Barcode Solutions: Reading Between the Lines

Having the right barcode and labelling solutions in place speeds up processes like checkout, inventory tracking, and order fulfilment which makes your business run more smoothly. Choosing the right solution also cuts down on costs associated with reprinting, product returns, or rejections caused by unscannable barcodes.         

It seems incredible that something as simple as a humble barcode plays such an integral role in commercial processes, but without them many businesses simply wouldn’t function. Effective use of barcodes and RFID labels can streamline operations and improve efficiency and accuracy.

They can save time and costs by reducing the risk of inevitable human error that occurs when entering information manually. And they also enable real-time tracking of products, making it easier to monitor stock levels, improve supply chain management, and enhance traceability.

For many sectors, especially healthcare and food, accurate labelling is non-negotiable to meet industry regulations. In these industries, it’s critical to have well printed barcodes and labels for essential product tracking and recall processes if its ever needed.

Better solutions deliver stronger business growth

As businesses grow and requirements evolve, labelling solutions must adapt to support new needs—whether through seamless printer additions or advanced functionalities like RFID and automated labelling.

Solutions have to align with compliance and legislative requirements, too. For example, ensuring the appropriate local packaging and supplier information reflects the (often changing) demands of different operating regions is critical. And, with businesses of all kinds looking to reduce waste and support sustainability objectives, barcoding and labelling solutions need to keep up. Longer lasting and ribbon-saving technologies are two relatively simple ways to enhance environmental performance and achieve cost savings.

Additionally, effective cost management and ROI require firms to look beyond the initial purchase price, ensuring that printers deliver superior performance and longevity. Cloud-based labelling software, for example, can significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs—while allowing for easy integration of new functionalities.

Finding the right solution

Which is why it’s so important to find the right barcode printing solutions for you and your business. The right solution ensures barcodes/labels are printed clearly and accurately, which is crucial for proper scanning and data capture.

But what does the right solution look like for you? Naturally, you need your barcode printers to be robust, reliable and built to last. And you also need barcoding and labelling solutions that enhance your business efficiency and agility, without making things more complicated than they need to be. You also need high-performance devices that perform in even the most demanding environments.

Working with the right supplier is essential and at Toshiba we’re committed to helping businesses implement barcode solutions— we provide tools that simplify and automate a wide range of tasks and processes. Our future-proof solutions are designed to address various operational challenges and are built with your long-term needs in mind.

Mobile printers are ideally suited to users who need to stay productive while on the move—whether that’s mobile POS in a retail outlet, printing tickets for visitors or travellers, undertaking meter readings, issuing fines or handling shopping labels and parcel tracking at depots.

Whereas desktop printers deliver professional labels fast for users based in labs, offices and warehouses where operational efficiency depends on having the ability to print labels on-demand at the touch of a button.

In industrial printing, keeping operations running smoothly demands a wide variety of labels, including pallet and container labels, as well as those for parts, products, and cartons. The right industrial printer needs to be super durable with the highest productivity and reliability.

Game-changing technology

New technology, like our innovative A-BRID operating system uses an embedded app to enable standalone printing. The software is built directly into the printer so it gives you total control. And there’s also no need for a separate workstation or terminal so you can save space on your factory floor.

With A-BRID, barcodes can be issued either remotely or directly from your printer, depending on what suits your own workflow requirements. And the new tech lets your printers talk to one another, cloning and sharing printer data securely so you can extend or upscale your operational network in no time, giving your business the competitive advantage you want.