Barcode types or symbologies can be confusing with some end users having trouble in identifying the best one to suit their application. Below is a summary of the more popular types of barcode, covering linear or one dimensional and two dimensional types.

Code 39 is a popular means of labelling assets, property and warehouse racking. It is alphanumeric barcode system, which allows a combination of serial numbering with prefix or suffix lettering. It does not have a built in check digit, and has a low data density (meaning that it takes more space). As a consequence of the density, it is not suitable for labelling of small goods. This linear barcode system is commonly ideal for a maximum of 8-10 characters.

Code 128 is another one dimensional barcode type. Again it can provide alphanumeric barcodes. It does have the advantage of providing a check digit for verification, and with it being a high density format, which makes it more space efficient than code 39, allowing longer strings of data. This code is used for product marking, asset tagging, inventory control labels and stickers for warehouse racking applications. GS1 is a subset of code 128 and is used in packaging and shipping, where the first part of the barcode identifier is customer specific.

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric only one dimensional barcode symbology, with digits interleaved to form a single symbol. It is high in data density , but can only handle even numbers of digits. It is used mainly in warehousing and distribution on documents, packages, shipping boxes, pallets and containers. The horizontal bars at the top and bottom of the barcode are to reduce the possibility of misreading on scanning.

EAN 8 and EAN 13 (8 digits and 13 digits respectively) are the recognised system for barcode marking in globally traded retail products, and incorporate details of the manufacturer, product type, pack size etc.. EAN stands for European Article Number (although this has become international), and includes country of origin, manufacturer, product and check digit. At the point of sale these barcodes  can present information on price, expiration date and batch production date, as well as supporting stock control and product re-ordering.

QR codes are one of the main two-dimensional or matrix. The QR signifies Quick Response and originated in the automotive industry, and have greater storage capacity and fast readability. The can be numeric or alphanumeric, but have the added advantage for product marketing, as these barcodes can be linked to individual URLs, and can be used in commercial applications for tracking, and for product and service advertising. For applications with a small surface area, there is a Micro QR version. QR codes can contain up to 4296 alphanumeric characters, and has an error correction capability. This can be read by mobile phones.

Data Matrix is another two-dimensional or 2D barcode system. This square patterned alphanumeric barcode is more compact than the QR code, and it is often preferred when marking small items or components, especially in electronic, pharmaceutical and aerospace markets. Once more, it can be read by smart phones. These can contain up to 2335 alphanumeric characters Logos can be included in the centre of the barcode as this does not affect readability, which is contained on the perimeter. Data Matrix has a high storage capacity and correction capability, and are smaller in size allowing them to be generally used in asset marking, and product tracking.

A further 2D coding system is Aztec, which is used widely in the healthcare sector for patient, blood product and specimen identification, and transport applications. It has the potential to offer less space to contain data, because it does not have a quiet zone (a blank space needed by other systems when being scanned). This cannot be read by mobile phones, but only by dimensional imaging devices, thus adding an element of security. Aztec codes offer high levels of error correction to prevent mis-scanning. The size can vary on this system, therefore allowing for huge amounts of data to be stored, but it does not support Kana or Kanji characters, unlike QR codes.

Label Source can produce labels incorporating barcodes to customer design. These are available in a wide range of sizes and a diverse range of materials, including self-adhesive substrates including paper, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, aluminium foil, tamper evident polyester, destructible vinyl and aluminium.

Serial numbers play a large part in tracking shipments, model numbers, batch dates and lot numbers. Though they may seem simple, serial number labels play a large part in ensuring that all of these operations run smoothly and that goods are not lost in the process. We have plenty of serial number labels in stock here at Label Source, and serial number labels with barcodes are a particularly popular option.

As these labels include both a serial number and a barcode, you will be able to store, transport and track your assets with supreme ease. Barcodes are ideal for product identification, stock control, tracking and warranty/guarantee requirements. This makes serial number labels with barcodes an essential item for a variety of different operations.

Here's a look at some of the serial number labels with barcodes we have on offer here at Label Source:

• Scanmark Plus Barcode Labels
• Foil Barcode Labels
• Destructible Barcode Labels
• Tamper Evident Barcode Labels 
• Dual Barcode Labels 
• Cable Wrap Barcode Labels 

Our serial number labels with barcodes are supplied in rolls or sheets, allowing you to label multiple items in one sitting. They are also self-adhesive and can be attached to the product easily and securely. Browse all serial number labels with barcodes here >

If none of the above suit your requirements, we also have a custom asset tag builder tool that enbables you to create your own label design. It is simple and easy to use, and will allow you to choose the exact material and text you would like on your labels. 

Click here to use our custom asset tag builder >

There has been a rapid growth in the use of QR two dimensional barcodes, which are small in size yet are able to contain high data storage capacity. In appearance the QR (or Quick Response) codes are square dots arranged in a square grid, and can be incorporated in label designs.

These QR barcode labels can be used in manufacturing, distribution and warehousing to provide item identification, product or service tracking, and stock control. The QR barcodes labels can be produced on a range of materials including self adhesive vinyl (standard and tamperproof destructible, polyester (including tamper evident), aluminium foil, polypropylene and aluminium.

These labels can be produced to customer specification inclusive of these QR barcodes, to suit a range of operating conditions and environments. For further information contact sales@labelsource.co.uk or telephone Freephone 0800 3761693 or 01443 842769.

Using asset tags helps you to keep your goods/assets organised, particularly if you are loaning them to other people or taking them off-premises on a regular basis. Also, if your items go missing, or if they are stolen, a unique asset tag will help you to track them down and verify that they belong to you.

Why Use Asset Tags?

A good example of a product that uses asset tags are library books, you will have seen how libraries keep track of their books using these tags. Asset tags allow them to check books out so they know where they are even when off premise. This also allows libraries to identify which books belong to them.

This is vital for products that are frequently lent to other people but have high value or are valuable in that they are often needed by other people. It also helps people tell the difference between what belongs to them or to wherever they are borrowing from. 

Examples of items that might be labeled with asset tags include:

• Computers and printers
• Electronic equipment
• Library books
• Tools

Plus any other assets that need to be monitored and/or may be at risk of theft.

Where to Buy Asset Tags

We sell a huge variety of asset tagging products here at Label Source, including barcode stickers (for electronic asset management) serial numbering labels (which can be branded with your company name and logo), and a variety of stencils that can be used to assert your ownership.

However, if none of our standard products meet your requirements, you may be more interested in our Custom Asset Tag Builder.

This tool is exclusive to Label Source, and it can be used to create completely bespoke asset labels. You can input your own text, select your preferred numbering/barcoding system, and even choose from 27 different colour combinations. Our custom asset tags come in a range of different sizes and materials, so no matter what you need, we are more than capable of catering to you.

Click here to start using our Asset Tag Builder, or contact Label Source for more information about implementing an asset tagging system and how we can help.

Barcode labels can be used for a number of different purposes, including product identification, stock control, asset tracking, traceability and warranty guarantee requirements. There are different barcodes used for different applications and requirements:

Code 39 barcode:

This is considered as a self-checking barcode, eliminating the need to check character calculations. This barcode is widely used, mainly in industrial, government and defence applications. These barcodes can be decoded with virtually any barcode reader. Code 39 barcode symbol consist of symbols representing numbers 0-9, upper class letters A-Z.

Code 128 barcode:

The 128 barcode encodes text and numbers and is used for several implementations, such as shipping and electronics. The 128 barcode contains 106 printing patterns, each having different meanings, depending on characters.

Interleave 2 of 5 barcode:

This barcode is used mainly for warehouse and distribution. This barcode is used to encode pairs of numbers into self-checking, high- destiny barcode format. Every two digits on the barcode are interleaved with each other, creating a single symbol.

EAN13 – EAN8 barcodes:

These barcode labels are commonly used for products within retail stores, such as food, clothes, books etc. The difference between these two labels is the amount of digits each barcode holds. The last digits on the EAN13 barcodes normally represent a country code. Both of these barcodes support a supplemental two or five digit number, to be used on the main barcode symbol.

For more information on our barcodes labels please do not hesitate to ask.