With barcode labels coming in so many different shapes, sizes, and functionalities, it can be hard to decide which barcode label is best for you and your company.

Direct Thermal Barcode Labels
The most popular barcode label seems to be the direct thermal label because its paper is used on most UPS shipments and temporary orders. However, direct thermal barcode labels will fade over time because they react to heat, so when choosing a direct thermal barcode label as your label of choice, it’s important to factor in that the barcode will only last a couple of weeks and should not be subject to harsh elements.

Thermal Transfer Barcode Labels
Thermal transfer barcode labels offer a more permanent solution and are used throughout the distribution process. Retail companies typically use thermal transfer barcode labels to put on products and racks throughout their stores.

Barcode Label Materials
Within the world of direct thermal and thermal transfer barcode labels, there are many different materials. If you need a long-lasting, resistant barcode label then synthetic materials would be your best bet. Polybopp A or Kymdura are the most inexpensive, but Kymdura is prone to rips and tears. Other popular materials include Kapton and Valeron, which is often used in the automotive industry.

Barcode Label Adhesives
Next, you’ll need to choose the proper adhesive. Most choose to go with a permanent adhesive for their barcode labels. However, sometimes removable adhesives are needed, but it’s important to realize that removable can become permanent after long periods of time (years). Because of this, there are also ultra removable adhesives that leave little or no residue.

Special Applications for Barcode Labels
For clean room applications, barcode labels have to be free of loose fibers and contaminants that could possibly infect. These types of labels are made in a controlled environment and air is blocked and closed before shipping to clean rooms.

Barcode Label Sizes
Finally, it’s important to look at your barcode printer and see what it’s requirements and capabilities are. Some require a 1 inch in the center of the roll, while others require a 3-inch cardboard core in the center of the labels, and yet other printers may not use a core at all. Consult with your barcode printer’s manufacturer in order to discover all of their requirements.

Pre-printed Barcode Labels
However, some users do not like to print their barcode labels, and prefer them pre-printed. If the specification of the barcode is complicated, users will consult with a barcode label expert for a pre-printed solution.

iCandy is a free application that allows you to create QR codes that link to iTunes, youtube videos, or other websites. The best part, is that you can use your computer’s webcam to do all the scanning! Since most QR code applications are geared toward mobile phone scanning, iCandy provides an interesting alternative for at-home scanning. However, iPhone users can still enjoy scanning from their phone.

If you’re an aspiring musician, or simply want to organize your iTunes library, iCandy’s QR codes can be printed with the album art and then scanned, taking users directly to the track. In addition, just as with QR codes, iCandy’s code can be printed on t-shirts or any other collateral that you like.

In order to create your own iCandy QR codes, you simply drag and drop the link or iTunes track that you would like into the iCandy print bar, or directly into the iCandy widget.

For more information on how you can use iCandy, or to dowload the application, check out their website.

Every company seems to have an existing procedure for how assets move through their supply chain, but when they look at data about their processes, it usually doesn’t match their perceptions.

RFID technology can provide visibility into that unknown, and many companies have implemented it to solve problems in enterprise asset management, fundamentally altering and improving their business processes. Corporate executives are using RFID to reduce costs and drive profits to the bottom line. Ultimately, companies are finding a positive return on their investment to implement RFID technology.

RFID Technology improves company’s business processes, allowing companies to see every step in their supply chain and analyze it in order to maximize their effectiveness and improve.

Today, barcodes and barcode readers are often used for inventory tracking purposes, but they are not always feasible in critical processes because they can be prone to errors due to tag reading issues. Passive RFID, on the other hand, is a great alternative in asset management applications because of its speed, accuracy, and automation. They can be assigned to either an individual asset or a location and are ideal for rugged environments and situations where barcodes are difficult to access for scanning.

Intermec, a pioneer in RFID technology, has helped many organizations understand their RFID needs and realizing all of the opportunities available after designing and implementing a successful system. Intermec has developed, manufactured, and integrated technologies that identify, track, and manage every aspect of supply chain assets.

Although upfront costs of implementing RFID can seem high, in the end, RFID technology provides a more efficient way to work throughout the entire supply chain, in addition to presenting a more in-depth look at data and statistics within your organization.

If your organization is interested in implementing RFID technology, you can find more information about getting started here.

Design QR is a Japanese design company that focuses on advertising and designing with QR codes. In conjunction with Chocolate Graphics Japan, a company that produces personalized chocolates, the two companies have been working together to formulate personalized chocolates that display QR codes.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, techie couples will be able to send each other love notes via chocolates adorned with QR codes. Chocolates with QR codes could also be a very beneficial corporate gift, as they can lead recipients to websites, profiles, or blogs. Also, since QR codes are able to be manipulated, Chocolate Graphics Japan is also integrating personalized images into the QR code!

Despite the QR code’s growing popularity, it will still be some time before Americans will be eating chocolates with QR codes on them. Has anyone seen and/or eaten a QR code chocolate? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience: were you able to scan the barcode on the chocolate easily, or did you encounter troubles due to melting or other related issues?

Awhile back, I discussed Microsoft Biztalk and its involvement with Intermec. If you were interested in learning more on Microsoft Biztalk, then you’re in luck… especially if you’re in the UK.

Microsoft will be holding its first annual RFID conference on Wednesday, February 25 at its Thames Valley Park Campus in Reading, UK. The conference will primarily discuss Microsoft BizTalk, among other enterprise solutions.

If you’re interested in attending, the agenda is scheduled as follows:

9:30am – 10:00am Arrival and Registration
10:00am -10:30am Welcome and Microsoft RFID Strategy – Morris Novello
10:30am – 11:45pm Microsoft platform for RFID and Real Word scenarios – Jeff Johnson, Markus Landler
11:45am – 12:45am Motorola Keynote – Joe White
12:45am – 1:30pm Lunch
1:30pm – 2:30pm Xterprise: Solutions for the High Definition Enterprise™ – John Webb
2:30pm – 3:15pm Motorola: Case Study – Andy McBain
3:15pm – 4:00pm BT Global Services: Supply Chain Solutions – Robert Hillier
4:00pm – 4:30pm Q&A – Morris Novello, Jeff Johnson, Markus Landler
4:30pm – 5:00pm Networking and Champagne reception

To attend the first annual Microsoft RFID Conference, you can register here.