Bar code labels are everywhere. Generate bar code labels online by inputting the necessary information into a website bar code generator. Download bar code fonts to create custom bar code labels. The computer then matches the number with an entry in a database and uses that information to identify or track an item or person.

If you have a bar code system in place, look for suppliers of preprinted bar code labels or ways to print your own. If you're new to bar coding, consult an expert at one of the bar code label distributors to get the best solution for your business. Many options are available; printers and scanners can be portable, even hand-held, or made to work on a desktop. A variety of software takes advantage of the automation that bar codes provide in gathering and tracking data. Radio frequency identification tags, better known as RFID, is new technology that allows quicker scanning.

There are many different uses for bar code labels. Some of the more common ones are:

1. Order entry at warehouse fulfillment or Point of Sale (POS); and UPC bar codes.

2. Tracking inventory items as they move through a system; shipping companies track packages, and airlines track luggage.

3. Postnet bar codes allow machines to read the ZIP code number from a piece of mail.

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

Make your own custom bar code labels

If you need a simple bar code, you may be able to make them yourself using your regular computer and printer. Download software that will allow your regular Windows applications to print bar codes.

I recommend: Download various bar code fonts to your computer or create a bar code online at Barcodes Inc. or Elfring Fonts. Add bar code generation ability to Windows applications at Tal Tech.

Buy preprinted bar code labels

If all you need to do is print bar codes, consider buying preprinted bar code labels. You can purchase preprinted bar codes for inventory control or with UPC codes for your products already in place.

I recommend: Find preprinted bar codes and preprinted bar code labels at BarcodeDiscounters and Par Code.

Purchase software from bar code label suppliers to manage data

Choose an option that includes data management as well as bar code printing to truly experience the benefits of bar codes in automating your data retrieval and tracking. The links below offer software options, or you may want to talk to a one of the bar code label distributors in the following step.

I recommend: Download a free trial of low-cost bar code label generating software at Aulux Technologies. Purchase software that integrates label production and data management from Jolly Technologies.

Obtain a system from bar code labeling suppliers

Bar code label suppliers have a wide variety of components available, including bar code scanners, bar code printers, labels, software, POS hardware, and RFID solutions. If you are unsure what you need or how all of these things work together, get help from one of their experts.

I recommend: Choose the best solution for your business by getting expert help via the toll-free support lines at National Barcode or Barcode Factory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are two types of bar code printers. Direct thermal printers are less expensive but the labels they produce can be damaged by heat, sunlight or chemicals. Thermal transfer printers overcome these difficulties at a higher cost.
• •  Make sure to purchase the correct type of label and supplies for your printer.
• •  Save money on bulk mailings by adding a zip code bar code (called Postnet) to the bottom of the mailing label area of the envelope or postcard.