“I like to say that my art works,” Scott Blake giggled during our video chat interview. “Most artists seek validation from the outside, I get my validation from the beep of the barcode scanner.”

Often referred to as the barcode artist, Scott Blake's art revolves around this central theme. For ten years, he has been building portraits using barcodes as pixels. His barcode Elvis is on display at Ripley's Believe It or Not in San Francisco. Viewers can use their iPhones or a barcode scanner to scan individual codes which play songs and pull up album covers.

Blake's work may appear conceptually driven, but in truth the work and the artist himself are classical in nature. Conceptual art is concerned with concept alone, the finished product secondary. Blake's work is borne from inspiration; it's just happens that rather than finding inspiration in a lover's body or an azure sky, barcodes inspire Blake (and technology, and consumption and inspiration itself, among other things).

Much 'digital art' in today's market is contrivance; attractive products produced by adept technicians. Speaking to Blake, it's clear the work is no contrivance. It is a product of authentic self-expression; the artist's way of exploring his reality. We talked about the shift in the way we express ourselves as a culture. How we've come to express ourselves through clicking and typing; from text messages to Facebook and Twitter. Blake says, “I always think about Jackson Pollock throwing paint, and how expressive that was. It's just different nowadays. I don't know anyone who throws paint. Everyone nowadays types & clicks— I'm trying to talk about that world of clicking and typing; my art is a reflection of that.” He coins his work techno-expressionism.

A 2003 graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design, Blake was creating digital art before there was digital art. It was not considered a valid medium. He was among the first to recognize Photoshop as more than a tool, but an artistic medium. The progression of his work parallels the progression of the digital age. For the first three years, his barcode portraits didn't scan. The art began to take on a new dimension when Blake got his first barcode scanner and now with the introduction of the smartphone, it has reached a new level of interactivity. Blake continues to explore the reach of technology by adding a new layer of interactivity with video mapping. For example, a projector placed behind the print recognizes which barcode you scan and lights it up.

All his files are offered for free on his website, he doesn't believe in limiting his art. This belief effectually excludes him from the gallery scene. The gallery world covets one of a kind work. Here again, Blake's work speaks to consumption, to capitalism. The life of the work itself feeds into the concept it explores, itself becoming a feedback loop as its exclusion from the gallery scene forces Blake to earn a living from merchandising— selling barcode tshirts and postcards, and babybibs and whatever else the consumer demands. Again, like a video camera pointed at a TV, the selling of the work echoes the concept of the work, as though it was designed to punctuate itself at every turn.

Taking it one step further, Blake has begun taking his show on the road. Altering the definition of performance art, he sets up in a location for one to a few days, let's people experience the work, then rolls it up and moves on. After a three day show in Paris, Blake headed to Atlanta to act as the entertainment for a conference of hospital barcode professionals. Setting up his barcode portraits, projectors and barcode scanner for the attendees. Here again, the exhibition of the work and the viewers interaction with it become part of its story, its message, its life. Blake is blazing a trail in the art world— finding new ways to monetize his work.

I see the next step being sponsorship. The nature of the work requires barcode scanners at each exhibition. He has yet to receive one comp scanner. He uses a Sharpie to black out the logo on the one he takes with him. One he had to buy. I foresee the feedback loop continuing as capitalism opens her loving arms to Blake and some lucky barcode company takes its marketing to new heights.

Wide-eyed and smiling, Blake imagines tomorrow's technology with a child's wonder, tempered with thirty-something cynicism. He imagines computers that see. Rather than reading a barcode and knowing its a bottle of Coke, he sees the scanner recognizing the item itself. We talked about Google. Blake's site ranks third in a search for 'barcode' without him having done any optimizing. He remembers being a child and wondering what kind of art his robot would like; well, I'd say Google is a robot and it sure likes his work. However tethered to technology Blake's life and work may be, he still prefers real, live socializing to Facebook, and enjoys getting dirty with ink at the screen printing shop.

There is a life to Blake's work that hearkens back to the abstract expressionist movement, it whispers the quiet rumble that precedes something earth shattering. I believe Blake's innate ability to simultaneously experience awe and skepticism provides him with a unique perspective and a clarity that allows the work to become more than pixels, allows it to become a stitch in the fabric of contemporary culture. You may not be able to find Blake's work in a gallery, but Google likes it— and that may be the only critic that matters.

Gate Gourmet is the world’s largest independent provider of catering and provisioning services for airlines and railroads. Its Special Meal Section provides passengers with specialized meal options, such as kosher or low fat, that need to be clearly marked with abbreviations so that flight attendants can easily identify them. Gate Gourmet previously used pre-printed stickers on which the chef marked the appropriate check box for easy identification.

Special meals are increasingly requested and many airline passengers favor them over conventional meals. With the increase in demand, Gate Gourmet was seeking a more efficient, effective, and less time-consuming way of labeling special meals.

Challenge
In order to improve its labeling process, Gate Gourmet asked NiceLabel's Swiss partner Labeltech AG for a one-click labeling solution. The challenge was to develop a simple data-entry form that shows all the product database entries and allows quick printing in any given quantity for users with limited computer skills. A touch-screen driven printing solution for proper product selection and fast entry of label quantity would be ideal.

Solution
Labeltech addressed the challenge by using PowerForms Desktop, which requires no programming. “PowerForms Desktop allowed us to configure the screen and buttons anyway we needed. This way we were able to build an interface to be used on a touch screen delivering the inherent advantage of flexibility as far as user interaction is concerned. The screen is divided into “data entry” and “data viewing/choice” according to requirements. Since there is no fixed or reserved space for a keyboard, literally any kind of combination is possible,” explained Bernhard Keel from Labeltech AG.

PowerForms Desktop addresses several challenges in the label printing process with the following benefits:

• Eliminate label printing errors by minimizing manual data entry.
• Simplify the labeling process with a touchscreen by removing the need for a keyboard and using universal icons.
• Increase productivity by customizing the application to your specific needs.
• Utilize all possible data by integrating with production devices and software and outside sources of data.
• Reduce development time and costs by bypassing the need for programming and utilizing included templates.

About NiceLabel
NiceLabel, established in 1993, provide the following solutions: software for label design, error-free manual printing, automated labeling from other applications, and cloud hosted web printing. In collaboration with its global partner network, NiceLabel provides labeling software solutions for companies of all sizes, across most industries (including Fortune 500 companies), delivering higher supply chain efficiency and data accuracy at lower costs.  NiceLabel is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Oracle Gold Partner and SAP partner.

To find out more about simplifying your label printing process, visit NiceLabel’s website.

Other labeling solution stories you may enjoy! (please let these vendors know that you've seen them at barcode.com -thank you!)

Below are ten of our most popular articles on barcode.com from 2013. The most popular articles have been posted longer, and have thus gotten more hits, but it's a pretty good representation and we think you'll enjoy the content. 

10. ShopSavvy Rocking and Rolling with over 100 million downloads

A ShopSavvy founder discusses their mobile app and what makes it a success. Read about their current and future challenges and see what's in store for ShopSavvy.

9. Bar Code Vendor Produces Rap Video as Marketing Tool

Electronic Imaging Materials (EIM) produces a rap video about bar codes. Watch the video and read about EIM in this article.

8. QR Code Marketing - An Interview with Mike Wehrs CEO of Scanbuy

What makes a successful QR code campaign? Are QR codes on their way out? The CEO of Scanbuy explains what goes into a successful QR code campaign and gives insight into how Scanbuy works.

7. Bar Codes and Packaging

This article lays out several things to consider when designing a bar code to place on packaging. Get it right the first time.

6. Bar Code Quiet Zones Illustrated and Explained

What are bar code quiet zones? Read about them here, and see several examples illustrating proper quiet zones.

5. Neomedia Signs Kraft, others to license patents

This article explores the sustainabilty of Neomedia's approach of negotiating licensing agreements. Read about how patent battles can ruin reputations and business relationships.

4. The Internet Of Things (IoT) - The Fundamentals

The bold force of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) is discussed here. Read about what characterizes these movements and why they are important.

3. Heinz Ketchup Thanks Veterans with QR Codes

This article details an exceptional example of a QR code campaign: Heinz’s campaign to thank veterans and support The Wounded Warrior Project. Find out what makes this campaign a success.

2. Why QR Code Campaigns Are Failing

This article explores why QR code campaigns fail: it is most often because of lack of value, or the perceived lack of value, fesulting from scanning the code. Read some suggestions on how to make your campaign more compelling.

1. How Do You Test a Bar Code?

Our most read article explains that bar codes are important, and just as important is the need to test them. Learn how to test your bar codes with these pointers on what to do and not to do.

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So, you have a product, and you want to be able to sell it through retailers.  Now you’re wondering how to get a bar code, or more specifically, a Universal Product Code (UPC).

A UPC is a unique 12-digit number that can be linked to your product information (name, description, price, etc).  The retailer will ask you to fill out a product information form with your company information, product information, and the UPC bar code number.  The retailer will put this information into their computer.  When your product is purchased and the bar code is scanned, the UPC number brings up your specific product information.  This allows the retailer to track the sales of your product within their inventory system, and to credit you for the sale.

UPC bar codes can be used for any retail product in the U.S., with the exception of magazines or books, which use ISBN numbers.  Since bar codes are used for tracking inventory, you will need a different bar code for each product, and also for each variety of the same product (sizes, colors, etc.)  UPCs will work anywhere that barcodes are used, meaning most of the modern world.

Although bar codes can be generated for personal or private use, for bar codew to work in the world of commerce, it must originate from GS1.  GS1 is a not-for-profit association that sets international standards for bar codes and commerce.

There are two different ways to get a bar code for your product(s):

Option 1 – Become a member of GS1 and lease your bar codes directly from GS1.org.

For this option, you must apply to GS1 for your own company prefix, which will become the first part of any UPC code used for your company’s products.

You will probably have to go this route if you need a large number of UPC numbers (in the hundreds or more), or if you are going to sell your products through a major retailer such as Walmart, Krogers or Macy's (they require a company to have its own company prefix).

This option is the more expensive option, since the fees start at about $250 and go up into the thousands. The GS1 organizations also charge annual renewal fees for their codes.  For a small or start-up business, this option often proves to be challenging because of the costs.  

Option 2 - Purchase UPC codes from a vendor who has surplus codes.

Some companies on the Internet, such as Bar Codes Talk, Inc., have purchased bar codes in bulk from GS1 (or, as it was formerly known, the UCC), and will resell UPC codes to you for a much more modest price.  This may be a better option for small to medium sized business, those dealing with small or independent retailers, those selling on Amazon, or those with only a few products to sell.

While a few of the major retailers (like Walmart or Macy’s) fuss about this, there are a multitude of instances where buying bar codes this way has proven to be a viable, and affordable, option for businesses.   

You can find many bar code resellers online. We’ve looked at several of them, and are pleased to recommend Bar Codes Talk.  This company offers low prices, with no annual fees or hidden charges.  You receive your unique bar codes instantly, with both an Excel and PDF Spreadsheet of your numbers.  You will receive the UPC as well as the EAN code for one price, as well as a certificate of authenticity and agreement.  Barcodes purchased from Bar Codes Talk will not expire, and you can be assured that they are unique to your products.  The artwork for the UPC code is also included.  Bar Codes Talk has sold over 9 million bar codes and has been in business since 1993. 

When putting your bar code on the product for the first time, it is a good idea to test the scanability of the code with a few different bar code readers. 

Bar Codes Talk, Inc. offers a variety of file types to choose from including EPS, JPEG, and TIFF.  They email the bar code art  directly to you or your printer. 

To get a bar code click here and go to www.BarCodesTalk.com

Written by Craig Aberle 

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Follow us on Twitter to get daily updates: Barcode.com on Twitter

Other articles that may interest you:

7 Sisters, Gluten-Free: New Company Finds Successful Barcode Solution

How does a barcode work?

History of the Bar Code

A ruling against the UCC pertaining to licensing fees for members who purchased their bar codes prior to August 2002

Website by George Laurer, inventor of the UPC code including authenticated UPC providers.

 Was this article useful?  Please share it with others by using one of the buttons below.  Thank you.

So, you have a product, and you want to be able to sell it through retailers.  Now you’re wondering how to get a bar code, or more specifically, a Universal Product Code (UPC).

A UPC is a unique 12-digit number that can be linked to your product information (name, description, price, etc).  The retailer will ask you to fill out a product information form with your company information, product information, and the UPC bar code number.  The retailer will put this information into their computer.  When your product is purchased and the bar code is scanned, the UPC number brings up your specific product information.  This allows the retailer to track the sales of your product within their inventory system, and to credit you for the sale.

UPC bar codes can be used for any retail product in the U.S., with the exception of magazines or books, which use ISBN numbers.  Since bar codes are used for tracking inventory, you will need a different bar code for each product, and also for each variety of the same product (sizes, colors, etc.)  UPCs will work anywhere that barcodes are used, meaning most of the modern world.

Although bar codes can be generated for personal or private use, for bar codew to work in the world of commerce, it must originate from GS1.  GS1 is a not-for-profit association that sets international standards for bar codes and commerce.

There are two different ways to get a bar code for your product(s):

Option 1 – Become a member of GS1 and lease your bar codes directly from GS1.org.

For this option, you must apply to GS1 for your own company prefix, which will become the first part of any UPC code used for your company’s products.

You will probably have to go this route if you need a large number of UPC numbers (in the hundreds or more), or if you are going to sell your products through a major retailer such as Walmart, Krogers or Macy's (they require a company to have its own company prefix).

This option is the more expensive option, since the fees start at about $250 and go up into the thousands. The GS1 organizations also charge annual renewal fees for their codes.  For a small or start-up business, this option often proves to be challenging because of the costs.  

Option 2 - Purchase UPC codes from a vendor who has surplus codes.

Some companies on the Internet, such as Bar Codes Talk, Inc., have purchased bar codes in bulk from GS1 (or, as it was formerly known, the UCC), and will resell UPC codes to you for a much more modest price.  This may be a better option for small to medium sized business, those dealing with small or independent retailers, those selling on Amazon, or those with only a few products to sell.

While a few of the major retailers (like Walmart or Macy’s) fuss about this, there are a multitude of instances where buying bar codes this way has proven to be a viable, and affordable, option for businesses.   

You can find many bar code resellers online. We’ve looked at several of them, and are pleased to recommend Bar Codes Talk.  This company offers low prices, with no annual fees or hidden charges.  You receive your unique bar codes instantly, with both an Excel and PDF Spreadsheet of your numbers.  You will receive the UPC as well as the EAN code for one price, as well as a certificate of authenticity and agreement.  Barcodes purchased from Bar Codes Talk will not expire, and you can be assured that they are unique to your products.  The artwork for the UPC code is also included.  Bar Codes Talk has sold over 9 million bar codes and has been in business since 1993. 

When putting your bar code on the product for the first time, it is a good idea to test the scanability of the code with a few different bar code readers. 

Bar Codes Talk, Inc. offers a variety of file types to choose from including EPS, JPEG, and TIFF.  They email the bar code art  directly to you or your printer. 

To get a bar code click here and go to www.BarCodesTalk.com

Written by Craig Aberle 

Was this article useful? Subscribe to our weekly(ish) email newsletter to receive more great articles about bar code technology.

Follow us on Twitter to get daily updates: Barcode.com on Twitter

Other articles that may interest you:

7 Sisters, Gluten-Free: New Company Finds Successful Barcode Solution

How does a barcode work?

History of the Bar Code

A ruling against the UCC pertaining to licensing fees for members who purchased their bar codes prior to August 2002

Website by George Laurer, inventor of the UPC code including authenticated UPC providers.

 Was this article useful?  Please share it with others by using one of the buttons below.  Thank you.

There are some great bar code resources on the Internet and here on barcode.com. Our mission at The Bar Code News is to be the "Go-To Site for everything Bar Code™" so we want to make it easy for you to access the best resources out there. Resources will include some of our most popular articles about bar codes, getting started with bar codes, how-to articles, videos and more. Many of these articles will provide links to other sources.

If you cannot find what you need, please email us and we will try to help you. Please let us know if you have ideas or suggestions about the page, and be sure to Bookmark this page for future reference!

Written by Erin Thayer 

Also see:

Assorted RFID Resources

QR Code Resources

Resource Page: Scanner Apps for Smartphones & Tablets

Point of Sale (POS) Resources

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Operational efficiency is ever more important for companies competing in today’s marketplace. For an organization to run smoothly, it depends on streamlined monitoring, maintaining, and managing of items. Regulations, financial pressure, employee efficiency, customer satisfaction, and safety concerns all contribute to the increasing challenges meeting organizations. StickNFind addressed these challenges by introducing the StickNFind Enterprise Beacon in November 2013. "We are excited to launch a new solution for the enterprise that captures the essence of what made the StickNFind location sticker so popular," said Jimmy Buchheim, founder of StickNFind.

StickNFind Enterprise Beacons provide increased battery life and accurate temperature sensing, allowing them to be placed outdoors, if needed. They also allow real-time tracking of inventory, with alerts for shortages or surpluses; the increased inventory efficiency allows users to take immediate advantage and make real-time decisions about stock and quickly locate equipment.

Asset tracking is also enhanced with StickNFind Enterprise Beacons. The beacons reduce human error by automating data collection. They don’t require a line of site or individual scanning, thus cutting down the time needed to locate assets.

The transportation and luggage business will also find tailored aspects to increase safety, efficiency, and reliability. Quality and safety standards are maintained by optimizing traceability, security, and documentation. Temperature management is made easier by the monitoring and recording of temperature throughout transport.

Finally StickNFind beacons can increase security with a credential replacement system, man-down tracking, and proximity based authentication and authorization.

General Specifications
Connectivity: Bluetooth SMART (BLE / Bluetooth Low Energy)
Range: Approximate 150 feet with line of sight
Battery: Lasts up to 3 years
Water resistant (IP-67)

Technology Specifications
Android: Devices supporting Bluetooth SMART (Samsung Galaxy S4, S3, Note III, Note II)
iOS: Devices supporting Bluetooth SMART (iPhone 5/5S/5C, iPhone 4S, iPad Air, iPad Mini, iPod touch, iPod nano)

About StickNFind
StickNFind is a leader in Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology. They design, develop, and manufacture consumer and enterprise beacons and software solutions, providing very small Bluetooth beacons and location devices that aid in tracking, monitoring, and interacting with items.

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If you are going to be using barcode labels, you need to consider whether to print your own with software, labels and maybe a dedicated barcode label printer OR whether you should just order from a company that specializes in the printing process.

If you need to print a lot of labels - hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands, we recommend outsourcing it to a specialist.   Here are some situations where this usually applies;

1. 1. Each barcode label is exactly the same.
2. 2. Barcode labels are sequentially numbered.
   
3. 3. Permanent adhesion is planned. A specialized label can be non-removable and even indestructible - maybe you want the label to go through a furnace, or repeated 300 degree washings.
   
4. 4. Security is an issue – labels that you print yourself can be easily replicated. You might want a hologram on your label that is very hard to reproduce.
5. 5. You need specialized tags – extra small, weather proof, metal (maybe for permanent attachment to fixed assets like computers, desks, chairs or outdoor equipment – think party rental equipment or machinery, or for the floor of a warehouse.)
   

If you need special labels, particularly for applications including automotive, health/medical, retail, warehouse or logistical needs - you are best off working with a barcode label specialist who can print the right product, on the right material, in the proper sizes.  

------------

On the other hand, you might be better off printing your own if:

1. You need to put unique customer information on each label (addresses, purchase order numbers, weight, quantity.)
2. You do not need a lot of labels all at one time – maybe hundreds or a few thousand.
3. Each label is going to be a little bit different, perhaps depending on method of shipment, or the receiving vendor’s requirements.
4. You want to put barcode labels on documents.
5. You want the flexibility of changing the barcode label over time.
6. You plan to put photo’s or other images on the labels (like membership cards) .

To print your own barcode labels, the most common approach involves using barcode software on your computer to design and print labels. Labels can contain all kinds of data, not just bar codes.  Here's a list of barcode software companies. Most software can print barcode labels on your laser or ink jet printer or on a specialized barcode label printer. Barcode label printers come in various sizes and styles and a complete discussion of those here is not possible. However, suffice to say that label width is a common variable, with many printers handling labels up to 2 inches wide , or up to 4 inches wide. Additionally a number of companies sell card printers specifically for identification cards, or items like ski passes. If you plan to print ID cards, you are best off picking out the type of card, and printer manufacturer that you intend to use, and only then choosing software that runs that particular machine.

A list of companies that sell labels (by roll, sheet, for warehouse floors, exotic situations, etc)

More articles about bar code labels:

Written by Craig Aberle

Have a question about bar code printing or labels?  Use the "Ask A Question"  link on the left side menu and we'll do our best to get you a quick answer. 

The Bar Code News (barcode.com) does not sell bar code equipment, supplies or anything else - but we do know a lot of great companies that have the right products and solutions.  If you found this article useful, please share it with others by using the buttons below, and by bookmarking it in your browser. Thank you.

The Challenge
As one of the leading retailers in the UK, Marks & Spencer (M&S) is focused on providing an exceptional customer experience to the 21 million shoppers who visit its stores each week. With the constant changes and improvements to the retail landscape, it’s more important than ever to provide shoppers with consistent and accurate product availability in-store and online. Traditionally, M&S relied on optical scanners to track inventory – using barcodes to scan each item within centimeters of the scanner and scanning a maximum of 400-600 items per hour. However, barcode scans are only as accurate as the person operating the scanner to process checkout and returns, thus they are prone to ongoing human errors. In addition, barcodes don't provide any insight into manual restocking operations, and they were never designed to support rapid cycle counts. The combined human errors and losses drove inventory accuracy below desired levels, reducing the optimal shopping experience and limiting full profit potential. In order to better manage stock levels and ensure that the correct product mix is on display, M&S was looking for a way to make inventory tracking more efficient and accurate.

The Solution
In 2003, M&S turned to Avery Dennison as a pilot partner for item level RFID on clothing in its High Wycombe store near London, tagging 10,000 men’s suits, shirts, and ties. Because of increased inventory accuracy during the trial, M&S quickly expanded the RFID process across apparel in 2005, and by 2007 the technology was being used in 120 stores. Now, in 2012, M&S has rolled out Generation 2 RFID technology across the company’s 200 top grossing stores and expanded RFID tagging to all clothing and home wares. Working closely with M&S, Avery Dennison has developed RFID tags specific to the retailer that are fully integrated into a complete range of labels and tickets. M&S now uses over 100 million RFID tags per year on clothing. The tags can be read when a scanner is up to a meter away, making the inventory scanning process faster and more efficient. “Having accurate stock information is a driver for our whole business, especially when it comes to multi-channel,” said Kim Phillips, head of packaging at Marks & Spencer. The RFID scanned information is then transmitted to M&S’ central stock database, logging an automatic update of the store stock position is. Subsequent comparison with the stock profile for the store triggers a replenishment order for any missing stock, again making the restocking of merchandise more efficient.

The Benefit
RFID technology from Avery Dennison has helped improve the M&S customer experience, by ensuring that the right products in the right sizes are available when and where shoppers are searching for them (whether it’s online or in-store). According to Phillips, “The RFID partnership with Avery Dennison is allowing us to replenish stock from the distribution center more accurately, making more garment sizes available to more customers. RFID technology from Avery Dennison continues to prove its value over and over again.” The technology is also enabling inventory tracking to be carried out up to ten times faster than with traditional optical scanners, making the process not only faster and more accurate but significantly more efficient. “Avery Dennison has supplied us with almost one billion RFID tags with no data loss or duplication. The business case for expanding RFID across our entire supply chain is very strong,” said Steve Finlan, retail director at Marks & Spencer.

About Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is of the UK’s leading retailers, with over 21 million people visiting its stores each week. Offering stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products, and outstanding quality foods responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally, M&S has over 700 stores in the UK.

About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison is a global leader in labeling and packaging materials and solutions. The company’s applications and technologies are an integral part of products used in every major market and industry. With operations in more than 50 countries and 26,000 employees worldwide, Avery Dennison serves customers with insights and innovations that help make brands more inspiring and the world more intelligent.

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Leading Bar Code and RFID Software Developer Provides One-Click Labeling Solution

Barcode Label Solution For A Medical Rental Company

TIMEpoint Biometric Data Collection

Barcode Labeling Software – WaspLabeler +2D

Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Label Printers

Case Study: Custom Product Labels with Epson's SecurColor Printer For GEMFormulas Natural Remedies

Color RFID Tag Printers for Labels and Identification Cards

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be wondering how to pop the question to your significant other. Or, if question-popping is out of the question, you may just be looking for ideas to make it special. Why go for the traditional, when you can go for the technological?

MAKE Magazine recently did a write up about Guido, a Buenos Aires local who proposed to his girlfriend by leading her on a QR code treasure hunt (http://makezine.com/2014/02/12/qr-code-treasure-hunt-marriage-proposal/). He used a Blackberry QR code reader paired with the Dropbox app to link up all of his pictures and music. The QR code clues led her around the city to places that were special to them. The treasure hunt culminated in a final QR code on the front door of her house that, when scanned, played music to set the ambiance for Guido to propose to once

In June of 2012 this couple (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u_qHR3_HbA) got engaged when a young man from Texas had a bakery in his hometown leave a cake with a QR code in the window that said “Scan Me.” He gathered their friends together, and one of them got his girlfriend to scan the cake. The code led to his proposal, both literally and figuratively sweet.

In this (http://2d-code.co.uk/marriage-proposal-qr-code/) love story, then-boyfriend Jerry proposed to his girlfriend by making a video of Google-search terms that told the story of their relationship (you can view the video here [http://youtu.be/Tv8k3QXa7UA]). He used phrases like “where to go on a first date” and “how to pop the question,” and used Google Maps to show places that they had been together throughout their relationship. He linked the video to a heart-shaped QR code, which he printed out on stickers that his girlfriend could scan. Spoiler alert:If you don’t know how to make your own QR code yet, this company (http:// licketycut.net/products/laser-cut-acrylic-marriage-proposal-qr-code-necklace-will-you-marry-me) will provide you with a laser-cut QR code proposal necklace for your love!

If you are not in the market for a proposal piece, and just want to  share the love this year, Miriam Merenfeld Jewelry of Miami makes these (http://www.miriammerenfeld.com/shop/QR-Messages) QR code necklaces that have sweet sentiments like “Love is Forever” and “Love Conquers All.” If you are strapped for cash, or just feel like your sweetheart deserves something hand made, this tutorial (http://www.instructables.com/id/QR-Code-Love-Note-Needlepoint/) from Instructables shows you how to make your own QR code needlepoint project with some simple cross-stitch supplies. If you would rather buy a more traditional gift, but still add some techie flair, this tutorial (http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57335154-285/how-to-make-personalized-qr-code-gift-tags/) from CNet shows you how to add a personal video to your present by creating a QR code gift If your significant other is technologically inclined, or you just want to try something new and exciting this year – try throwing a QR code into your Valentine’s Day plans.

Who knows, if your QR code proposal goes well, perhaps you can follow up with this QR code wedding cake (http://2d-code.co.uk/wedding-cake-qr-code/).

Written by Brooke Aberle

Thanks for reading The Bar Code News and have a great Valentine's Day!!

Bar code scanners, bar code printers, bar code labels, bar code software??  Use the menu on the above left hand side - our sponsors will appreciate it!

Everybody seems to agree that barcode verifiers are expensive—that’s why some “clever” people foolishly use scanners instead, and some others don’t verify at all. Eventually they will learn, but for those open to the idea of preventing a disaster, here are ten powerful reasons that using a high quality barcode verifier is a net savings.

1. Some barcode verifiers can test reflectance and color contrast even before printing the barcode. Static reflectance readings from any color samples can predict if a customer’s required colors will work, not work or will be marginal.

1. 2. Barcode verifiers can test barcode data structure for compliance with GS1 and other industrial formats. Image quality is only one aspect of barcode quality. Scanners test neither image quality nor data structure—they just decode.
2. 3. Most people already know that a verifier tests and grades barcode image quality. Of course it is important that the verifier itself be ISO-compliant and test all attributes of the ISO specification of the printed barcode. This is a powerful financial point because some verifiers are not ISO compliant or test for all ISO attributes—but they don’t cost less than those that are compliant.
3. 4. Using a verifier as part of the printing process provides the tools to predict a barcode problem and adjust it out before it becomes a problem. Prevention is always less expensive than remediation.
4. 5. What does even a minor barcode disaster cost? Suppose you have to re-run a relatively small job or replace a batch of packaging because of a barcode problem. What would the replacement time and materials cost? Add to that the cost of the wasted time and material to produce the rejected job, and don’t forget to add the lost opportunity to use that time and material running a new, billable job. The average cost of a linear verifier is around $3500. How soon would a verifier pay for itself by averting even a minor barcode problem?
5. 6. There are other tangible costs of bad barcodes. Most package and label printers carry insurance to protect them against the cost of mistakes.  Here a mistake has a double impact: if you pay for the coverage but then don’t prevent the problem by using a barcode verifier, the premium was a net loss—and the premiums will increase when a claim is filed.
6. 7. Consider the intangible losses of a barcode disaster. The cost of replacing rejected material might actually pale in comparison to the customer’s damaged confidence. What if they decide to bid out the next order? What if they start to send some of their business elsewhere? What if they leave altogether?
7. 8. What about your reputation? What if word gets out about a quality problem at your shop? How do you counter that when customers aren’t asking for quotes?
8. 9. In a more positive light, a company with a robust barcode quality program has a marketing advantage. A great track record of quality and no problems is a solid platform for growth, better margins and future success.
9. 10. What is it worth to have confidence in your people and processes? Can you put a financial cost on peace of mind?

About John Nachtrieb

Mr. Nachtrieb has 30+ years of hands-on experience in barcode technology. His team imaged the film master for the first commercially scanned barcode in North America (1974). His specialty is barcode quality. He created and hosts a highly customized barcode quality seminar which has been presented to 100's of companies, reaching thousands of quality-concerned people, helping them to avoid barcode problems and manage barcode-related risk.

Written by John Nachtrieb

 Click here to see other articles by this author

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Source http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/02/prweb11594924.htm

Multi-part bar code labels are useful for inventory management and asset tracking.  This type of bar code label adds an extra level of security to tracking equipment and inventory.  The multi-part tags are designed to improve tracking, prevent theft and increase the chance of asset recovery.  The tags duplicate information in various parts of the tag to reduce errors and prevent vandals from removing them. 

Companies have more and more equipment to keep track of.  Equipment can get stolen, moved to another department or accidentally inventoried by subcontractors.  To prevent theft and enforce ownership rights, equipment such as computers, cellphones, laptops, printers, scanners and other items should be “marked” with bar code labels.  Marking items and keeping records can also help in prosecuting criminal activities.

But simply marking them with single labels is not enough to deter thieves.  Using multi-part labels, bar code tags can be placed in multiple parts of the equipment.  The multi-part labels have the same duplicate bar code numbers on each part.  This way, if a thief removes, counterfeits or tampers with one label, the other labels will still be usable.

The multi-part bar code labels come in different sizes such as rectangular or circular for a wide variety of uses.  Some MyAssetTags come in packs of 4 or 5 identical parts.  The 4 or 5-part label can also have the same serial number but with a different letter suffix.  Some multi-part tags also have a main label and a mini-label which is the perfect size for file folders.  For example, a label can be placed on a vial and a matching mini-label with the same bar code number can be placed on a paper form or file folder for the office records.

MyAssetTag.com also has 4-in-1 Asset Tags that have a main label with custom text, bar code and number, in addition to 3 mini-labels that have just the number. This is useful for recording one item in multiple departments by placing the main tag on the item and the other tags in the paper form in the different departments.  Alternatively, different parts of the tag can be placed in different parts of the equipment.  The multi-part labels can also be used to inventory various small items, such as books in a library.

The multi-part bar code labels can be customized on the MyAssetTag.com website.  In addition to customizing the preferred sequence of numbers in the bar codes, a customer can add the company name, contact number and other information.  They can add logos and graphics to the label.  They can also change the color and design of the custom text.  The bar code labels can also be designed online, and then printed on an inkjet or laser printer.  The 1D and 2D codes can be scanned from mobile phones and bar code scanners.

While the bar code numbering is sequential, each group of labels are numbered the same.  The customer only needs to specify a starting number and the quantity needed.   Bar codes can also have a letter prefix or a letter suffix in addition to the number.  The numbers are kept on file, to make it easy to reorder tags.  Aside from consecutive numbers, non-linear set of numbers are also possible by using an .XLS or data file.

The bar code labels are available in different colors such as white, black, red, blue, yellow, purple and green.  This allows for color-coding by department, asset type, by year of acquisition and more.  Black tags are the most durable outdoors while red tags are most easily seen against equipment.  The tags can also be fluorescent, to make the labels easier to spot.  The multi-part tags can also be color-coordinated with different colors for each part of the tag.

The labels are available in a wide range of label materials such as vinyl, low-cost paper and tamper-proof security labels.  Durable vinyl labels are affordable and will not tear easily.  Vinyl labels are also easy to stick to smooth, flat surfaces.

The labels can have security cuts to show if the labels have been tampered with.  Some labels can void the warranty when the seal is broken. There are also destructible labels that break into tiny pieces when they are removed, preventing vandals from removing the labels.

About SmartSign

SmartSign is an ecommerce company that provides clear, affordable, easy to find and durable signs, tags, labels and mats.  They are one of the 500 largest internet companies in America according to Internet Retailer.  They started by licensing their products to FedEx, OfficeMax, Staples, Grainger and other top companies.  In 2005, they began to sell directly to customers.  SmartSign is the parent company of MyAssetTag.com,

About MyAssetTag.com

MyAssetTag.com offers high-quality and durable asset tags and labels for inventory management and asset tracking.  These tags can be customized online using the intuitive web interface.

Other label and tag companies - click here

More on Asset Tracking - click here

Other articles by this author:

Use It or Lose It: Locate your Yacht with RFID

Best Phone Apps for Health and Nutrition

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QR Code Takes Giving into the 21st Century

Every year charities and non-profits struggle to capture the attention, and dollars, of the giving public.

Organizations are looking for new ways to differentiate themselves and leverage technology to positively impact their bottom line.

Recently we were introduced to the concept of SMS donations, today QR codes are flexing their muscles in the mobile donation space thanks to a partnership between Mobio and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Mobio will be providing mobile payment and marketing services to CMN and it’s high-profile corporate partners; who will act as distribution points for Mobio-enabled campaigns and programs designed to raise awareness raise funds for CMN hospitals.

Since its inception in 1984, CMN has donated $4.3 billion to network hospitals dedicated to saving and improving the children’s lives.

Mobio’s mobile commerce platform aims to bring that fundraising success into the 21st century. The public may now donate anywhere a Mobio barcode is displayed.

CMN’s network of good corporate citizens have already begun to incorporate Mobio technology in a number of creative ways. Dairy Queen® created 7.9 million Mobio-enabled Blizzard® cups for its Miracle Treat Day. Pull out your Smartphone while enjoying your DQ® treat and scan the cup to donate, instantly.

“Mobio will allow CMN and its partners to dramatically expand their reach and influence a younger and more mobile demographic, said Perry Esler Vice President, Radiothon & Corporate Development, Children's Miracle Network. “With Mobio, existing and potential donors can donate in places and ways we could have never imagined back in 1984.”

Current mobile donation schemes have inherent limitations:  

•    Text-to-donate is expensive. $3 out of every $10 donated goes to cover fees.
•    SMS donations are not instantaneous. It can take up to 120 days for funds to reach the intended recipient.
•    It is virtually impossible to gather donor information to judge fundraising effectiveness or enable donor follow-up.

With Mobio’s mobile payment platform, non-profits have:

•    Ability to differentiate in the widely traditional non-profit space.  
•    Ability to target younger audiences and appeal to Gen X and Y.
•    Increased geographical reach (Mobio barcodes can go viral … Twitter, Facebook, email and TV).
•    Real-time instant donations.
•    Direct connection with donors. Ability to collect opt-in CRM data.
•    Decreased cost – no set-up fees. Campaigns cost pennies on the dollar.

For most people charitable giving is often an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ proposition. How often do you sit down at home and write a donation check? But, what about when the cashier at the grocery store asks, “would you like to donate a dollar to muscular dystrophy today?”

We all like to give, but let’s face it, sometimes we need a little reminder. Mobio allows non-profits to stay top of mind while offering a secure and convenient way for donors to support the causes they love.

If you liked this article, also try reading:

QR Codes Turn Television into Point of Sale

The Point of Sale News, an online magazine dedicated to the retail industry.

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Anyone who owns an extensive DVD library or another type of media collection can relate to the need for a convenient inventory tool. Pencil and paper just takes too long and a computer spreadsheet can be a hassle to set up and may not include the data you need. Neither of these options is all that portable.

If that's you, keep reading. You can set up a simple inventory system using the bar code scanner in your smart phone. Barcode Express Pro, an app designed for the Android operating system does just that.

The app is offered as a demo version, which allows you to try the software for two weeks at no cost. But once the trial period is over, your data is locked. Upgrading to the Pro version costs $1.99 and the app is immediately downloaded once you enter payment information. And if you've been using the demo version, you can transfer any saved data to the full version.

You'll need to have a separate bar code scanner app installed on your phone, such as Barcode Scanner.

Getting Started

Tap "new item" on the main screen and you'll be prompted to "Create an inventory item with . . ." Options include entering the item manually, snapping a picture with your camera phone, using a template, searching the web, connecting one of the images already on your phone, or by scanning a bar code. Once you enter an inventory item, you can also enter notes and attach a voice recording, a video, an audio clip, a task list, or an expense list.

The web product search offers searches by ISBN code (for books), UPC/EAN code or ASIN code, which stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number. When you enter a 10-digit ISBN code from a book, the ASIN number is identical. Once the web search is successful, you'll see a product detail with an image (if available) and a product description. You can choose to import all the information into your inventory list, or just add the image. So if you've already manually scanned a bar code, the web search allows you to complete your inventory with an image.

Each piece of inventory can be placed in a category, separated by the item's location in your home or business, and tagged. And you set up the options.

Barcode Express Pro has a clean interface, and once you use the program a few times, the set-up seems pretty intuitive. The menu button on your smart phone brings up options for each screen. When you tap the menu button from the main screen, and then choose "extra features," you can see your task and expense lists. And if you don't have these lists already created, tap menu again and you're ready to go.

When you get around to organizing that Blu-ray collection, take a look at Barcode Express Pro. It may take some set-up time, but in the long run you'll have a convenient record of your movies.

Take a look at the features in the Android Market:  https://market.android.com/details?id=com.acj0.barcodeexpproa

Looking for a smartphone app for corporate use?  Check out codeREADr- a cloud-based auto-ID and data capture (AIDC) solution which enables mobile devices to read, track & authenticate data-embedded barcodes & NFC objects anywhere, at any time. Fast and easy for small & medium sized venues and businesses to deploy since no CAPEX or training is required.  Objects may include tickets, coupons, inventory and virtually any asset as well membership, corporate, student, patient and other IDs.

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Android Bar Code Scanner Apps: Comparison Shopping With Your Smart Phone

Barcode Android App: Keep a Food Diary With Calorie Counter

Smoopa App Uses Bar Codes to Make Comparison Shopping Easy

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There’s a Label for That

Ever wanted to offer a customer a piece of candy with your company’s logo on the label? Or maybe promote your business with some delicious, professional-looking home brew?  Perhaps you thought printing a personalized t-shirt for your employee of the month sounded fun but was impractical? I’d like to introduce you to OnlineLabels.com. OnlineLabels.com offers blank labels that are compatible with standard laser and inkjet printers, making it easy for individuals to create custom labels in the comfort of their own home or business. This can eliminate the need for bulk orders of pre-printed labels from large manufacturers. Many of the designs they offer are exactly what you’d expect: CD labels, address labels, file folder labels and the like. But on OnlineLabel’s product page you’ll also find less expected items, and plenty of them. Here are seven that caught my eye:

1. SD Card Labels. A simple one to start. A nice, rectangular .75” by 1” label, ninety per sheet. You can order 100 sheets at the time, or 1000. More impressively, you can even order just a single sheet. There are no minimum orders on this or any other product. And in case you’re worried your SD card might get rained on, this label—like most others—is available in several different weatherproof varieties.

2. Jar Labels. Pickle jars, candle jars, jam jars, spice jars, jars stuffed with wedding favors. Imagine a jar, any jar. Now, imagine the label you’d put on that jar if you had no design restrictions. Finally, go ahead and order the label you just imagined. OnlineLabels offers 34 different jar label styles, including wrap-arounds and straight-forward ovals. Their offerings are easily sorted by size and shape.

3. Coffee Bag Labels. Does your coffee shop offer a quirkily named french roast or a decaffeinated blend named after your oddly lethargic childhood dog? No problem. You can personalize your coffee bag labels with more than 32 different colors and materials, and choose from rectangular and oval labels in a variety of sizes.

4. Candy Favor Labels. The folks running this website seem to have a special place for Hershey’s in their hearts. Or maybe they just realized that if a business sets out a bowl of candy on the receptionist’s desk, there’s a very good chance of that candy either being Hershey’s Kisses or a mixture of Krackle, Special Dark and whatever else comes in that miniature candy bar variety pack. Thus they offer labels specially designed to fit Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Mini’s, and Hershey’s Nuggets, as well as full-sized bars. This makes it a snap to send your customers home with a sweet reminder of your business. Not into chocolate? They also offer custom labels for mint tins and Tic Tac containers.

5. Magnetic Labels. These aren’t labels for magnets, they are actual magnetic labels. They come in two sizes: business card and full sheet. Use them for digital photos, organizing products on metal shelving, or embarrassing the new guy with an 8.5” x 11” mug shot on the break room refrigerator. OnlineLabels’ products come in so many varieties that almost every shape and size can be made in a material that is compatible with your printer, whether it’s inkjet or laser. Magnetic labels are an exception and can only be used with inkjet printers.

6. Iron-on Heat Transfer Paper. This is how you make that personalized employee of the month t-shirt, or jerseys for the company softball team. Or maybe you want to let your employees choose their own style shirts but unify their look with a common logo on the sleeve. OnlineLabels offers two different types of transfer paper, one for light colored fabric and one for dark, and the website includes detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for printing and applying the iron-on transfers.

7. Metallic Labels. These are true attention-getters: bright gold and silver foil labels available in pretty much every shape and size imaginable. I’m hard-pressed to think of an occasion for which these wouldn’t be appropriate—nay, amazing.

With the above list I’m barely scratching the surface of the products offered. There are also: wine bottle labels, beer bottle labels, shipping labels, golf club labels, bookplate labels, remote controlled RC decal labels, and much more.Check out their product page for a full list. And if you can’t find what you need on that list, they also offer hundreds of specialty shapes and the option to fully customize any shape they don’t already have in stock.

Moving beyond the physical labels themselves, OnlineLabels.com also offers free label- generating tools. With these, you can create barcodes, QR labels and nutrition labels. They also offer their Maestro Label Designer software free to customers—no downloads necessary. The software includes hundreds of templates to help you along the way, as well as one of the afore mentioned barcode generating tools. It also gives you access to ClipArt.com’s extensive image library for use in designing your custom labels.

Nowadays a good product alone often isn’t enough to make a business successful. Thus OnlineLabels.com is also focused on maintaining top-notch customer service. I already mentioned that there are no minimum orders; they also provide same day shipping at no additional cost and happily provide free samples to earnest customers. Any standard items can also be returned for a full refund within 60 days, should circumstances change and your order no longer meets your needs.

OnlineLabels.com isn’t the only label manufacturer out there, but it’s one of the largest and between their huge selection and emphasis on customer service they’re also arguably one of the best.

by Alex Mehler

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Goodreads launched their website in 2007, and has since built a community of 20 million members who have added 570 million books and 24 million reviews - and the book app uses bar codes. Goodreads provides the opportunity to catalogue book collections, read and write reviews, and connect with fellow book lovers. If you’re looking for a new book, the recommendation engine analyzes 20 billion data points, resulting in personalized recommendations. With the Goodreads app, you can reference your book collection or add books to your “to read” list on the go.

Exploring and discovering new books is one of the strongest functionalities of this app. There are several ways to search in addition to just entering a title or author. You can explore book lists by genre—with forty to choose from—or unique categories such as “I Didn’t Know it Was a Series!” and “The ‘Can’t Wait’ Books of 2014.” If you like going with the flow and being up to date on the latest big thing, you can search lists of the most popular books from the week, month, or year. A final option is to “Explore Books at Random!” which might not be necessarily useful, but nevertheless could be an interesting way to try something unexpected. In addition to finding book recommendations, you can also read ebooks within the app. You can find ebooks by the most downloaded or recently uploaded from a catalog of over 2,000 public domain ebooks.

There are plenty of community reviews for most books, but as with all things community based, sometimes it’s time consuming to wade through the irrelevant to find the valuable. An option to read expert reviews would provide a quick and reliable source of information without taking away from the feeling of community. There could also be the possibility to gain a reputation as a reviewer with a peer rating system.

You can join groups and connect with friends from Facebook or phone contacts, though integration with Twitter is surprisingly missing. The well-established Goodreads community, however, enables you to connect with other book lovers outside your normal social networking sites.

The built-in barcode scanner not only enables you to inventory your home book collection, but if you’re browsing in a store, you can scan the barcode of a book to add to your “to read” list and read reviews before purchasing. This functionality generally works pretty well, but it doesn’t recognize some older books, which might be disappointing to those who have a book collection built over many years, which would make manual entry time consuming and wearisome. For the books the barcode scanner does recognize, it fills in the title, author, relevant publishing details, and community reviews reliably, but that’s about it. A functionality to link to online shopping sites such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble would be helpful, or at least an option to check availability and prices at local stores. Shopping integration with Amazon might very well come to fruition in the near future, as they acquired Goodreads in March, 2013.

When Amazon purchased Goodreads, they combined one of the largest communities of book lovers with one of the most established ebook platforms and store fronts. Integration with the new Kindle Paperwhite was announced in November 2013. In addition to accessing Goodreads benefits through the Kindle Paperwhite, you can also add your entire collection of books—both physical and electronic—purchased through Amazon to your Goodreads account.

The Goodreads app is free in iTunes, and is definitely worth a try.

This review is of the Goodreads iPhone and iPad app, but is also available for Android.

Written by Kristin Clay

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From a parking garage in the basement of a skyscraper in China, to a gated residential community in Boca Raton, Florida, to busy parking lots in one of the oldest private universities in southern California, long-range RFID (radio frequency identification) systems are decreasing vehicle entry and exit times (hands free for safety), restricting access to authorized parkers only, and saving plenty of time and money for owners and customers alike.

These systems are installed in commercial and corporate parking areas, gated communities, airport and university parking structures, and hospital lots used by doctors and staff.

In the most basic terms, RFID wireless technology can be used for automatic identification of tags attached to an object.

Low frequency systems operate in short ranges while high frequency systems have longer ranges.

Higher frequencies allow increased data transmission rates, which means that an ID tag can be read much faster. Higher frequencies also allow higher rates of speed for moving vehicles as the ID tag is being identified.

And the semi-passive RFID tags used in these systems require no startup time when approaching the reader, and offer life spans approaching 10 years.

Equipped with batteries to keep the tag "awake," the semi-passive name means those batteries just power the electronic processing components and are not used for transmission.

One of the pioneers in the development of long-range RFID, a company called TagMaster (headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with a North American subsidiary in Tacoma, Washington) has developed a number of systems operating in the 2.45 GHz band. This operating frequency, coupled with low output power, ensures that these systems can be installed worldwide without a license.

The newest generation of long-range RFID readers has a read-range between 3 and 12 meters (approximately 10 to 40 feet), meaning that vehicles don't have to stop when entering parking structures.

Safety is enhanced and vehicle entry and exit time is decreased, especially during peak hours. Parking customers can stay inside their locked vehicles with no need to roll down the window, punch a keypad or swipe a card. And vehicle theft is minimized as the ID tag can be removed from the holder during parking hours.

For the operator of the parking structure or entry gate, records are kept of each entry and exit, customer satisfaction increases since traffic moves more quickly, and parking fees can be charged automatically without manned booths. And the environmental impact is limited as vehicles reduce fuel consumption with less stopping and waiting.

Fully protected from the environment with an enclosure, these compact readers can be installed outdoors without any problems.

The hardware and software for each system can be customized based on the location and needs of the operator. Software code is written on an open source Linux platform, offering maximum customization. And new generation readers are fully compatible with older installations, meaning that the entire system won't have to be replaced.

Long-range RFID technology continues to mature, offering more and more cost-effective solutions for parking and other applications.

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