Everything You Need to Know for Improving Your Barcode Labeling Process

Everything You Need to Know for Improving Your Barcode Labeling Process

BY: NICK RECHT / DATE: 26/06/2024 / TOPICS: PRODUCTIE, OPSLAG EN DISTRIBUTIE, VOEDINGSMIDDELEN EN DRANKEN, MEDISCH APPARAAT, FARMACEUTISCH, ENTERPRISE LABEL MANAGEMENT, LABEL DESIGN

On June 26th, 1974, the first barcode was scanned on a pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit Gum. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the barcode. To this day, barcodes serve the same purpose as they did in 1974, identifying products throughout the supply chain. However, they have evolved significantly since 1974, with many advancements to 1D and 2D barcodes.  

They will keep advancing as the years go on, that’s why it’s critical to have a reliable barcode label design solution that can keep up with the advancements of technology. Re-evaluating your labeling process periodically is key to making sure it remains as optimized as possible. In this blog, learn how to improve your barcode labeling process to create a better labeling environment.

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Everything you need for a successful barcode labeling system 

Label design software

An optimized labeling system begins with a reliable barcode label design software that has features like helpful wizards, pre-made label samples, the ability to support any barcodes you need, and an easy-to-use interface. 

Here are some other things your label design software should have:

• Compliance and standards: Meet any industry-specific labeling requirements like GS1, UDI, GHS, or FSMA with software that can adapt quickly to changing regulations. 
• Integration with business system or existing system: Integrating your label printing system with your business system can lead to fewer manual errors and help maximize your return on investment (ROI).    
• Readable and scannable: Prevent errors or production downtime by checking:
  • Dimensions: Ensure your labels are the right size to prevent barcodes from being too small, which can cause scanning errors. 
  • Quiet zones: Avoid violating quiet zones, as this can make labels unreadable by scanners, leading to operational issues.
  • Color contrast: Choose the right color contrast to ensure scanners can differentiate between the barcode and the background, as poor color choices can make labels unreadable.  
• Database connections: Label design software with database connections can help you maintain hundreds of separate label files easily by pulling variable data in from your existing database. 

Compatible hardware

Labeling goes beyond just the barcode. Having hardware that's compatible and can integrate with your software can make for a smoother labeling environment.  

• Computers and tablets: Regardless of the computers or tablets you’re using, it's important to keep everything up to date to avoid compatibility issues. 
• Print and apply machines: If you’re still labeling everything manually, consider a print and apply machine which allows you to simultaneously print a label and adhere it to the side of the box or product. This leads to a faster production process and reduces the chance of manual errors.  
• Scanners: Ensure your scanners are compatible with the barcodes you’re printing. If you’re using scanners as a data input tool via PortWatch, simply connect the scanner to the workstation. Scanners input the content of the barcode it scans – just like a keyboard, but without typos.
• Label printer: Optimizing your software to printer communication allows your print jobs to be done faster by printing labels exactly as they appear on your screen. TEKLYNX offers barcode labeling software with over 4,000 printer drivers, so What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) when printing labels.

If you’re looking for newer hardware to go with your solutions, TEKLYNX has technology partners that are independent hardware and software vendors whose products complement a range of TEKLYNX solutions. 

Check out our partnerships with Zebra, Brother, and Epson to see how their printers and TEKLYNX solutions work together to give you a seamless label printing environment.

Achieve advanced optimization for complex labeling needs 

After talking about the features of label design for improving your labeling system, let's explore how you can take it a step further with enterprise label management solutions. 

• Print automation: The main goal of print automation is to minimize touch points within the labeling process. With automated label printing, you can create a labeling process that is faster, more efficient, and has less room for errors. 
• Label security and traceability: If you're in a highly regulated industry like medical device, pharmaceutical, or healthcare, you need a labeling solution that provides full control and traceability of your label design. Label security and traceability software enables a complete audit history of changes, comments, revisions, and print history for every label to make sure no label is misprinted. 
• Centralized label management: Using an all-in-one labeling solution, you can manage your company's label design, approval, printing, and reporting process, from one central location, helping to increase overall operational efficiency. 

Let TEKLYNX help you get started with a better labeling process

This National Barcode Day is a great time to consider whether your labeling system is operating with the best hardware and software for ideal performance. If you're uncertain or feel it could be improved, TEKLYNX is here to help. TEKLYNX offers barcode label design software and enterprise label management solutions for any of your labeling needs, and with technology partnerships like Zebra, Brother, and Epson, you can trust that your printers and scanners will be compatible with your software.  

TEKLYNX is here to help you improve your labeling and figure out what solution is best for your business. Get in touch with one of our labeling experts today or download a free trial of CODESOFT to explore how it can help meet your labeling needs.  

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