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Web-articles
Barcodes - How They Work
How They
Can Work For You
(Page
1)
Barcodes are a symbolic representation of identification
information. We are all familiar with the contrasting light and
dark bars found on virtually everything we buy. In most cases the
barcode represents a number as in the UPC code use at retail. It
can however be used to represent most of the characters available on
a keyboard.
There are several different symbologies used to create barcode. The
most common being the UPC code. There are other codes used
throughout the supply chain and in other countries. If one were to
walk through a warehouse the different barcodes used to identify
shipping containers, cartons, and storage locations would be
evident.
What is required to utilize barcodes
Barcode printer
Barcodes can be printed on just about any type of printer.
Conventional Inkjet and LaserJet printers are just to print barcodes
on reports and process control documents. Barcode printers are used
to print labels that are then applied during manufacturing,
distribution, and retail processes. These specialized printers are
designed to print on label stock rather than paper. The labels have
an adhesive backing.
Barcode reader
There are several different technologies used to read a barcode.
The most common being the laser scanner used in retail stores. The
scanner can be a stationary device or can be handheld. Regardless
of the technology or style all the scanner does is decipher the
barcode and then pass the information on to the computer.
Software to control the printer & reader
Some type of computer software is required to control the barcode
printer and reader. In many cases a “work station” type system is
used to manage the barcode information. In this scenario the
existing computer systems are changed. The self-contained barcode
workstation is used to process the information as it enters and
exits the companies existing systems. In this way barcodes can be
utilized without changing existing systems.
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