We frequently get questions from our customers regarding bar codes on our plastic wallet cards and key tags, so we have compiled those here to share with you.
What are bar codes? Bar codes are a data input method requiring a scanner and decoder attached to a dedicated software application or relational database which collects, stores and manipulates the data received. One-dimensional or linear bar codes, such as UPC codes, are comprised of varying width bars and in two parts, one of which is machine-readable bars and the other human-readable numbers. There are also two-dimensional grids of cells, and combinations of bars and cells. The key tags and wallet cards that we print utilize one-dimensional, linear bar codes.
How do bar codes work? A laser scanner sweeps a beam of light across the bar code to interpret the light-dark patterns which are then decoded into the characters that the bar code represents. Scanners can be hand-held trigger or wand styles, counter projection or swipe machines. These scanners are attached to a computer in the same manner as a computer keyboard. The computer to which the scanner and decoder are attached must house and run a software application or a relational database for managing and recording the data fed through the scanner The data is received by the computer software program in the same way as if you typed words or numbers via a keyboard to record the pertinent detailed data. No price, personal or descriptive data is encoded in a bar code. Instead that control number (bar code number) relates to information stored within the computer.
Is there a generic or standard bar code format? The non-food bar code standard, and the one that we print most often, is Code 39 which has 9 bars and spaces, three of which are wide and 6 of which are narrow. Less frequently used, but available when imprint area is a concern or lower case letters are required, is Code 128. Both Code 39 and Code 128 can be printed in Low, Medium or High Density for space purposes. Lower density bar codes are more easily reproduced and read because minor variations pose a lower percentage of distortion which could hinder the code from being read. The information is the same no matter what the density. The only difference is the actual size of the bar code and the size of the bars and spaces. In almost all cases we use medium density bar codes on the key tags and wallet cards that we produce.
What information is needed to place an order? Ask your customer to review their software application user's manual which will identify which code format (usually Code 39 or 128) to use, and which density. Remember, it is better to print the lowest density usable by the application that will fit within the available imprint area. Most bar codes on key tags and wallet cards are sequential or random numbering which relate to that person's account within the corresponding software application. Local merchants and organizations can use these tags and cards to keep track of store visits, purchases or member participation. We recommend that you or your customer print the pdf proof that we provide for your project and test it using the scanner, decoder and software application that will be used prior to approving for production.
When were bar codes invented? Bar codes are best known as the UPC symbols appearing in 1970s in grocery stores to speed up checkout and keep better track of inventory. Bar codes were patented in 1952 by a team of engineers from Sylvania and originally developed to identify railroad cars. Commercial use began in 1966 and they became commercially successful with widespread use in 1980s. Now practically every item that we purchase in a grocery or department store has a Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code.
What do the digits within a bar code mean? In a typical 12 digit UPC code, the first 6 digits are the manufacturer's identification number, and the item numbers are the remaining 6 digits. The Uniform Code Council issues large manufacturers whose products are found in grocery or department stores their own bar code identification number. So, the next time you take a look at a one liter bottle of soda compare the UPC code to that of a two liter bottle of the same brand. You will see the manufacturer's ID remain constant while the item code will be different. But, the digits in a standard Code 39 bar code that might appear on your key tag or wallet card most times just link to a person's account or profile within your customer's database.
What are some common uses of bar codes? Bar codes are business-friendly, economical and far more accurate than manual entry. Grocery and department stores use bar codes to keep track of large quantities of items, to change prices without the delay of manual labeling, fast-selling items can be identified quickly and automatically reordered to meet demand, and data can be gathered to determine the most profitable location within a store. Legal, financial and health care providers use bar codes to identify and index important documents. Logistics companies use bar codes to track the movement of items or such as packages, luggage or rental cards. Electronic tickets employ bar codes for entry to sports arenas and convention centers, or onto airlines and cruise ships.
If other questions come to mind regarding key tags, wallet cards and bar codes, please give us a call at 800-905-0073 or email at sales@TheMarketPro.net. We look forward to speaking with you.