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Barcodes and numbering

Barcodes and numbering span across many industries to offer automatic identification on items such as products. These allow for fast recognition and implementation of data, which saves companies time and streamlines processes. To add personalisation and security into your business, sequential or unique 1D and 2D barcodes can help you stay organised.

Common uses for barcodes

Barcodes are very versatile and can be used in many different aspects depending on the industry. From documents to products, attaching a barcode onto items can provide not only more security within the company but it can also streamline your processes and provide employees with instant information in real-time. Some examples of products and documents that utilise barcodes are:

Sold goods 

With basic products in your store, keeping them barcoded and numbered allows for a much faster checkout process. With online systems integrated to the barcodes, it can keep a real-time count of a specific item’s stock and gives the company a good idea of the popularity of each product. All this not only streamlines day to day business but also improves the customer journey, providing them with instant information as well as a faster purchase. Therefore, barcodes benefit not only the customer but also the employees and business itself.

Returns labels

Returns labels are a very important and highly used document across many industries. Widely used by online retailers, integrated returns labels can include a unique barcode which helps to track and identify a package through the returns process. By doing this, it allows for a more streamlined and safe process of returning.

Courier calling cards

Barcodes are utilised by a large number of delivery and courier firms within their calling cards. This is to help them keep the customer informed on missing a parcel, and the barcode will be linked to that particular consignment, reducing the likelihood of it becoming lost or misdelivered. By allowing the re-delivery to be arranged and tracked with the barcode, it saves time and stress with both the customer and the courier.

Certificates

Certificates are used to provide authentication on someone’s qualifications, and it is important to ensure that they do so securely. With 2D barcodes, certificates are able to verify the qualifications printed on them. Here at A1, we have validation software solutions which work well with the barcoded certificates to manage the authentication process.

Laboratory forms

Laboratory forms which are widely used within the NHS and pharmaceutical sector often have peel-off labels. These labels are uniquely barcoded which can then be applied to test-tubes and samples to identify that particular sample with a unique number. Due to samples usually needing to be kept cold and refrigerated, these labels have specialised adhesives to stay firm in freezer conditions. Also, due to their die-cuts, they are destroyed if someone attempts to remove them, which ensures anti-tampering. Therefore, these are the perfect example of how barcodes can add extra security to a label or product, across various industries.

Aircraft tech logs ad flight logs

Another example of how unique barcodes are utilised is within the aircraft and flight logs, which allows each flight to be uniquely identified from NCR pads or books. These unique number sequences save the employees time and are essential for emergency situations.

Courier collection pads

As barcodes are the perfect tool of identification, they are used in many courier firms to allow their drivers to confirm when an item is collected. This unique identifier is perfect for processing returns, keeping everyone up to date and all items properly marked. 

The advantages of using barcodes

Efficiency

Don’t waste time trying to locate certain stock or identifying products. Barcodes are efficient and vital within any industry to provide a smoother and more efficient work process, being able to be customised to your needs and save time, money and stress. 

Reduce errors

Barcodes are able to eliminate the possibility of human error. They are fast, reliable and unique which allows for a streamlined process that avoids the errors manually entered by humans. 

Versatility

Barcodes are extremely versatile, being able to streamline processes across numerous sectors and industries. From data collection to identification, barcodes can be attached to a variety of surfaces with different materials and finishes. No matter the use, barcodes are bound to benefit you and your business, with the option of personalisation too.

Inventory control

As barcodes are perfect for providing data and tracking, you’re able to control your inventory in a much more efficient manner. Barcodes will provide a lower overhead and streamline your work. As the location of the items can be tracked, your employees will spend less time searching for it, which saves time and money.

Data

Barcodes provide instant data, no matter the use. From confirming locations to obtaining information, barcodes are able to provide the user with what they are looking for instantly. This ensures quick turnaround and customer satisfaction with no wasted time.

Cost effective

Barcodes are inexpensive, especially when you consider their important usage within companies. As barcodes are very time-efficient, they also provide extra time for your employees to focus on more important tasks, saving you money in the long run.

Require barcodes for your company?

Here at A1 Security Print, we are able to produce a wide range of personalized documents with sequential or unique 1D and 2D barcodes. We are professionals at handling complex data and are proud to have an expert IT team to create barcodes to any required size or format. This includes barcodes that require bespoke number patterns and algorithms. Feel free to contact us today for help integrating barcodes into your business.