FAQ

We are an office but we do welcome guests to come in and sit down with us to discuss their needs regarding scanners, printers, labels, software, systems, and much more. We do NOT carry stock for all our products at our office but we do carry some stock on certain products so if we have what you need here, it’ll be yours! If you do plan to drop by, please give us a call to make sure we’re available. Thank you!

Definitely! We have customers request this all the time. We’ll drop on by and work with you to find the best solution to suit your environment. Contact us and we’ll discuss an appointment.

Wait, we might still have it! We are always trying to add more products from other popular manufacturers like Zebra, Brother, Sato, Motorola, and much more. In the mean time, please contact us for any questions, information, or pricing on a product not listed on this website.

Unfortunately, we are unable to list actual pricing due to restrictions. Fortunately, because of our partnerships with manufactures, we are able to offer amazingly low prices on many products. To receive the best price, please contact us and we will do our best to beat our competitor’s price.

To be honest, we probably won’t be able to beat everybody’s price but we promise that you’ll be happy with the solutions and services we can provide.

Contact us or submit a quote request through the website. After we review your options, we'll begin processing your order and will send an invoice shortly afterwards.

Retail Price is the manufacturer's SUGGESTED pricing and unfortunately we're unable to list our actual pricing due to restrictions. Fortunately, thanks to our partnerships we're able to offer products to you at the lowest price possible when you contact us. Hooray!

Yes, please contact us directly about bulk discounts on hardware, labels, ribbons, or software.

Please contact us for products to test. Some products may require having a credit card on file before shipping out a demo unit.

Once purchased, software is non-returnable. We strongly encourage you to contact us to try a demo prior to purchasing any software product to make sure you’re 100% satisfied.

Barcode technology has been helping businesses minimize data entry errors, speed processes, and reduce costs for over thirty years. The fact is, barcode systems work. Yes, some are configured better than others, some are easier to use, but even the most unusual application has reaped substantial return on investment in a reasonably short time frame.

This document is designed to introduce this very effective technology to potential new users. Written in non-technical language, it covers the components of a barcode label, scanning options, and a short glossary of common industry terms.

A barcode is a machine readable code consisting of a series of bars and spaces printed in defined ratios. Barcode symbologies are essentially alphabets in which different widths of bars and spaces are combined to form characters and, ultimately, a message. Because there are many ways to arrange these bars and spaces, numerous symbologies are possible. Common linear symbologies include UPC/EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5 (I of 5), Codebar, Code 39, and Code 128.

While each symbology is in some way unique, the composition of a complete message (barcode) is surprisingly similar regardless of the symbology used. For example, all barcodes are based on some “X” dimension. The “X” dimension is the narrowest bar or space in the barcode. Designated in “mils” (thousandths of an inch), symbology standards usually specify a minimum value “X” to insure compatibility between reading and printing equipment used in open systems.

The “X” dimension determines a barcode’s density. Density refers to the amount of information that can be captured in the barcode in a particular space, usually a linear inch. While not intuitively obvious, high density barcodes have low numbers (e.g., 5 mil) and low density barcodes have high numbers (e.g., 55 mil). This is because individual characters consist of some combination of bars and spaces that are each multiples of “X”. When “X” is small, the area required for each character is less than when “X” is large; thus the barcode can hold more per linear inch and is said to be of higher density. Similarly, increasing the width of the narrowest element (“X”) increases the space required for each character and reduces the number of characters per inch. Because the resulting code is often quite large, very low density codes are often associated with applications such as warehousing that require reading barcodes from a significant distance (3 to 30 feet).

All barcodes have start/stop characters that allow the barcode to be read from both left to right and right to left. Unique characters placed at both the beginning and end of each barcode, the stop/start characters provide timing references, symbology identification, and direction of read information to the scanner. By convention, the unique character on the left of the barcode is considered the “start” and the character on the right of the barcode is considered the “stop.”

Immediately preceding the start character and following the stop character is an area of no markings called the quiet zone. Because there is no printing in this area, a scanning signal is not produced, thus the term “quiet.” The quiet zone helps the scanner find the leading edge of the barcode so reading can begin. As a rule, the quiet zone should be ten times the “X” dimension or 1/4?, whichever is greater.

Putting all these components together, we get a complete barcode such as the one found below. Notice the leading quiet zone followed by a start character, data, a stop character, and a final quiet zone.

In order for your company to print U.P.C. (Universal Product Code) barcodes (UPC is also known as GS1.), your company will need to become a member of the GS1 US (formerly Uniform Code Council). When you become a member, your company will be assigned an identification number for your company's use (company prefix). You will need this number to create your own U.P.C.s.

You can visit the GS1 website here to get a UPC code.

The use of barcode technology in an industrial setting can be traced  back as far as the 1960s, with some early implementations to identify  railroad cars. Common barcodes began appearing on grocery store shelves  in the early 1970s as the UPC code to automate the process of identifying  grocery items. Today, barcodes are just about everywhere and are used  for identification in almost all areas of business. When barcodes are  implemented in business processes, procedures can be automated to reduce  human error and increase productivity. Barcoding should be considered  whenever there is a need to accurately identify or track something.

• 1D is a category of barcodes with vertical black lines.
• Also known as linear barcodes.
• There are several fonts / languages of 1D barcodes.
• The longer the data, the longer the barcode becomes.
• 1D barcode is generally good for 8-15 characters.
• 1D and 2D barcode scanners can read 1D barcodes.
• Some popular 1D barcodes are: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 39, & Code 128.

• 2D is a category of barcodes. Usually square or rectangle shaped with black pixels inside.
• Can store up to 2,000 characters. (200% increase over 1D barcodes)
• There are several fonts / languages of 2D barcodes.
• Can only be read with 2d imaging scanners.
• Some popular 2D barcodes are: QR code, PDF417, & Datamatrix.

The type of barcode to use for a particular situation depends upon: (1) the implementation; (2) the data-to-encode in the barcode and (3) how the barcode will be printed. There are several different types of barcode standards for different purposes – these are called symbologies. Each type of symbology (or barcode type) is a standard that defines the printed symbol and how a device such as a barcode scanner reads and decodes the printed symbol.

If an industry standard was established for the chosen barcode then most likely there is not a choice in selecting the barcode symbology. Industry standards are usually established when multiple parties or companies are involved in the process. Note that the standard is not necessarily the same as the barcode symbology. Barcode standards define how to use the barcode symbology in a particular situation. For example, ISBN is a standard for labeling books and periodicals that uses the EAN-13 symbology. Below is a list of a few established barcode standards and what they are used for:

Before selecting a symbology to use, check to determine if there is an established standard for the industry by contacting the respective industry standard board for the correct symbology choice.

One of the most common methods of reading barcodes is with a hand-held barcode scanner. The barcode scanners all have built-in decoders and can read several different bar code types. Most of the barcode scanners receive their power from the PC keyboard or USB port so no external power supply is required. When a barcode is scanned in, the data is sent to the PC as if it had been typed on the keyboard.

Most barcode scanners can read common linear symbologies, such as code 39, UPC, EAN, Code 128 and Codabar, if it is enabled in the scanner. Keep in mind that most scanner manufacturers usually ship new scanners with most symbologies disabled, so make sure the symbology is enabled before attempting to scan. It is possible to scan barcodes that are printed at very small x dimensions (the x dimension is the width of the narrow bar in the code). Before attempting to read barcodes that are printed with small x dimensions, check the barcode scanner manual to make sure the scanner can read it. Also, make sure the printer can accurately reproduce barcodes at these sizes.

As of recent – smart phones with cameras can also scan barcodes using the right application.

There are also laser barcode scanners, but they cannot always read the small x dimensions that the CCD models can. However, laser scanners are able to read wider barcodes better.

Printing barcodes can be done with a font and printed to any laser or inkjet printer.  You can also purchase Barcode software that will allow you to print barcodes, text and even graphics onto labels.  Keep in mind, however, the label material used for Laser/Inkjet printers is porous and the toner/ink fills the peaks and valleys that are natural to that material.  Toner can flake after exposure to air after a while and barcodes can become unreadable by a scanner.  Also, due to those same peaks/valleys, dust and dirt can accumulate on the label and make the barcode unreadable.  Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal printers are the best.

Barcoding is a mature technology that has been around for many years,  unlike RFID, which is still in its infancy. Additionally, the components  used to read and write barcodes have decreased in cost because of this  maturity and sales volume. There are many additional issues to consider  with RFID. However,  overall, RFID has many advantages over barcoding. In some cases, these  advantages outweigh the disadvantages and high cost of the components.  Decision makers must carefully consider whether RFID really provides  an advantage over barcoding in their business model.

You need a barcode scanner with a 2d area imager scan engine. Laser or linear imager barcode scanners will not work.

If it is USB Barcode Scanner, plug the device into a computer/laptop and open a word document program (notepad, wordpad, Word, etc.). Find a barcode and scan it with the Barcode Scanner. Information should appear on your word document program. If you are using a Wireless Barcode Scanner please consult the instructions or contact us for help.

Scanner cleaning can use the same cleaning pads as you use for your thermal transfer or direct thermal printer.  Wiping down the housing of the scanner and the plastic scan engine cover will keep dirt and bacteria from building up.

Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal printers need regular maintenance to keep them in working order.  Use of specially formulated printhead cleaning pads is vital to keeping the printed matter sharp.  All labels have dust that can accumulate and cause printing issues.  Using a can of air to blow the dust out and off the printer mechanisms is important and should be used regularly.

There are two thermal printing methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Each method uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to the surface being marked. Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the printed material. Direct thermal media is more sensitive to light, heat and abrasion, which reduces the life of the printed material.

Direct Thermal : Temporary lasting labels (UPS Shipping labels). No ribbon necessary.

Thermal Transfer : Longer lasting labels. Ribbon necessary.

Yes! Please contact us and we will be glad to send you labels and tags.

There are two thermal printing methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Each method uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to the surface being marked. Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the printed material. Direct thermal media is more sensitive to light, heat and abrasion, which reduces the life of the printed material.

Direct Thermal : Temporary lasting labels (UPS Shipping labels). No ribbon necessary.

Thermal Transfer : Longer lasting labels. Ribbon necessary.

There are several things you need to consider:

Ribbon width: the ribbon should extend past the edge of the label material to prevent the printhead being damaged from abrasion by the label material (e.g., a 70mm wide label requires a 80mm wide ribbon)

Ribbon type: the three types are wax, wax/resin and resin:

Wax ribbons cost less than the other types and are usually used when long-term durability is not an issue. They are best for printing on coated or uncoated paper tags and labels. Typical uses include shipping labels, pricing labels and other indoor applications.

Wax/resin ribbons are more expensive, but the imprint is more resistant to scratching, smearing and mild chemicals. They are best for printing on coated paper, coated tags and films and are suitable for short-term outdoor uses.

Resin ribbons are the most expensive, but the imprint is very durable and resistant to most chemicals. They are best for printing on synthetics materials such as polyester and polymide.

Ink configuration: when you buy ribbon you need to specify the brand of printer to ensure that the ribbons are wound in the correct configuration – ink side wound ‘in’ or ink side wound ‘out’.

Printer core diameter: you need to ensure that the ribbon is designed for the inside core diameter of your printer brand, because some cores have special slots that fit in the ribbon feed mechanism.

Roll length: This equates to maximum roll diameter. All printers have a maximum roll diameter.

Barcoding is a mature technology that has been around for many years,  unlike RFID, which is still in its infancy. Additionally, the components  used to read and write barcodes have decreased in cost because of this  maturity and sales volume. There are many additional issues to consider  with RFID. However,  overall, RFID has many advantages over barcoding. In some cases, these  advantages outweigh the disadvantages and high cost of the components.  Decision makers must carefully consider whether RFID really provides  an advantage over barcoding in their business model.

ADVANTAGES OF RFID:

• Inventory efficiency – Because line-of-sight is not required to read RFID tags, inventory can be performed in a highly efficient method. For example, pallets in a warehouse can be read, inventoried, and their location can be determined no matter where the tag is placed on the pallet. This is because the radio waves from the reader are strong enough for the tag to respond regardless of location.
• Return on investment (ROI) – Though the cost may be high at first, the total cost of ownership should go down over the years and provide a good ROI, if the implementation provides a significant method to improve business processes.
• Vulnerability to damage minimized – Barcodes can be damaged in many ways. Although, 2D barcode types can be read even when up to 40% of the barcode is damaged.

DISADVANTAGES OF RFID:

• Dead areas and orientation problems – RFID works similar to the way a cell phone or wireless network does. Like these technologies, there may be certain areas that have weaker signals or interference. In addition, poor read rates are sometimes a problem when the tag is rotated into an orientation that does not align well with the reader. These issues are usually minimized by proper implementation of multiple readers and use of tags with multiple axis antennas.
• Security concerns – Because RFID is not a line-of-sight technology like barcoding, new security issues could develop. For example, a competitor could set up a high-gain directional antenna to scan tags in trucks going to a warehouse. From the data received, this competitor could determine flow rates of various products. Additionally, when RFID is used for high-security operations such as payment methods, fraud is always a possibility.
• Ghost tags – In rare cases, if multiple tags are read at the same time the reader will sometimes read a tag that does not exist. Therefore, some type of read verification, such as a CRC, should be implemented in either the tag, the reader or the data read from the tag.
• Proximity issues – RFID tags cannot be read well when placed on metal or liquid objects or when these objects are between the reader and the tag. Nearly any object that is between the reader and the tag reduces the distance the tag can be read from.
• High cost – Because this technology is still new, the components and tags are expensive compared to barcodes. In addition, software and support personnel needed to install and operate the RFID reading systems (in a warehouse for example) may be more costly to employ.
• Unread tags – When reading multiple tags at the same time, it is possible that some tags will not be read and there is no sure method of determining this when the objects are not in sight. This problem does not occur with barcodes, because when the barcode is scanned, it is instantly verified when read by a beep from the scanner and the data can then be entered manually if it does not scan.
• Vulnerable to damage – Water, static discharge or high-powered magnetic surges (such as lightning strike) may damage the tags.

ADVANTAGES OF USING UHF GEN 2 RFID TAGS:

UHF GEN 2 tags greatly reduce (if not eliminate) the ghost tag problem, using a mandatory hardware based CRC. The CRC is created when the tag is encoded, and the reader verifies the CRC when the tag is read. If the CRC does not match, the data read is considered invalid. In addition, more tags can be read simultaneously when using GEN2.

Hand-Held RFID Readers are convenient for reading and locating RFID tags. Many other products are also available that can read multiple tags for tracking or inventory, but these implementations are too complex to describe here.

Most RFID printers can also read data from a tag. This is accomplished by issuing a read command with the label on the printer’s encoder.