You may not realise it, but the humble barcode is the cornerstone of operational efficiency.

With over 10 billion barcodes scanned every day and more than 2 million companies relying on them to manage over 100 million products, this simple yet very effective technology continues to evolve and add value to companies and organisations of all sizes and operating in all sectors.

Barcodes not only identify and track your products, assets and even people, but can also help streamline your supply chains, improve compliance and ultimately help save time, money; and in the healthcare sector; save lives.

What do we mean by Barcodes?

Well, we’re not just talking about the traditional linear barcodes you see in the supermarket, there are also:

• 2D Data Matrix Codes – small ‘squares within a square’ capable of holding large amounts of data in compact spaces as they can be read vertically as well as horizontally.
• QR Codes – widely used in everything from marketing to manufacturing, which are used to store website addresses, multi-lingual information and so much more.

Different types and different uses

Each of these formats offers different advantages, depending on how they are used, but they all provide the same core functions:

To IDENTIFY:

Products –

Using GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) for inventory tracking, pricing and point-of-sale operations.

Places –

Using GLNs (Global Location Numbers) to identify physical locations – even down to individual rooms.

Empowering logistics, payment systems and creating billing / receiving addresses.

People –

Using GSRNs (Global Service Relation Numbers) to identify individuals providing a service.

Used for tracking activity of remote service operatives, surgeons, etc.

Physical assets –

Using GIAIs (Global Individual Asset Identifiers) to tag high value or critical assets like tools, equipment and even pallets, allowing asset tracking, lifecycle management and even preventative maintenance scheduling

To CAPTURE:

Important information within the barcode, data matrix or QR code

To SHARE:

Creating an easily accessible and reliable method of sharing the information (usually scanning)

Through international standards such as the GDSN (Global Data Synchronisation Network) all users, regardless of location or system, can interpret the data in the same way.

Using the right data in the right way

When combined with related technologies such as EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) or the EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Service), these cost effective ‘codes’ can enable organisations to:

• Improve traceability and compliance
• Reduce human error in data capture and data management
• Enable faster, paperless processes
• Boost asset visibility and utilisation
• Reduce waste and shrinkage
• Lower operational costs
• And so much more

Real world efficiencies

The use of barcodes, data matrix and QR codes is always expanding and evolving across different industries as technologies and systems reduce in cost and improve in accuracy and efficiency.

Some of the more common examples include:

In #Retail, where GTINs ensure accurate pricing, alert members of staff to low stock on a shelf and automate procurement.

QR codes help monitor goods across the supply chain in #Manufacturing and ensure shipping accuracy, streamline vehicle loading and last mile delivery in #Logistics

GSRNs, GLNs and GIAIs help track surgical equipment, manage room occupancy, assign tasks to staff, ensure the correct patient is being treated and manage stock levels of life saving medicines in #Healthcare settings.

GIAIs, GSRNs and GLNs can track equipment, service schedules and even room usage for #FacilitiesManagement companies

Saving Time, Saving Money, Saving Resources and Saving Lives

Working collaboratively with clients across all sectors for over 50 years, we know the importance of providing accurate, reliable and easily scannable barcodes, data matrix and QR codes, which is why all of your ‘codes’ are scanned and 100% verified ‘in line’, on the press, as they are printed, ensuring that your finished labels not only meet compliance requirements but also drive real operational efficiency.

So whether you need simple GTIN barcodes for retail, or advanced QR codes to manage physical assets, places or even people, our variable data experts are happy to discuss your project challenges and needs. Get in touch today on 01543 431070 or send your detailed requirements to sales@mercianlabels.com

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