When faced with a labeling or bar coding problem, it is often human nature to gravitate toward a familiar technology or approach in the solution. Dot matrix printer users, for example, may initially consider using a dot matrix printer for the task. Those most familiar with ink jet or laser printers may first design a laser or ink jet printer into their bar code system. This approach can be a valid first step as it provides a benchmark for comparison of performance and cost.

However, to ensure maximum efficiency, reliability and good design sense, a second design stage is required. That is, to carefully assess the labeling application and to explore the available bar code printing technologies that offer the best performance and cost effectiveness for that application. In order to be successful with this approach, the user and/or specifier must thoroughly understand the labeling application and the benefits and limitations of each of the alternative, available print technologies.

In assessing the labeling application, numerous details must be taken into consideration, including:

Outlining the tracking, operating requirements & sequence of events
Ask yourself and outline what task(s) require(s) automating, specifically through the use of a bar code label? What specific purpose will the label be set up to do? What process or steps will the label be required to go through? How will the label be applied, read, used, etc? How long does the label need to adhere (permanent versus semi-permanent) and last (long-life versus short-term)? What environmental conditions (heat, cold, moisture, humidity, chemical bath, blood or direct sunlight) might the label be exposed to?

Understanding what compliance standards may apply
What industry compliance label standards will likely dictate conformance issues concerning label content? Do I have any large end-users or suppliers who desire label formats relating to a specific compliance standard which must be adhered to?

Determining label content and estimated production volume requirements
Based on these compliance and tracking requirements, you must then assess what your daily, monthly and worst case scenario label volume usage requirements are? Do they justify the cost of off-site label supply printing or on-site demand printing?

Off-site versus On-demand Printing
Perhaps the most important factors in deciding whether to make or buy bar code labels are how quickly the labels are required, where the information for the label is coming from, and how often it will change. Label printing bureaus are best used for labels that are identical, constant, or contain data that is known in advance. Print bureaus can produce labels with serial numbers on them, in incrementing/decrementing sequences, or other related simple variable data. Most will also require two or three days to deliver the labels requiring some advanced planning to ensure that an adequate supply of labels remains on-hand.

When labeling unique items, where the label has to be matched to the object it is to identify, a print bureau may not be practical, particularly for large quantities of labels without an obvious sequence. Here, the difficulties of applying the label to the correct object may preclude the use of a print bureau and make a good case for the use of a demand printer. Demand label printing is also a must when labels containing large amounts of variable data or when the information is only available, at or just before, the time the label is to be applied.

Analyzing one’s budget constraints / criteria
Finally, one’s budget criteria must be analyzed. Specifically, what equipment, materials and/or personnel resources do I need to accomplish this task? What installation, operating and/or maintenance costs are involved? What are my warranty/service coverage options and supplies investment costs using a given print technology? Based on my label volume and maintenance costs, how quickly can I anticipate a return on my investment (ROI)? Do I have management support for such a project?

Based on your answers to these questions, you are now ready to choose a print technology and resultant printer from those available on the market with the desired options and suitable print speeds to meet your specific application needs.