What is a barcode?
In order to properly use a barcode, you need to know what it means. A barcode is generated in the form of vertical bars spaced between them which holds coded data (numbers and/or texts) in digital form. Barcodes must be decrypted by an electronic sensor (barcode reader). The first product identified with a barcode was in 1974 on a package of chewing gum..
There are several types of barcodes, but they can be distinguished into two categories, 1D barcodes (one-dimensional) and 2D barcodes (two-dimensional).
Barcode 1D
Barcode 2D (QR Code)
In 1D one-dimensional barcodes we find the digital EAN (European Article Numbering) barcode: this is the barcode we find on our products, purchases, and articles. This barcode contains 6 to 13 digits. We can add to this category the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) which is specific to books. This code is usually written on all books as a reference for books.
Among the 1D barcodes, two forms must be distinguished: numeric barcodes and alphanumeric barcodes.
For example, The code "interleaved 2 of 5" is a type of numeric barcode that only includes numbers. There are many other types of completely numeric barcodes such as barcode 11, barcode 39, barcode 128, barcode GS1, etc.
For example, The code "interleaved 2 of 5" is a type of numeric barcode that only includes numbers. There are many other types of completely numeric barcodes such as barcode 11, barcode 39, barcode 128, barcode GS1, etc.
Also, the alphanumeric barcode as "code39" type, it is a type of barcode that can contain numbers and letters, it can encode up to 39 characters. It is effective for identification systems in several sectors such as the automotive, pharmaceutical, and construction and equipment sectors.
As for the 2D or two-dimensional barcode, it has a much greater encoding capacity which can encode from (24 characters to 4296 numeric and alphanumeric characters), depending on the coding density and the size of the 2D barcode. The more the code is large, the more the dots are smaller and dense and more it can contain characters. But you will need an adapted reader to these densities.
Large series of numbers, texts, and of course URLs (web page addresses). This is possible thanks to its square shape with small black squares offering a much greater coding capacity than the vertical bars of barcodes.
The real advantage of the 2D barcode is that it can be flashed via any smartphone and instantly open a web page where important information or data that has been encoded is displayed.
2D barcodes exist in several formats, we can mention :
The QR Code (Quick Response Code): that we all know, it is easy to generate and it allows reliable and secure traceability. In addition, it can encode up to 4296 characters, therefore, a noteworthy capacity. But the more complex the barcode is, the more we need a precise reader to decrypt it.
The Datamatrix code is a very small 2D barcode that allows you to encode numbers and letters up to 3116 characters. It’s a barcode that is extremely quick to read.
This Datamatrix code is particularly more used in electronic and mechanical marking applications.
What is a barcode for?
- Avoid manual entry of a series of numbers
- To allow fast and secure communication between a printed identifier and a computer, it is the perfect link between the real world and the digital world.
- Avoid the risk of errors by manually retyping products, articles, or goods.
- Data Numbers are easily and quickly interpreted by machines and computers.
- Save time to manage goods, products, and articles.
A barcode, therefore, has multiple uses, the data of which it is composed make it possible to decipher the origin of a product, the details on the product and even a specific control code for each product.
For commercial products, GS1 (Global Standards 1) is the global non-profit, neutral organization that standardizes encoding methods in the supply chain including barcodes. In other words, its mission is to develop a standardized common language between several companies that already have their own commercial language. The objective of this organization is to help companies (whatever the size), to digitize their products, to facilitate the digitization of their transactions, and to optimize the traceability of their goods. As the example of bar codes (also called EAN, UPC, or GENCOD) which allow us to reference and simplify the sale and product management.
How to decrypt a barcode?
The barcode is made up of small, narrow, tight bars with numbers or letters. Each barcode must start with a "Start" and end with a "Stop" a mini-code before and after each printed code.
For the QR code, it is the 3 squares that we see around the 2D barcode that act as "start" and "stop".
In order for a computer to read these barcodes, 1D or 2D, you will first need a physical reader capable of reading it, such as an infrared sensor, a laser sensor or a CCD camera.
Then, for the computer to understand what it is reading, it will need software capable of translating and interpreting the bars and dots into numbers and letters. Most 1D and 2D barcode readers have this type of software already integrated, and their USB (or RS232) socket gives an already translated signal as an output, therefore numbers and letters as a simple keyboard would do.
Smartphones are able to read (with the high-definition camera) and translate (with third-party software) most 1D and 2D barcodes.
What is a barcode label?
The barcode label is a label which makes it possible to identify the products and to accelerate the time of treatment and supply because it contains an identifier immediately readable and understandable by a computer, the barcode 1D or 2D.
There are many forms of this type of label:
They can be produced already printed.
Or be purchased blank and then be printed yourself.
In this case, it possible to buy them in rolls or on the A4 sheet.
For A4 sheet printing, any laser printer will do the trick
By design, a barcode label is always an assembly of different layers of different quality each:
- Support (or substrate) of different thicknesses, resistances (wear, time, UV ...) such as polyester, aluminum, VOID, PVC, polypropylene.
- An adhesive, more or less powerful and thick (single or double-adhesive), secure (ultra-destructible, VOID, inviolable, and unbreakable).
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Transparent protection, optional, more or less thick, only when it is SBE Direct which produces it, we can put
thick and transparent protection which allows keeping longevity and good transparency to the label.
How to print barcode labels?
To print a barcode label, you will need a printer and software.
In general, we use a printer dedicated to label printing, which is a thermal transfer printer.
- A thermal transfer printer with an ink ribbon will print the information using a matrix head that transfers ink as wax or resign on the label.
- The characteristics to be distinguished are the speed printing, the fineness of the resolution, the maximum width of the roll and finally the solidity of the printer (office or industrial)
Which software to print barcode labels?
There are many software programs printing barcode labels, they contain most of the usual 1D and 2D barcodes and especially to ensure a counter for consecutive numbering such as for example 0001 0002 0003, etc.
To print more complex numbering sequences, it is possible to import the code sequences directly from these programs from an EXCEL file or a text file.
This barcode label generator software works with most thermal or laser transfer printers on the market.
The very economical Laserlab Designer offers autonomy in label production in a few clicks and in record time. Several models exist on our SBE DIRECT website.Nicelabel software is barcode label printing software (a reference in business) The different format of barcode label :
There are several label formats with barcode, SBE Direct offers two:
A4 barcode label sheets: they are designed for all types of laser, inkjet, or dot-matrix printers. Several qualities, resistances, and safety are offered. The barcode label rolls: these roll labels are economical and ideal for large quantities such as labeling large quantities of products
How to choose the right barcode label?
The main questions to ask are:
- For what purpose? Secure, identify, inventory?
We will choose the label support according to this use, more or less resistant, more or less secure, more or less durable.
- What type of support should it be stuck on?
We will choose the adhesive depending on where the label will be affixed. A more or less resistant or permanent adhesive, more or less secure (destructible, Void, inviolable), more or less thick (smooth or rough surfaces)
- In what environment will the barcode label be used?
In these cases, we will choose to protect the label, or use a thicker substrate (aluminum plates, thick PVC, etc.).
- Interior: office environment? Industrial? Chemical? Hospitable?
- Outdoor: exposed to the sun, heat, cold, seawater?
- What durability? How long should it last?
- Temporary like products in stores or in stock
- A few years for the goods to be inventoried
- Long-lasting from 10 years to 15 years as for movable goods or industrial machines
The table below summarizes the different barcode label models we have on our SBE Direct website:
| Barcode label modal | For which profession? | Main use | Printing type | Material (synthetic (PVC, polyester...) | Adhesive |
| Polyethylene asset label
| Industry IT Office | Inventory Identification | Thermal transfer/digital | Synthetic | Strong |
| Heavy duty asset tag
| Industry IT Office | Inventory Identification Security | Thermal transfer/digital | Synthetic | Very powerful |
| Void asset label
| Industry IT Office Automobile | Protection Inventory | Thermal transfer/digital | Synthetic | Secured |
| Ultra flexible aluminum asset tag
| Automobile IT Industry Office | Identification Protection Inventory | Engraving | Metal | Very powerful |
| Destructible Print PVC asset label
| Industry Distribution IT Office | Inventory Identification | Thermal transfer/digital | Synthetic | Secured |
| Strong tamper proof asset tag
| Industry Office IT | Protection Identification Inventory | Screen printing | Synthetic | Inviolable |
| Extremely adhesive asset tag
| IT Office | Identification Security | Digital | Laminated PVC+ high overplay | Ultra power |
| Laptop security tag
| IT Office | Protection Identification | Screen printing | Synthétique | Inviolable |
How to personalize your barcode labels?
It is possible to personalize or have us personalize your own barcode labels, by adding your company name or logo and even choosing the printing colors, which will strengthen the brand image of the company.
In addition, there are three points for customizing the barcode label:
- Text (property, company name, product name, etc.)
- The company logo for example, either in black or in color
- The type of barcode (1D or 2D), the coding of the barcode (EAN13, 2/5, Code 39...)
- The sequence (s) of numbers and identifiers you have chosen. Taking into account that the more characters there are, the denser the barcode.
To understand sequential numbering, I invite you to go to our page “All about sequential numbering"
To conclude, barcode labels are designed to protect, identify, facilitate, and track the traceability of your goods and products. Their uses considerably simplify and optimize the processing the goods and products management, while providing them with a certain level of security that is not insignificant. It is also a speed of execution and a considerable saving of time.
At SBE Direct, we guarantee property identification and we ensure the quality of our products, so we offer a wide range of barcode security labels for all your needs.