Partner Article

Screening barcode manufacturers for better custom labels

Barcodes are the essential oils that grease the supply and retail chains of modern commerce. The barcode enables reliable and efficient product manufacture, assembly, storage, shipping, supply chain tracking and sales. In the age of the smartphone it also enables consumers to access information about products with just a click of a phone’s camera.

With so many different custom label and barcode regulations for each industry, specialist suppliers like South East Labels (http://www.southeastlabels.co.uk) offer an almost bewildering range of options. Despite the centrality of the barcode to a company’s operations, barcode production is often still outsourced to the lowest bidder in an effort to trim the bottom line.

There are, however, many other factors for consideration when selecting a barcode manufacturer not least of which are considerations such as accuracy, expertise and customer service. To help you find the right barcode partner here are some essential questions you need to be asking your potential suppliers.

What types of barcodes are offered?

It is worth thinking beyond your immediate needs and future proofing your business when you choose a supplier. The best partners should offer you a full range of barcode products, from printed retail barcodes to specialty labels and RFID tags.

Do you understand my industry’s needs?

Can your potential supplier offer you more information about the custom labels and barcodes for your industry’s needs? The ideal partner will be able to explain any industry-specific regulations and standards to you in simple layman’s terms.

How could barcodes improve our productivity?

An ideal partner will work with you to suggest opportunities to streamline your business functions rather than simply providing you with a solution to your immediate needs.

What equipment is needed and can you provide it?

It is important that your supplier can help you to understand the whole process and detail any extra investment required. Working with a barcode manufacturer that also provides barcode printers and barcode scanners helps you to simplify this operation.

What quality checks do you use?

A robust barcode quality verification program is essential and can save you money from lost revenues in the future.

What other services does your barcode manufacturer offer?

Barcodes appear on shipping labels, forms and other printed documents so it is important that your supplier offers multiple services to help you save both time and money. Ideally you need a supplier who offers printing and promotional services to give you single-source supply management.

Choosing a supplier

Other considerations such as the type of training offered, the track record and client list of the supplier and their pricing will also inevitably come into play in your decision-making process. Essentially you should be taking just as much care in screening your barcode manufacturers as you do when you screen your new employees. After all, they are both essential to running your business.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by José Calvo .