Mobile software PDA portable computing solution application developers

Note

If you would like to offer suggestions as to further subject matter, questions or comments, please let us know.

Also Note, that Brendon McLoughlin of Tasc Software also has a Blog, Click Here! to visit the blog now which may contain topics of further interest.

Click On the image!

101 Introduction to Barcoding

If your looking for the basic's on barcoding, the following Zebra Technologies publication is where you should start.

Extracted From The Zebra Website using the following URL:
http://download.varlink.co.uk/_Zebra%20Portal/Zebra%20Barcoding%20Basics.pdf

Introduction EAN-13 (Also relates UPC-A) Barcoding

If your looking for the basic's EAN-13 or want to understand better the relationship to UPC-A, the following Barcode Island publication is where you should start.

Extracted From The Barcode Island Website using the following URL:
http://www.barcodeisland.com/ean13.phtml

Barcode From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A bar code (also barcode) is an optical machine-readable representation of data. Originally, bar codes represented data in the widths (lines) and the spacings of parallel lines and may be referred to as linear or 1D (1 dimensional) barcodes or symbologies. But they also come in patterns of squares, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns within images termed 2D (2 dimensional) matrix codes or symbologies. In spite of there being no bars, 2D systems are generally referred to as barcodes as well.

Extracted From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia using the following URL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode

Getting Started - Need a Barcode? (GS1 Ireland)

There are 5 simple steps to Bar Coding your products:

Step 1: Take a close look at what you wish to bar code. Determine the number of products you have, how they are packed, their size, whether they are sold by unit or by weight and where they are to be sold, as each of these issues may affect the number type you require and the size of the number bank you need to apply for.

Step 2: Complete the GS1 Online Application Form for the type of GTIN (bar code number) you require. If you wish to read more about the different types of GTIN (i.e. identification numbers) before proceeding please click here.

If you need any assistance determining your requirements, please contact our Helpdesk by email at info@gs1ie.org or on 01 208 0660.

Note: Please ensure you complete a direct debit mandate which can be printed during the online application procedure. A hard copy original mandate must be sent to GS1 Ireland. The application will not be processed until this is received.

Step 3: When your application has been approved and processed by GS1 Ireland you will receive a Membership Pack containing details of the unique Prefix Numbers allocated to your company, together with instructions on how to generate a complete bar code number.

Note: Keep all bar code related documents in a safe place. Maintain an accurate record of the bar codes you have generated and to which products they have been allocated.

Step 4: Get your bar code numbers printed in the appropriate bar code symbol format.

Our on-line Solution Provider Directory can help you locate a GS1 Accredited printer in your area.

There are three methods of doing this:

• a) send your numbers to a reputable printer who will print your bar codes on labels
• b) give the numbers to your packaging designer who will incorporate the symbols into your packaging artwork
• c) with suitable software you can generate the symbols on your PC and print them onto labels as you need them.

Note: Be sure to have samples of your bar code symbols verified before they are printed, to check their quality. It will also be necessary to verify a selection of bar codes during the printing process. This can help avoid costly errors being made.

A simple guide on printing bar codes is also available to download.

Step 5: Communicate accurate and detailed descriptions of your products to your customers. These will vary from retailer to retailer but will typically include the products name, description, weight/size, packaging configuration and related bar code details. Many products will have two bar codes associated with them: one for the retail or consumer unit and one for the outer case or traded unit.

Extracted From The GS1 Website using the following URL:
http://www.gs1.ie/sections/Products/GS1BarCodes/GettingStartedNeedaBarcode