
What are barcode asset tags?
Barcodes are a series of black and white stripes that are used to identify assets. These stripes comprise alternating thick and thin lines that form a series of “bars” on the affixed label. Each letter or number can represent different products, and the code is unique to each product.
Barcodes can also contain information such as the weight of the product, the price, where the product was made and other information about the asset. The barcode can be scanned by a reader, which will then upload that information into a computer. This helps store employees keep track of what items are being sold and the price of the product. This information can also be accessed by customers who are checking out items themselves.
Several different types of barcodes are available. Two-dimensional barcodes, also known as stacked codes, are more complex than a linear barcode. They provide more information, hold more data and are easier to read when printed on small objects. Unlike linear barcodes, stacked codes are read by a laser rather than an optical scanner.
Each one-dimensional bar is seven units wide and contains a certain number of unit spaces within the width, alternating between dark and light. The start symbol (which is always one thick line) and stop symbol (always consisting of two lines) come at the beginning and end of the barcode, respectively. Different one-dimensional barcodes have different symbologies and are not all the same (e.g., code 39, code 128, etc.). This makes it possible for scanners to find where each code begins and ends. To encode any given data into a barcode, you need an original piece of data called a “message,” which represents whatever sort of information you’re trying to encode (e.g., product identification or price). This data is then translated into barcode form, which results in a unique sequence of bars and spaces that make up the code.
QR codes are a type of two-dimensional barcode that hold more information. Like linear barcodes, QR codes are made up of black bars and spaces with thicker lines in some places. Unlike most other types of barcode, QR codes can be scanned even if they’re damaged or dirty because the information they contain is arranged not only horizontally but also vertically. This means that there are three possible directions in which you can swipe your scanner over the code, so it’s easy to get the right angle for scanning, no matter how large or small the code is printed. When a QR code is scanned, it’s translated into a regular URL that links to a website.
What types of barcode asset tags are available?
There are two main types of barcode asset tags that Metalcraft offers. These include both metal tags with barcodes and plastic labels with barcodes.
Metal Barcode Tags
The first metal tag in our barcode product lines is the Metal Barcode Tag. These tags combine both reliability and durability, making them one of Metalcraft’s most popular products for customers that want durability and multiple size/thickness options for their tags.
Metal Barcode Tags are available with or without a barcode, and black copy, logos and barcodes are photographically reproduced and sealed within the anodized aluminum layer. Optional second colors are screen printed. This ensures that the tag will be readable and long-lasting.
An optional intensification process is also available. This process increases the heat resistance of a nameplate to1000° F (intermittent) while also improving resistance to UV rays.
For an alternative version of this tag, check out our Tabbed Metal Barcode Nameplates that feature a convenient break-away tab to assist with liner removal.
High Temp Metal Barcode Nameplates
These barcodes are similar to our Metal Barcode Tags but with a few key differences. High Temp Metal Barcode Nameplates are ideal for temperatures from 900° to 1200° F. They serve as an economical alternative to more expensive high temperature materials such as ceramic and stainless steel.
Foil Barcode Labels
Foil Barcode Labels are flexible, which means that they conform to surfaces while withstanding chemicals, abrasion, solvents and high temperatures.
Teflon® Coated Nameplates
Teflon® Coated Nameplates are easy to clean, acid-resistant and temperature-resistant up to 500 °F.
Available with or without a barcode, Teflon® Coated Nameplates are ideal for customers who require permanent nameplates to stand up in extremely harsh environments.
UID Metal Nameplates
Made with Metalphoto® material, these barcodes meet a wide array of commercial, government and military specifications. These photosensitive anodized aluminum nameplates and labels are the ideal solution for many UID applications.
Our UID Metal Nameplates have earned more top scores than any other IUID bar code label material tested by the U.S. Navy.
Paint-Resist Metal Barcode Nameplates
These nameplates can withstand several paint applications while sporting a color design. The fluoropolymer laminate that Pain-Resist Metal Barcode Nameplates feature helps the product to resist multiple paint applications (approximately 10-12), grease and graffiti.
Plastic Labels
Plastic Labels are designed for a variety of different applications. They’re pliable enough to conform to curved surfaces and durable enough to resist caustics, solvents and mild abrasion. When they’re combined with subsurface printing, it protects your brand, copy and barcode against wear.
Plastic Barcode Labels can be used for a wide variety of applications, from windshields to cable and containers.
They’re designed for superior readability and they can be customized to your environment.
Security, Destructible and Specialty Labels work as excellent security measures. Destructible Labels will tear if someone attempts to remove them, and Tamper Evident Labels have a clear visual indicator to show you when a product or asset has been tampered with.
Onsite Printable Labels provide our customers with the flexibility to have pre-printed labels that can be customized on-site with more print information.
Paint Resist Labels come in two different types. Permanent Paint Resist Polymer Labels are designed to resist multiple paintings, while our Removable Paint Mask Polymer Labels feature a one-time removable paint-mask after your product has gone through a painting station in a production line.
Plastic Tags are versatile, and they can be used for a variety of applications. These include Custom Hang Tags for Asset Tracking and Key Fobs.
How to choose the best barcode asset labels
Choosing the best barcode asset label for your organization is going to depend on your organization’s needs. To figure out what barcode type will work the best, our Inside Sales Reps use the “Metalcraft DART Qualification Process.”
The first step is to define the project objective in order to set realistic expectations.
Second, we ask questions about affixing surfaces, chemical exposure, environmental conditions and temperature resistance so that our specialists can narrow down potential product options.
Once our specialists have obtained more information, they use it to recommend the right product for a specific application.
After the right product is recommended, our specialists send out test samples free of charge so that the customer can test the product in the environment it will be used in.
What can I track with barcode labels?
Barcode labels can track a wide variety of things within several industries.
From tracking books in a local library to using barcodes for logistics purposes such as tracking shipments to deliver orders, barcodes are present in our everyday lives. Whether it’s a healthcare worker using a barcode to streamline patient care or a farmer tracking harvests and livestock, they show up more often than you might think.
Things to consider when choosing barcode tags
There are two different types of barcodes. Each one has advantages and disadvantages to consider when determining the right barcode for your company.
- Linear/one-dimensional barcodes are the most common type of barcode that you’ll see. They’re often present on products that you buy. A linear barcode is made up of a series of thin black bars and spaces that are arranged in a particular pattern. When this pattern is scanned, it turns into digital information that can be read by computers.
- Two-dimensional/stacked codes are more complex than linear barcodes. They provide more information, hold more data and are easier to read when printed on smaller objects. This type of barcode is easier to read on smaller objects. Stacked codes are also read by a laser instead of an optical scanner.
Asset management with barcode asset tags
There are many benefits to doing your asset management with barcode asset tags. One such benefit is that you can quickly track your assets’ locations. In addition, you won’t have to purchase new RFID readers if you switch from barcodes due to the fact that their readers are compatible. Barcodes offer different levels of security and a large amount of product information that can be. Barcodes are also more affordable than RFID tags, and they can be used alongside RFID tags to provide extra protection against failure.
As you can see, barcodes have a large variety of uses and product types to fit your organization’s needs.
About the Author: Marianne Alvarado

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