5 Important Types of Barcode Labels Based On Information
Barcode labels are one of the important types of asset labels used today. The labels offer several insights on the item on which they are used. Barcode labels have been an integral part of our daily lives for several years now. Although for most of us these labels may appear as series of barcodes that are scanned using barcode scanners, there is more to it. Perhaps, you are already familiar with the types of barcode labels based on the codes, however, this post elucidates on the type of labels based on the information printed on them. Stay tuned!
Get Introduced to Different Types of Barcode Labels and Information Printed on Them
The barcode labels are distinguished into five different types based on the information printed on them. Although you may not realize it, you can easily identify at least two of these labels on close observation. This section offers tips on identifying the five barcode labels based on their printed information.
- Product ID Labels:
These labels are the most generic type of barcode labels and they are printed with product IDs. The labels of this type can be easily interpreted and they may comprise a broad set of product traceability information including UPC codes. Product traceability has become important due to constant threats due to theft and rapidly evolving business environments. Product ID labels are generally used for existing stocks. However, they can be printed by retailers in advance if they know what items will be received in a shipment.
- Generic Number Sequence Labels:
These are not regular product ID labels comprising the product ID, rather they also include generic numbers. This number can be easily identified by seeing the lookup table created for matching product ID. Generic number sequence product labels are ideally chosen for the long product IDs or those product IDs that cannot feature characters. If you observe closely these labels will have fewer characters and are easier to scan.
- Serial Number Labels:
Many businesses use two types of barcodes for items that are serial numbered – one represents the product ID and the other represents the serial number. These serial number labels can be solely referred for the stock- keeping if the user maintains a unique serial number for products. The labels printed with serial numbers can be easily matched with look-up tables for detailed information on the product.
- Product and Lot ID Labels:
At times, users may choose to use a single label for printing information referring to a group of items. Sometimes, these labels may merely feature information required for distinguishing items from a bulk of items. These labels may be slightly confusing if you are looking at them for the first time. As they may feature a single barcode that is used to directly or indirectly represent the lot and product ID.
- Generic Number Sequence Labels Representing Lots:
Many barcode labels may be printed with an arbitrary barcode with a lot ID and a product ID. This arbitrary barcode can be referred to in lookup tables and is generally short than product and lot ID labels. Some barcode scanners cannot recognize the aforementioned type 3 labels – product ID and lot ID labels. However, generic number sequence labels representing lots are compatible with most scanners. If you are not familiar with barcoding in your organization then identifying these labels and interpreting the information printed on them can be difficult.
Owing to the important role played by these labels in inventory and stock management, retailers, wholesalers, and other businesses aptly understand the importance of investing in quality labels. Performance Label Company has been regularly designing and helping businesses like hospitals, financial institutions, schools and universities, and government agencies to take advantage of barcode labels. The company can provide these labels in custom specifications to meet typical business requirements.
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