Barcode Testing and Barcode Certification Explained In today’s retail and manufacturing sectors, barcodes play a crucial role in ensuring efficient supply chains and retail operations. They are essential to inventory management, tracking, and accurate data capture at point-of-sale systems. As such, the quality of the barcode, both on items and logistic cartons, is paramount. But […]
Archive | Barcode Print Quality
Barcode Compliance Extends Beyond Poor Print Quality
August 28, 2023 in Barcode Print Quality
Our barcode compliance division is seeing a growing percentage of problematic shipments involving shipping label placement issues, rather than barcode format or print quality infractions. Placement-related infractions can range from placing labels on an incorrect carton panel, wrapping barcodes around corners, placing labels over a flap seam, and even placing labels in areas in which […]
Increased Barcode Compliance Charges in 2023
June 9, 2023 in Barcode Print Quality
For over twenty-five years, we have been administering barcode certification and compliance programs for major US retailers. The retail industry has dramatically changed over the years and the focus on supply chain efficiency has never been greater. Some suppliers view barcode compliance charges as a “profit center” for retailers but as an unbiased testing center, […]
Barcode Chargebacks Caused By Abrasion & Smudging
May 9, 2022 in Barcode Print Quality
“How Could This Possibly Be My Responsibility?” said Supplier Who Received The Offset Receiving barcode compliance offset charges quite often makes suppliers cringe. We should know because our testing division, Identification Labs, administers and validates barcode compliance charges for many retailers and distributors. The companies which utilize our services trust our lab to provide unbiased […]
Why Is My Barcode Not Scanning At My Local Store?
March 23, 2022 in Barcode Print Quality
Our GS1 barcode consultants fields questions every day involving UPC identification and barcodes. One of the most frequently asked questions is “Why is my barcode not scanning when I take it to my local store?” It is very common for someone to obtain a GS1 UPC barcode and immediately take a printed sample to a […]
Barcode Compliance Charges Are on The Rise
October 12, 2021 in Barcode Print Quality
Since 1997 we have been administering barcode compliance programs for major retailers and there is always a significant increase in logistical barcode infractions during the fall. Due to apparent training challenges, the recent volume of non-compliant barcodes and subsequent offset expenses has been astronomical. Many suppliers view barcode compliance charges as a “profit center” for […]
Death by a Thousand Minor Shipping Label Offsets
February 5, 2020 in Barcode Print Quality
A $1,000 compliance offset (hopefully) grabs your attention. But a steady stream of $50 offsets, and a handful of sub-$200 here and there? Maybe they get looked at, maybe they don’t, maybe they are just the “cost of doing business”. But the truth is, they add up. If you are receiving GS1-128 (UCC-128) shipping label […]
Top 5 Preventable Barcoding Mistakes
January 10, 2020 in Barcode Print Quality
As the US authority on barcodes, companies contact us every day inquiring either how to go about barcoding their products or for help unraveling a problem with the barcodes currently on their packaging. Whereas a logo and brand style might entice a consumer to purchase a product, a barcode that cannot be scanned will prevent […]
Vanity Barcodes: Cool Idea Or Damaging to a Product?
September 23, 2019 in Barcode Print Quality
Vanity barcodes have grown popular over years because they are a innovative source of branding. Designers sometimes believe they can transform a ubiquitous UPC barcode into something unique and creative that will distinguish their brand from all others. Just remember the distinction should result in a positive, not a negative. Whereas as a logo and […]
Types of Digital Barcode Image Formats – Update
July 24, 2019 in Barcode Print Quality
Explanation of Image File Formats for Digital Barcode Graphic Files Unless someone has experience with graphic design programs, it is unrealistic to know the differences between the various types of graphic image file formats. Some formats are specifically for web graphics and others are meant for print applications. When an incorrect file format is […]
