Conditions for Effective Implementation of Barcode Technology
The increase in competition and the number of challenges faced by businesses has necessitated easy access to important information. Both businesses and customers now demand more information about the products they buy. Primarily due to these reasons, manufacturers are adopting barcode technology, as these labels can store a large amount of data. For this very reason, special barcodes with high information storage capacity have been invented. Barcodes are being used extensively in today's business world. However, certain conditions need to be tested to ensure their successful implementation. These include the methods of data collection and review, as well as the environment.
The various conditions that need to be tested and verified are as follows:
1. When making barcode labels, use materials that offer resistance to harsh external environments.
2. Periodically laminate the labels with films that have ultraviolet screening properties.
3. Use adhesives made from acrylic or polyester to stick the labels in place.
4. Since barcode labels are made from thermoplastic materials that are heat-sensitive, they should not be continuously exposed to heat. This could distort the image of the barcode, leading to faulty reading.
5. Besides, the labels are pasted using pressure-sensitive glue. On exposure to high heat, this adhesive will melt. Therefore, one should closely monitor temperature and heat levels.
6. Ensure that the labels are scratch-resistant. Use metal-made labels where there are high chances of abrasion.
7. Labels can be made from materials like Teflon, polypropylene, and Kapton (variations of polyester), and from polyamides (lamination polyester material).
8. Use special types of barcodes for places where temperatures are cold. If there is a mismatch between the room and surface temperature, the adhesive might be damaged, as it will lose its effectiveness below a certain level of temperature. In such cases, one should use Freezer Grade Adhesives, as they sustain in temperatures below 10°F.
9. Regarding barcode scanners, they do not function well in bright light. This is because when light reflects from the glossy barcode label, it tends to hamper the performance of the scanner. The solution to this is to use labels with dull or matte finishes. One can also carry out the scanning of the barcodes in a dimly lit room. The scanner can also have an overhang to prevent it from being exposed to light.
10. Avoid bringing the labels into contact with moisture, as the adhesives can be damaged. To prevent these situations, the labels can have a lamination over them.
11. Avoid bringing the barcode labels into contact with grease and oil, as these tend to destroy the adhesive's ability to keep the label stuck to the surface. Always wipe the area to make it oil-free.
12. Avoid bringing the labels into contact with solvents, as they tend to destroy the effectiveness of the adhesives. Harsh chemicals found in cleaning solutions affect the life of the labels as well as the adhesives. So, always keep labels away from such strong chemicals.
13. Check the surface on which the label will be pasted. Uneven and corrugated surfaces are not good for pasting the labels, as the adhesives do not bond well. Even plastics with reduced surface energy are not suitable. In these cases, one must only use special kinds of adhesives.
14. Barcodes store a vast quantity of information for the benefit of users. Usually, particularly in the electronics and telecommunications sector, very limited space is given to the barcode labels. According to ANSI, a "Quiet Zone Space" is required to enable ease in scanning the barcodes. Modern-day scanners have the capacity to read and decipher narrow barcodes easily. For proper scanning of the codes, it is pertinent that you use the right kind of scanner. There are varieties of scanners with different kinds of features. Choose one that will satisfy your requirement completely.
15. When buying a scanner, you must keep the viewing angle and distance in mind.
16. Always verify the barcodes. This is more important in places where the barcodes are printed on-site on demand. Proper verification ensures adherence to quality control standards and increases efficiency. Penalties are often imposed if the barcodes cannot be read properly. This is extremely prevalent in warehousing, retail, and other commercial applications.
17. Use the latest scanners as they have the ability to read multiple symbologies. The best option would be to go for RFID and 2D scanners. In other words, go for a scanner that can read the symbologies easily and efficiently.
18. Lastly, employees should receive adequate training on using the barcode scanners, eliminating errors, and properly storing barcode information.
Once these conditions have been satisfied completely and all parameters met, one can introduce barcode technology in the organization successfully.
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