01663 736250 
sales@labelsplus.co.uk 
Simple, universal and cost effective, barcode labels capture and communicate information across all aspects of our lives. They tell cashiers in supermarkets how much to charge for the products we buy, track the delivery of valuable packages and ensure our medical records follow us through hospital visits.
How does a barcode work?
In simple terms, barcodes organise and visually represent information (like numbers and letters) into a combination of light and dark bars or ‘strings’. Barcode scanners read these lines and translate them into a line of text that your computer can understand.
Combine this technology with the versatility of the self adhesive label and the benefits are endless. For instance by scanning the barcode label on your physical medical record, a healthcare professional can access your full medical history.
Why are barcodes black and white?
Black and white provide the greatest contrast which means scanners can read them easily.
How many types of barcode are there?
There are a variety of barcodes in use globally but they can be divided into two main types;
- one dimensional (up to 25 characters) the most common is the EAN-13 which is the standard code used across the retail sector
- two dimensional (up to 2,000 characters) including QR codes and Datamatrix codes
What are the benefits of barcodes?
By removing the need for the manual recording of data (and therefore the potential for human error) barcode labels have multiple benefits including:
Saves Time
Barcodes can save time for your business, from inventory management to employee training. When you introduce a barcode system, all employees need to learn is how to use a barcode scanner, rather than having to learn and track all your stock manually.
Improved efficiency and output
Barcodes improve the accuracy and traceability of stock, and can even link to automated processes such as re-ordering items once certain stock levels are hit. This reduces the amount of manual input needed from employees, ensuring that all items are adequately stocked and managed at all times.
Cost-effective
Barcode systems are relatively inexpensive to incorporate into a business. Almost all products now contain a barcode as standard, and the production costs for barcodes, whether printed directly onto a product or placed on with a sticker, are low. This makes them the ideal solution for inventory management.
Clean data
As barcodes are connected to systems that automatically record and sort data, there is no room for human error. All the data collected is sent directly to a central computer or software where it’s stored securely until it needs to be accessed. The recorded data can be accessed at any time, making it a quick and efficient system.
Versatile Uses for Barcodes by Sector
| Application | Example benefits |
| Enables automated stock-taking and replenishment and detailed sales analysis. | |
| Retail | Enables automated stock taking and replenishment and detailed sales analysis. |
| Prices can be instantly updated at the ‘back end’. | |
| Barcodes can be connected to systems that undertake automatic processes, such as ordering new stock once levels hit a certain number. | |
| Warehousing | Enables greater control and accurate recording of inventory both in the warehouse and once it’s been shipped.
|
| Manufacturing | Enables the automation and streamlining of many manufacturing processes. |
| Enables components to be automatically replenished preventing costly delays in production. | |
| Asset management | Allows businesses in any sector greater control of their assets from their own stock through to office equipment and business supplies. |
| Mailing | Barcodes are now used within mailing services to track letters and packages through the warehouse and the delivery journey. These barcodes are known as “Mail Marks”. |
Label requirements aren’t black and white
All barcode labels need to be reliable, scannable and durable but beyond that, they’ll need to meet the requirements of their specific application.
Do they need to be printed in batches of the same number or follow a sequence? Do they need to endure high or low temperatures or prolonged periods of storage? Could they get wet in transit? Might someone want to tamper with them?
LabelsPlus are a specialist supplier of barcode labels, producing millions of barcode labels every year. We offer a bespoke barcode label service and offer:
- Available in a range of materials
- Supplied on rolls, sheets, fans or folded
- Tear and scratch-resistant
- Temperature proof labels (up to +150C⁰ and down to -40C⁰)
- A range of finishing options include lamination and varnishing
- Expertise in global barcode requirements including worldwide barcode symbologies
- Tamper-resistant/evident labels
- Multi part labels
- Support for barcode registration with GS1.org including producing graphical versions, testing and printing adhesive barcode labels.
Find out how LabelsPlus can help with your barcode label requirements.
Call us on +44 (0) 1663 736250.
