Guide to Barcode Software

High-tech solutions to create and use barcodes efficiently

By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor

Whether you want to design and print your own labels right in your own office, or you want to collect barcode data on your PDA, there's a software package that can help you do it. The various types of barcode software can help you:

1. Create and print barcode labels.
2. Include barcodes in work orders, spreadsheets and databases.
3. Track barcodes for inventory management or order processing.
4. Collect barcode data on the go.

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

Design barcode labels

Barcode labels must be designed in compliance with universally accepted standards. Look for barcode labeling design software that meets those standards, is easy to use, allows you to integrate text and graphics and provides design templates.

I recommend: The Barcode Software Center provides a useful chart to help you decide which barcode software product is right for you based on what you want to accomplish. BarcodeAndLabeling.com offers My Tattoo ID, a labeling design software created for small businesses and offers a training workshop for Tattoo ID users.

Print barcodes

To print barcodes, special software is required. The type of software you need depends on whether you have a special barcode printer, or you plan to use your existing computer printer.

I recommend: Barcode printing software at BarcodeAndLabeling.com works with your existing printer. BarcodesInc.com features software that's compatible with specific brands of barcode printers. Many printer manufacturers, such as Hewlett-Packard, also provide solutions to enable printers to handle barcodes.

Use barcodes in other applications

To get the most out of your barcoding system, consider software that enables you to insert barcodes into invoices, databases, spreadsheets and other applications. This feature helps ensure accuracy in internal and external communications.

I recommend: Download a 20-day free trial of On-Tap software, which gives you the ability to insert barcodes into databases, word processing documents and manufacturing software applications. TechnoRiver offers a variety of barcode software solutions, including free software that allows you to add barcodes to Windows documents. Another easy-to-use software that works with Windows programs is B-Coder Professional from TALTech.com. Microsoft Office 2007 will come equipped with barcode compatibility.

Track barcodes

Barcode tracking software is most commonly used to track inventory, but it can also be used to track packages.

I recommend: Find tracking software at Barcoding.com or from Numara Software.

Collect barcode data with your PDA

When you need to access or store barcode data on the go, consider mobile data collection software that works with your PDA.

I recommend: Mobile data collection software is available from TracerPlus.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contain costs: Some barcode software can cost thousands of dollars. Look for pared-down versions that are often suitable for the needs of small businesses and that won't break the bank.
• •  Get the right barcode symbology: Barcodes come in a variety of symbologies. Be sure any software you purchase can handle the barcode symbology you use.
• •  Check with major manufacturers: The largest computer hardware and software manufacturers — Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Microsoft — now offer a host of barcode solutions.