand-alone applications.

I recommend: Learn more about a bar code generator at Barcoding Inc., a producer of barcode software.

Guide to Bar Code Equipment and Supplies

How to find the best bar code supplies for your needs

By Christine Margiotta, Freelance writer

1. More effectively track your assets.
2. Keep close tabs on your inventory.
3. Provide strong security against fraud.
4. Reduce your bottom line costs.
5. Enhance your business' customer service.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in bar coding equipment that closely monitors your fixed assets

Good inventory software will nicely back up a streamlined bar code system.

I recommend: RioScan Fixed Assets Inventory Software is an effective way to track your assets, as well as show you how much those assets are worth.

Buy bar code scanners that require no change in your current software

If you already have a barcode system in place, it's possible to invest in scanners that go right with the current flow of information.

I recommend: Check out Barcode Power's selection of scanners and systems that promise a seamless transition into your current barcode inventory equipment. In particular, Datalogic offers a variety of scanners for a wide range of prices.

Keep your inventory secure

Manufacturers of bar code reading equipment should also provide security software with their systems and products that help detect fake IDs as well as detect barcode and other errors.

I recommend: iCheckIt, provided by SSE Technologies, reads and decodes barcode formats and decodes magnetic stripe formats (credit cards, other IDs).

Shop for reduced-cost barcode supplies

While barcode equipment automatically reduces your costs by automating a number of inventory and asset-tracking tasks, you can take it one step further by purchasing this equipment used.

I recommend: Visit the Barcode Trading Post online to browse their inventory of used equipment, or even sell your own.

Make sure your barcode equipment manufacturer provides the right support

Bar coding equipment will automatically enhance your ability to provide better customer service by speeding up inventory processes and providing instant access to inventory information. But if something does go wrong, it's good to have a manufacturer that's got your back.

I recommend: Review a comprehensive list of manufacturers online at the MBCEStore, with each entry containing links to manufacturer-specific customer service information.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure your bar code manufacturer can provide proof of delivery.
• •  Double-check that the equipment you choose is universally compatible, either with what you already have or what you might need down the road.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Host on-site sessions from bar code training and education consultants

Some consultants will come to your facility or have you come to their training centers for hands-on, on-site training on bar code scanning equipment and bar code supplies. This is perhaps the quickest and most efficient way to make sure your employees receive the most thorough bar code equipment and supplies education and training.

I recommend: Fotel is a reputable, experience consulting firm that will train your employees on-site on the use of new bar code equipment and how to correct mistakes made with bar code technologies that are new to them. SmallScanners.com will provide product training to you and your employees on ESP software and Microscan technology as well as applications of using bar code technology, general information about how bar code equipment can help your business and white papers detailing data tracking advances.

Watch online videos to receive complete bar code education and training

Laser and imaging scanners are the two types of barcode reading equipment. To choose the best bar code scanning equipment for your business, it's recommended that you first determine your business needs and budget. Laser barcode scanners have proven to be beneficial in certain applications, such as decoding at long distance, decoding common 10-character retail barcodes and self-service checkouts. Imaging barcode scanners are better suited to decode critical tracking data and capture inventory images. Some training firms utilize online videos or downloadable training films to help you educate your staff on the use of bar code scanners.

I recommend: Code Corp. provides training videos and downloadable documents for training on installation of bar code equipment as well as an e-library of case studies, brochures, white papers and other documents to help in troubleshooting bar code equipment. They also provide customer/user support. Motion Computing provides online bar code training for the M5 bar code reader with a video demonstration reading prescription bottles, medication dispensing and patient wristband reading among other applications.

Get hands-on training through bar code training and education CDs, software and pre-loaded demos

There is a wide range of barcode equipment supplies available to meet the unique needs of businesses. Hands-free bar code scanners are more efficient in situations where it's easier to take the scanner to the product barcode. Handheld scanners function best in situations that require the scanning of large, bulky items. It's also important that businesses make wise decisions when choosing between infrared or high density laser barcode reading equipment. To make sure you and your employees get the best training and education on bar coding equipment, you might consider training videos or pre-loaded demos and troubleshooting programs on your bar code devices.

I recommend: Check out Barcoding to obtain education about the various types of barcoding supplies as well as a pre-loaded demo troubleshooting options. FeedForward provides a complete RFID (radio frequency identification technology) bar code training product via comprehensive software package on CD as well as a downloadable version.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's important to note that the type of bar code scanning equipment used will also affect the type of barcode labels you will need. This is because barcode labels can have varying light absorbency features which can affect the performance of bar coding supplies.