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Frances Sharpe

Guide to Barcode Software

High-tech solutions to create and use barcodes efficiently

By Frances Sharpe, freelance writer/editor

Using a barcode system can increase productivity, speed sales and improve accuracy. However, implementing a barcode system takes effort and requires specialized software. A variety of barcode software products on the market are designed to facilitate barcode creation and to maximize tracking capabilities.

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.

Tips & Tactics
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.

The official source of Barcode Software is the Bar Code Software page at Business.com

Bar Code Software
Accuware Inventory Manager includes bar coding software tailored to your unique tasks. Download the demo.
Receiving | Mobile Printing | Pallet Manage | Allocate Inventor
www.accuware-inc.com
Quickbooks Barcode Inventory Software
Save thousands using our midrange inventory control package that integrates fully with Quickbooks. Free trial or live online demo.
www.fishbowlinventory.com
TimeForce Time & Attendance Software Systems
Manage employee time & attendance easily with TimeForce in nearly any business environment. Flexible time collection options, and powerful reporting.
Quick Tour | Overview | Request a Quote | View Demo
www.MyTimeForce.com
Quality Custom Barcode & UID Labels
We Combine Top Technology, Durable Barcodes, and Competitive Pricing. Experienced Team, Unrivaled Service, Next Day Quote, and Speedy Delivery.
Label Design | Custom Nameplates | Industrial Print | Print Consulting
DataGraphicInc.com

Recommended Solution Providers

ThomasNet: Barcode Software
Directory of manufacturers and distributors with company profiles..

Barcoding, Inc.: Barcode Software
Commercial off-the-shelf or custom software development.

TechnoRiver: Encoders
Supplies barcode encoders and label software products and components.

Numara: Track-It Barcode Software
IT asset management and inventory control system to be used with scanners from Portable Technology Solutions.

Barcodes, Inc.: Barcode Software
Supplier of general purpose and manufacturer specific software.

Microscan: ESP (Easy Setup Program)
proprietary software to setup and configure Microscan's bar code scanners and 2D imagers.

Seagull Scientific: BarTender
Label design and barcode software.

TALTech: Barcode Software
Create professional quality bar codes to documents or labels created with any Windows program.

Loftware: Barcode Software
Designer of auto identification solutions including barcode labels and RFID technology.

Wasp Barcode Technologies
Provides data capture and tracking solutions for small business.

ISD: My Tattoo Barcode Software
Barcode labeling software for small businesses.

Best Sites to Learn More

About.com: POS Software
Articles and resources on point of sale system software packages.

ISDWeb: Bar Code Labeling Software Solutions
Integrated software design white papers.

2020software.com: Bar Code Solutions
Business software comparison chart.

Computerworld Buyer's Guide: Barcoding Solutions
Reviews and reports on software products.

Barcode Software Center
Basic information about the different types of software and a comparison chart of products.

Knowledgestorm: Barcoding Solutions
White papers, reports, case studies and software product reviews.

Best Blogs and Forums

RFID, ME
RFID and barcode label news, views, analysis, trends, and applications.



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