In most industries, custom barcode labels created for specific needs and requirements have become standard. Many businesses take their needs to specialists, who then create custom labels in a cost-effective way that takes the label’s environment and the application into consideration.
Customized labels have a variety of benefits no matter what industry you work in, and they are the unsung heroes that play a pivotal role in a company’s daily operations. These workhorses transmit critical data, including shipping information on boxes in a warehouse, stock information on retail inventory labels, and patient information used in patient ID wristbands and identification labels.
Understanding Barcode Labeling Basics
Barcode labels fall into two main groups: one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D). Labels with 1D barcodes generally hold less data than those with 2D barcodes, and they require different scanning technology.
1D Barcodes
When most people think of barcodes, they envision this type of code. 1D barcodes are a historic technology in place since the 1970s when the first universal product code (UPC) was scanned in a grocery store. Bars of varying thicknesses are encoded with alphanumeric data that gives information about the item the barcode is labeling. There’s typically a line of text that we can read with the human eye and makes it easy to discern some product information like the SKU number.
2D Barcodes
2D barcodes, referred to as “matrix codes,” have very little human-readable data and rely on a series of dots on a matrix. These types of codes can relay a large amount of data when scanned. They are readable in very small sizes, and they can be engraved or carved onto a variety of surfaces. For these reasons, they are popular in a diverse array of applications.
Custom Barcode Labels by Application & Industry
Custom paper sticker labels are industry standard for many use cases. They are cost-effective and readily available. These labels are great for one-time use but don’t hold up well to moisture. They also don’t transmit data if the barcode becomes broken or smudged.
Custom Labels for Resistance to Heat, Moisture, Chemical, and Abrasion Damage
Many businesses use a barcode label supplier that customizes the substrate and adhesive of their labels. Plastic-based labels come in handy for storage and work environments where records or items come in contact with moisture or temperature fluctuations, like on delivery trucks and other field service applications. For even harsher environments and exposure to chemicals and abrasive wear and tear, labels created from polypropylene or polyester provide the durability needed to maintain data integrity.
Thermal and Vinyl Barcode Labels
Labels can also be customized to withstand different levels of heat. Thermal labels, for example, stand up to the high temperatures that thermal printers produce. These labels are ubiquitous with receipt printers and most barcode labels. Additionally, vinyl labels stand up to exterior conditions and offer a rugged solution for assets with a great deal of outdoor exposure, like forklifts and other large equipment.
No matter what industry you work in, a customized label with intentional substrate and ink choices can help save on your long-term investment. This is especially true if you’re able to reuse labels and cut down on recurring costs.
Benefits of Custom Barcode Labels
Labeling Compliance
In many industries, like healthcare, there are strict standards and compulsory regulations for labels. An expert labeling supplier can help you customize your labels, informed by a professional team that knows the rules and guidelines for your industry.
Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency
In all use cases, barcodes can help streamline operations and reduce errors. When you use customized barcode labels, you can count on enhanced data capture accuracy and efficiency for the following applications and more:
- Warehousing
Customized warehouse barcode labels can make processes for picking, packing, and shipping more efficient. - Retail applications
For retail applications, custom labels improve inventory management and tracking. - Healthcare
For the healthcare industry, a patient’s data and sensitive information can all be coded into a barcode for identification, medication administration, and medical recordkeeping.
Choosing The Right Labels Supplier
A label supplier should be familiar with your industry and help you understand what information your barcodes need to convey. The right custom label supplier will also be able to advise you on when to use a stand-alone barcoding system and when to integrate RFID solutions into your system.
Industry partnerships are a notable component of choosing a label supplier. Your supplier should have established relationships with all of the leading label manufacturers, like Zebra labels and more. At DecisionPoint Systems, we have a support team that helps you create customized labels for all your needs. Reach out today to start a conversation about how custom labels make operations across industries more efficient.
