The trajectory of 50 years of barcode technology bears a fresh look from a different perspective. As we all know, barcodes mark consumer goods, assets, subassemblies in a manufacturing process, upstream raw materials, patients and electronic medical records, boarding passes and luggage, event access, and a constantly growing list of other important functions. In its most basic form, this is all about database management.  But there is a larger perspective that reveals how barcodes bring us together and help us build a sustainable future. Sound absurd? Read on.

Sustainability

In earlier articles, I have referred to barcodes as the connective tissue of supply chains. They are certainly that, but barcodes are much more. When the right items in the right quantities are shipped to the right destination, fuel is saved. Pollution is reduced. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. Sustainable sourcing is enabled, all because of the traceability that barcodes make possible. Reducing waste reduces costs.

Supply chain visibility is a buzzword in logistics. It means having the ability to track a package, a pallet, a truck, a sea freight container or an air cargo shipment. Knowing where a package is makes it possible to predict where it will be–and when. Without barcodes that would be impossible.

Barcodes are a critical risk management tool. Lot-specific recalls of defective or adulterated foods and medicines is possible thanks to barcodes. Hospitals rely on barcodes to prevent medical mistakes. Barcoded wristbands alert medical workers to patient allergies and medical conditions and prevent drug and dosing mistakes.

Real-time monitoring of inventories is possible only because of barcodes, and make replenishment more precise and less speculative. This reduces waste and costs while supporting customer demand and growing the businesses that serve them. Responsive, customer-attentive vendors succeed.

Waste Reduction

Supply chains are complex and multi-leveled. Barcodes capture massive amounts of data which enable numerous benefits:

  • Accurately detect consumer trends
  • Identify regional market differences
  • Identify and locate assets
  • Track service records
  • Plan replacement interval
  • Efficiently manage product movement
  • Realize long-term savings and sustainability.
  • Serve clients better
  • Reduce waste

Barcodes serve people, the planet and profitability—these are the bedrock of supply chains that are ethical, efficient and environmentally responsible.

Got a barcode quality or compliance problem or question? We can help.

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager