When barcode labeling is seen as a whole system, it can feel overwhelming and overly complicated. It is important to look at each part of the entire system to understand how they all fit together. One important aspect that can be overlooked is a barcode template software system.
Incorporating a barcode template software system can help create, automate, and manage barcode labels, printers, and more. The larger your company gets, the more complex your needs may become. Learning how to use a system does not have to be as complex as your needs.
Barcode printing templates and software help manage barcode labels consistently and effectively. Software options can range depending upon your industry, company needs, growth possibilities, and how much information is needed in a barcode. Different industries will have different compliance requirements, including pharmaceuticals and retail supply chains.
Many small businesses start off using a spreadsheet to track their barcodes and templates. For just starting out, that may seem optimal. As a company grows, that spreadsheet can become more complex, and manual entries can unintentionally create errors, resulting in delays and redoing work.
Deciding which software template program to use will depend upon if you have compliance standards within your industry. Most templates are easy to learn, maintain, and update. Zebra Technologies and Imprint Enterprises are here to help you understand the various template software options that are available to you.
Compliance Labeling
Different industries have different compliance requirements, specific standards that must be adhered to for multiple reasons. Your company worked hard to obtain contracts; this information is what can help maintain compliance of the barcode labels.
DOD / UID
The Department of Defense (DOD) requires unique identification (UID) markings on everything. This provides for item management and accountability throughout the entire supply chain. The DOD uses a Military Shipment Label with linear barcodes on outer containers. Bad barcodes can delay critical missions.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare / UDI
The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires a unique device identifier (UDI) on every label that is readable by man and machine, from manufacturing through distribution and on to patient use. These labels help manage patient safety.
Retail Supply Chain
From manufacturer to customer, a readable barcode eases transportation and logistics. Each barcode is readable no matter what device is reading it. Employees can easily scan the material to see where it goes in the store without having to open items to figure out what it is.
Automotive
The automotive industry typically uses 2D barcode technology for fast and accurate shipping. These barcodes can also help manage parts to ease the stress of a recall by creating traceability.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Integrate a barcode labeling system with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This provides a direct interface between the barcode labeling system and the ERP system. Your operations can benefit with real-time inventory information while maintaining the look and feel of your current systems and keep production flowing smoothly.
Connecting an ERP system to a barcode labeling system can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and provide better inventory tracking and visibility. You can save a substantial amount of money in labor costs when barcode data is automatically gathered and immediately available. There is no more wasted time manually entering data or generating reports.
BarTender®
BarTender® is an all-in-one barcode software solution from Seagull Scientific that is simple and cost-effective. This software program makes it easy for medium-sized businesses to create, automate, and manage barcodes, labels, RFID tags, and more.
BarTender® 2022 is the latest upgrade of a program that has been around for decades. It is a game changer with upgraded automation, integration, and database capabilities with new design tools and greater security.
Create any barcode label you need from any network printer. BarTender® 2022 can help any organization on a local or global scale to better manage their labeling lifecycle, increase label quality, integrate with existing business systems, and improve reliability, traceability, and compliance. With this integrated and network connected software program, labels can be printed anywhere anytime, by anyone with access.
BarTender® 2022 has the efficiency to design a single template that can be used across multiple customer bases, or the complexity for different templates for different customer bases.
Optimize Your Effectiveness
A common mistake with barcode labeling is creating a different label for each product. For some companies, this can be in the hundreds or thousands which is labor and time consuming. One small mistake can lead to mislabeled products, potential recalls, and waste. Using templates and software can optimize effectiveness with consistency.
Whichever barcode template software your company needs, it’s always best to consult with an expert that can help answer any questions you have on the use of the different barcode software and template options that can be matched with the proper hardware and supplies needed.
Zebra Technologies is an award-winning company and Imprint Enterprises is a trusted partner for Zebra. They bring you good, better, and best options to help your business step forward while considering future possibilities. Ensuring the long-term use of your entire barcode labeling system is what makes Zebra Technologies the best in the industry and is why Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra.
Contact Imprint Enterprises today to discuss Zebra’s barcode labeling solutions that are best for you.
