Most POS-grade thermal papers use dye, combined with coreactant technology, to form an image, which causes a sensitivity to UV light and thus causes the image to fade with extended exposeure. The images’ stability depends on the degree that the image was originally developed and the intensity of the UV light.

In order to prevent fading, standard POS-grade thermal paper should be stored in a dark area, with the temperature no higher than 77 degrees farenheight and a humidity range of 45-65 percent. If all of these conditions are met, there is no reason that the image should last any less than 5-7 years. There are also different grades of thermal paper, so choosing certain grades over others may better suit your needs.

If you’re wondering whether or not UID labels need to be verified, the answer is yes. In order to comply with MIL-STD-130 standards, contractors have a choice of verifying every label, or instigating a military approved statistical sampling program.

Since verifying UID labels can be very time consuming and expensive, combined the robust Datamatrix code used for UID markings, contractors will often take their chances and not put a verification process into place. However, this can lead to problems when labels fail to scan.

It is important that UID labels be tested with barcode verifiers, not just scanners, in order to ensure that they will properly scan. Even the simplest error, such as adding a space within a part number in the barcode can cause errors, as UID labels only allow certain characters, which does not get accounted for by only scanning the code.

The MIL-STD-130 verification rule was added by the DoD in order to ensure that items being added to the supply chain contain the correct data and meet all quality guidelines, ensuring that UID marks can be read every step of the way.

While skipping the verification process may seem like and easy way to save time and money, there is a good chance that something could go wrong, which is far more expensive to correct.

When it comes to MIL-STD-130 standards and UID labels, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so save yourself the headaches and make use of your barcode verifier!

The barcode used to be thought of as something to be scanned by store clerks, but mobile technology has revolutionized the way barcodes are used, and the possibilities are still unfolding. With the advent of apps for phones such as the Droid and iPhone, there has been a rise amongst consumers who use barcodes in their daily lives. Below are some of the more popular apps that use barcodes.

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The DS678-HC cordless imager from Motorola allows hospitals to automate data capture, improve data accuracy, increase productivity and streamline processes in patient rooms, laboratories and the pharmacy, with special features that meet the unique requirements of healthcare facilities.

The ergonomic design of the DS678-HC allows caregivers to remain focused on the patient, while being able to depend the rapid capture of the barcodes. The imager is specifically engineered for deployment on a computer or workstation on wheels and USB charging capabilities eliminate the need for a power supply and cumbersome cable management normally associated with mounting a cordless scanner to a cart type workstation.

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Everything you encounter has a past—a story to be told. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could re-live that story? Well, now there’s an app for that.

Stickybits is the app for that, and it allows uers to give any physical object a story by simply sticking a barcode on it, which can then be scanned by a phone with the app. Once scanned, a photo, text message, video or even voice note could appear on your phone.

Stickybits was invented by Billy Chasen and Seth Goldstein and is currently available for both the iPhone and Android. Allowing users to attach a message of different mediums to physical objects is a great way for both businesses and consumers to get their messages across. For example, a letter could include a barcode that would link to a video, or a business card could link to a resume. Businesses could use Stickybits to link to audio tours, reviews and more… the possibilities are endless!

While the app is free, a pack of Stickybits includes 20 vinyl barcode stickers for $10. There’s even an option to download and print your own barcodes. Each barcode is programmable by the first person who scans it and leaves a medium, whether it be a photo, video, audio or text message. Once someone comes along and scans the barcode, the message will appear on their phone and they can even add a new message to the same code, resulting in a sort of conversation of messages that creates an evolving story.

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