Categories
Food Service

Scan & Track Your Cold Storage Inventory Without the Headache

If you’re working with products or inventory in cold storage, a common problem is how to scan barcode labels and track your assets, especially when most barcode label scanners aren’t designed for extremely cold environments. Most barcode scanning devices cannot operate in extreme cooler, refrigerator, chiller, and freezer conditions. They’re also ill-equipped to handle the constant changes in temperature and conditions that occur when workers move between cold storage and warmer zones in the workplace. When moving in and out of cold storage, condensation can accumulate on barcode scanner windows and reduce scanning performance or make barcode scanning impossible. Barcodes in cold storage environments are also frequently covered with frost or condensation, leading to the same scanning difficulty or impossibility. In addition, cold temperatures are tough on batteries, which often means you can’t use cordless barcode scanners in subzero temperatures. Battery performance typically drops as temperatures decrease, and at some point, batteries may stop functioning altogether. A final issue is the problem of trying to operate barcode scanners while wearing thick gloves to protect against cold temperatures. Even if you can keep a barcode label scanner running and scanning reliably, the difficulty in handling and operating it can get in the way of maximum efficiency. To solve these challenges, cold storage scanning requires highly specialized devices that can operate seamlessly in extreme cooler, refrigerator, chiller, and freezer conditions.

Zebra’s 3600 Series Cold Storage Scanning Solution

Thankfully, there is now an ideal solution for ultra-rugged and freezer-compliant barcode label scanning from Zebra Technologies. Our partners at Zebra recently introduced the 3600 Series of barcode label scanners, designed specifically to meet the most demanding and extreme cold storage requirements. Zebra’s freezer-compliant devices are engineered to provide reliable and easy operation in even the most extreme cold storage environments. This makes your entire supply chain more efficient, protects your customers, and enhances the profitability of your business.

The 3600 Series offers an operating temperature range of -22° F to 122° F when corded and -4° F to 122° F with a cordless configuration. Zebra’s unique PowerPrecision+ battery is also fully freezer rated, with no decline in performance over the entire operating system range. To prevent condensation on the device’s scanner window, Zebra also offers a heated scanner holder accessory that keeps the scanner head warm and prevents condensation buildup. If you need to connect your scanner to its host computer with a cord or cable, the 3600 Series includes freezer-rated cables with special jacketing to maintain flexibility and ensure reliable operation in subzero temperatures. Importantly, you can also go cordless with Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. Large keys on the Zebra 3600 Series keypad, an easy-to-use touch-screen, and an ergonomic mobile computer ensure that your workers can quickly scan barcodes and efficiently enter data, even with gloved hands. An advanced scanning engine also ensures that your workers will be able to scan 1D or 2D barcodes the first time—every time—even when barcodes are covered with frost or damaged, dirty, torn, smudged, or poorly printed. While it solves the problems of cold storage environments and moving in and out of cold temperatures, Zebra’s 3600 Series has also earned IP65 and IP67 ratings for its waterproof and dustproof design. This protects the device from virtually any challenge in your environment, including dusty aisles, outdoor yards, pouring rain, spilled coffee, high-pressure spray-downs, and wipe downs with industrial-strength cleaners.

These innovations are among the reasons why Zebra is the globally recognized leader in barcode scanning, RFID, and printing for cold storage environments and an array of industries. And they’re also why we recommend Zebra barcode scanners and mobile computers to all of our clients at Idezi.

Learn More & See It for Yourself

If you’d like to learn more about the Zebra 3600 Series Barcode scanning system and request a free consultation to help you choose the right cold storage barcode scanning solutions for your business, contact us now. Visit us at www.idezi.com, call us at 615-377-8849, or email info@idezi.com.

Categories
Barcodes for Business Outdoor

The Best Barcode Scanners for Tough Outdoor Environments

Trying to scan barcodes and keep your devices running seamlessly outdoors can be a huge challenge. Rain, sleet, snow, humidity, dust, extreme temperatures, and the presence of various liquids or corrosives can all pose serious threats to your scanning devices and their ability to read and capture barcodes. Your barcode scanners or computers might also be accidentally dropped, mishandled, or abused, which can lead to costly damage or destruction that disrupts your operations and hurts your bottom line. This is why our team at Idezi recommends rugged outdoor barcode label scanners and mobile computers from Zebra Technologies, the global leader in barcoding, RFID, and printing solutions.

Zebra’s 3600 Ultra-Rugged Series Handheld Barcode Label Scanner

Zebra’s 3600 Ultra-Rugged Series Scanner is one of our top recommendations for an extremely rugged, outdoor barcode scanner. It scans 1D and 2D barcodes fast and reliably, and it’s built to handle heavy abuse and drops to concrete from up to 8 feet. It’s 23 percent more durable than competing devices and survived a grueling test of 5,000 consecutive tumbles to simulate the typical tumbling that happens after a device is dropped. IP65- and IP67-rated sealing makes this device impervious to dust and water– it can survive 30 minutes while fully submerged in water. Its scanning exit window is scratch-resistant and recessed for the highest level of durability. The 3600 Ultra-Rugged Series is also designed to operate at extreme temperatures ranging from -4° F to 122° F, and it can be stored at temperatures as cold as -40° F or as hot as 158° F. You get reliable scanning and continuous performance in virtually any environment, and your cost of ownership will be lower because you won’t be wasting a lot of time and money on repair or replacement.

Zebra’s MT2070 Hybrid Barcode Label Scanner & Mobile Computer

If you need barcode scanning combined with mobile computing for your business-critical applications, Zebra’s MT2070 is a great option to consider. It combines the simplicity of a 1D and 2D barcode scanner with the brainpower of a mobile computer.  It’s a hybrid design with an ultra-ergonomic gun-style grip, and it’s ideal for rugged, demanding environments. It also offers flexibility with wireless, cordless, corded, or batch deployment.

Zebra’s TC75 Handheld Mobile Barcode Label Scanning Computer

Zebra’s TC75 is another top recommendation from our team, particularly if you’re looking for a flexible and high-performance mobile computer with built-in barcode scanning and support for Android. It features a 1GHz processor, 2GB of flash memory with up to 64GB of additional SD memory, and lightning-fast 1D and 2D barcode capture. It’s amazingly rugged for a device that resembles a consumer smartphone. It features IP65 and IP67 enclosures to seal out dust and water, and it can survive complete immersion in water. It can also survive multiple drops to concrete from as high as 8 feet, and it survived 2,000 consecutive 3.2-foot tumbles in Zebra’s punishing tumble test. It’s Corning Gorilla Glass touch panel and exit window is extremely durable and resistant to damage, meaning you’ll get a seamless touch screen and scanning performance without having to worry about the glass breaking or shattering.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

If you’d like to learn more about Zebra’s rugged barcode label scanners and mobile computers, or you’d like to explore other solutions for your specific outdoor scanning needs, contact our team at Idezi. Since 2001, we have helped solve the toughest scanning and tracking challenges across a wide range of industries. We’ll answer your questions, take the time to understand your business, and recommend a proven solution to meet your needs.

Visit us at www.idezi.com, call us at 615-377-8849 or email info@idezi.com.

Categories
Barcodes for Business Uncategorized

A Quick Guide to Better Barcode Labels & Reduced Printer Servicing

Understand Your Application & the Right Barcode Label Composition

A barcode label seems simple, but the composition of a label includes many items that need to work together to ensure successful barcode labeling and barcode scanning. These include the release liner, silicone coating, adhesive, face stock, and topcoat. When choosing your barcode labels, work with your supplier or a barcode labeling and printing expert to understand and find the right label composition for your specific application.

Avoid the Risks of Using the Wrong Barcode Labels

While it can be tempting to use cheap, low-cost labels or overlook the need for specialized labels for your application and printing requirements, the unintended consequences of such choices often lead to costly problems.

Common Problems with Cheap or Substandard Barcode Labels

  • Hidden and significant material, productivity, and service costs
  • Increased need to reprint labels and service printers more often
  • Poor print quality and issues with scanability and durability
  • Reduced productivity and efficiency for your staff
  • Customer dissatisfaction

These problems can add up to major decreases in scanning efficiency, premature printhead failures, increased servicing requirements, and a constant need to reprint.

Use High-Quality, Pre-Tested Barcode Labels

Pre-tested, consistent materials ensure print quality and reduce the need to re-print labels due to poor readability and scannability. This means smoother and more accurate warehousing, inventory, and shipping operations because barcodes can be scanned quickly, easily, and reliably. It also ensures the clarity and accuracy of prices and other business-critical information on your barcode labels and barcode tags. Using lower quality labels often causes premature print head failures, downtime, and additional costs for servicing and repairs. Using high-quality labels and printing supplies helps you eliminate these problems by using materials specifically designed to meet the demands of your application and to maximize your printer availability and productivity.

Why Zebra Barcode Labels Are the Right Choice

Our partners at Zebra Technologies pre-test all of their barcode labels and printing supplies, use consistent materials and have quality processes in place to ensure the highest print quality.

Guaranteed Printhead Protection

If you use Zebra printers and agree to use genuine Zebra supplies exclusively, you get guaranteed protection against unexpected print head replacement costs. If you have a print head that fails, it will be replaced at no charge.

Quality Assurance

FEATURE
BENEFIT

Pre-tested

Will not cause pre-mature print head failure
High-quality print

No material substitution

Consistent performance from run to run
Eliminates need to adjust printer settings

ISO 9001-2008 certified

Ensures consistent, high-quality products and services

Computerized vision inspection system

Ensures pre-printed color is properly applied

Color-matching software/equipment

Closely match PMS color
Consistent color from run to run

Pre-Testing Process

Zebra’s supplies research and development team pre-tests all materials on Zebra printers, putting barcode labels through stringent tests and analysis.

  • Pre-testing on Zebra Printers
  • Assessment of print head wear
  • Verification of adhesive strength specifications
  • Pre-tests for different environmental factors
    • Indoor/outdoor
    • Low/high temperatures
    • Abrasion
    • Chemical

Unsurpassed Selection of Barcode Labels

Zebra has a large selection of quality, pre-tested supplies with more than 1,000 combinations of labels, tags, receipts, wristbands, and ribbons—including over 500 stock products.

Sample Program

Zebra’s samples program allows you to check the quality and application of labels before you buy.

  • Pre-Printed Strips allow you to check label adhesive, thickness, color, and durability.
  • Sample Packs showcase available products and introduce new solutions.
  • SAM Rolls provide small rolls of labels so you can test printing and durability.
  • ZipShip Rolls are used to test label applications and are available in the most popular sizes.

Annual Ordering Option

You can buy your Zebra supplies with a single, annual order through our “stock and ship” program. Order once and we’ll send your supplies on a fixed schedule. If your demand is suddenly higher, contact us and we’ll ship your next supplies sooner.

Making the Right Choices for Your Barcode Label Printing Needs

At Idezi, our team of barcoding, labeling, and printing experts will help you find the right barcode labels, supplies, and printers to optimize your operations and lower your costs. Contact us now for a free consultation.

Visit us at www.idezi.com, call us at 615-377-8849, or email info@idezi.com.

Categories
Barcodes for Business Science Uncategorized

Why You Need to Be Using a Barcode Tracking System in the Lab

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Using barcodes can give your laboratory more flexibility and power than a traditional inventory management can. Here are a few reasons why a barcode tracking system can increase your productivity and avoid errors.

What is a Barcode Tracking System?

Simply put: A barcode is a pattern that computers can read. The pattern contains data about the item it’s attached to. If it is a linear code the information is formatted in a series of parallel lines. A 2D code uses a grid of squares, rectangles, dots or hexagons. In both cases, the information can be “read” by a scanner or imager then relays the decoded data back to your computer system.

Why You Should Use Barcode Labels In The Lab

The automatic process of barcode tracking systems increases your rate of productivity. You speed up your data-logging and reduce the odds of errors. Poor handwriting or misspellings are often the mistakes made in laboratories. Barcodes are properly printed on a selected label and won’t fade or smudge during a lab process. Those usually include water baths, handling and rubbing, alcohol wipes and solvent exposure. You’ll want a durable label material that will keep information attached to equipment. That includes the uses of microslides, blood tubes, or microvials. They often endure long-term freezer storage and cold transit which can cause them to fall off.

What Kind Of Barcode And Label Should You Use?

First, consider the amount of space you have for the label and how much data you want to include. If you have a particularly small item, consider using a “cap and tube” label pair. Also, you can use a 2D code on the lid for faster scanning. Tubes don’t have to leave their rack, so 2D codes are ideal. Stick the additional information on the side of the vessel on a larger label. A popular symbology for linear lab barcodes is Code 128. It is of high-density format that can store a lot of alphanumeric data in a small space. That is what makes 2D codes ideal. A data matrix symbol can hold up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. However, they do need a more sophisticated scanner to read.

How You Can Start Barcoding

In-house printing is a good option if you already have access to label design software and a quality thermal transfer printerOutsourcing your label printing saves on time and the investment of a printer. It is also more convenient to receive quality-tested, ready-to-use labels that are durable. If you do choose to print in-house, remember to ensure that your barcode is legible. Make sure that the label material and printer ribbon are matched correctly. Print at 300dpi or greater for sharper barcodes at small sizes. Maintain your printer so that you can prevent low-contrast printing or voids.

Final Thoughts

Barcode labels are beneficial for sample identification. Consider this method to maximize your productivity and to remain accurate. You will improve the efficiency of your processes and protect valuable data. You also reduce the risk of human mistakes through the right barcode tracking system.

Learn more about how our Scientific Research division works with universities and research facilities.

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Categories
Barcodes for Business

Using Stock Labels For Efficiency

 

With today’s focus on the global marketplace, there is an increasing demand for the most efficient way to fulfill orders. Companies need to save costs and achieve overall value by using the best methods when it comes to shipping. Industry leaders are building infrastructure to handle shipping more efficiently. But you don’t have to shell out millions in investments to drive optimal processes for shipping operations. Many businesses don’t know that stock labels can be the key to faster logistics and lower costs. With a variety of different types available, these labels can effectively address your business needs. You’ll be fulfilling customer orders fast. In this post, we’ll show you how.

Customizable

Don’t worry about customizing your orders. The beauty of these barcode labels is that you combine low cost with high customization. You can have the best of both worlds by ordering these labels and having them on standby. Then you’ll customize them onsite to fulfill your logistics needs.

Stock Labels Using Thermal Transfers

There are many types of labels. Many businesses are unaware that Thermal transfer is a popular and cost-effective method of thermal printing. These labels use a thermal ribbon. As the label and ribbon pass through the printhead together the ink from the ribbon is melted and transferred to the face of the label. This process saves money. Plus, it is very durable. You will know your labels are secure and easy to decipher throughout the shipping and logistics process. You can vary the size, colors, and type to achieve optimal results for your business.

Direct Thermal Labels 

Direct Thermal Labels change the color from white to black as they pass through a print head. You don’t need thermal ribbons like with Thermal Transfer Labels.

Sizing For Every Need and Type

Depending on your specific needs, you will require labels in rolls or fanfold formats. Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal offer both options. Plus, you can order your labels in a variety of sizes. This includes rolls with a 3-inch or a 1-inch core. We customize your stock for the needs of your business. Whether you use an industrial size printer or a small desktop size, we can help. Additionally, based on your shipping volume and printer capabilities there are jumbo rolls to drive cost savings that you can pass on to your clients. All of these labels help you stay competitive in price. They also help you fulfill orders fast.

Fast Response 

It’s no secret that retailers want to reduce costs. This includes keeping their inventory low and reducing shipping costs. By operating more efficiently, your business will address their needs right away. With the right labels, you can count on your logistics to fulfill orders correctly and keep your clients happy with the fast response. You can’t afford to wait when it comes to competing in the shipping market. Whether your clients are retailers or individuals they would be both benefit from stock labels.

Idezi Can Help

Idezi offers one of the largest selections of stock labels in the industry, including Thermal Transfer Labels, Direct Thermal Labels, and Laser Labels! We work with the top label manufacturers to bring you the highest quality labels available. Whether your labels are stock or custom, Idezi has you covered. Don’t wait. Contact Idezi today and find out how we can help your business operate more efficiently.

Categories
Barcodes for Business

Just the Basics: Different Types of Barcodes You Should Know

Every time the UPS or Fed-Ex guy comes to my home, he scans the package. Every time I buy groceries at the store, the cashier scans the products. I go to the mall and my merchandise all gets scanned. What’s being scanned is a barcode. The primary purpose is to collect data of inventory but there’s a variety of reasons as to why they come in handy. There are also different types of barcodes and they serve different purposes.

Types of barcodes

The types of barcodes that are probably the most familiar to folks who don’t deal with them on a regular basis are numeric-only as well as alpha-numeric barcodes. These are the “old-school” barcodes that are represented by a bunch of seemingly random straight black lines with numbers underneath. The two most common are the ones used on consumer goods. In the US, this is called a UPC code and the international version is called an EAN code. Both of these codes look similar to the other. Other one-dimensional codes are used for specific industries, such as code 39 and code 128.

Rise of the 2D

Of all the types of barcodes, 2d barcodes are on the rise. These barcodes can be read without a laser scanning device and can be read both horizontally and vertically. Why is this a big deal? I can turn my mobile device into a two-dimensional barcode reading device with the download of a free app. This turns my camera into an optical scanner. This kind of flexibility has made two-dimensional barcodes a great tool for various marketing campaigns, assisting in driving sales, increasing brand loyalty, and providing extra depth to a marketing message. The two kinds of barcodes that consumers are the most familiar with are the QR code and the data matrix code. Two-dimensional barcodes are capable of holding more information than the classic one-dimensional type.

Stacked linear symbol

This is the barcode commonly used on driver’s licenses in the United States, named the PDF 417. This type of barcode can also be found on some prescription labels and retail coupons as the GS1 Databar. This code combines the structure of the traditional one-dimensional barcode with the ability handle a larger amount of information, like the two-dimensional barcode. The information can get confusing. I know when I’m having trouble, it’s time to talk to a professional.

The future

Label space is vital on a product. Even the most innovative types of barcodes take up space on the packaging. Where is the future heading for barcodes? One option is item ID. The scanner will read the product as a whole. For example, it will recognize that the can of Coca-cola is indeed a can of Coca-cola and will register. The item will become the barcode. Two-dimensional barcodes can not only hold more information but can also be programmed to correct incorrect information, something that its counterparts are incapable of doing. Imagine the possibilities if two-dimensional codes were not only used for inventory purposes, but at the same time could be used by consumers for coupons, interesting deals, or exclusive information. The current issue is, of course, the cost, as crossing over from one scanner to another can be too high for some businesses. Contact Idezi if you have any questions on how they can help with your business.

Categories
Barcodes for Business

How Implementing a Barcode System Can Reduce Costs

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For warehouse and business owners, tracking should be the least of their concerns. The process of tracking can be time-consuming, costly and counterproductive and business owners are embracing the modern technological age, with automation and robots becoming popular tools. Having an efficient solution to your tracking problems will ensure the smooth running of your business, but most importantly, reduce costs. Barcode systems are an easy, quick and effective solution to a host of troubles, and will surely save you money in the long run. The following lists the number of ways implementing a barcode system can reduce the cost of running your business.

Less Time Wasting

As the saying goes, time is money and locating items in your inventory can be a very time-consuming process. Using an automated system, employees can significantly reduce the time they waste searching for what they need. Assets can be located with ease, and record data can be entered quickly into a computer software system. The alternative would be a manual system overseen by employees. Manual systems are notoriously time-consuming. Time wasted doing a manual search means less productivity, less output, and ultimately less money.

Reduce the Risk of Theft

Stories of employee theft frequently surface on the news and media, a recent case being a Genzyme employee who stole a piece of manufacturing equipment worth $6,000. A small business or startup cannot afford to lose valuable assets. An effective system will be able to inform you of the location of your asset, and which employee used it. In this way, employees can easily be held accountable for loss or theft, and there will be less of a risk of either.

Better Resource Management

Having an automated system not only allows you to reduce the risk of theft, it can also help the way you manage your business. By tracking your assets, you can gain a better understanding of business productivity, and the way resources are used. Good management ensures that replacements are made, if necessary, and your assets are always available for distribution or use. Amendments to the management process can be made for a more cost-effective output.

Accurate Audits and Financial Records

Another way the system can help cut costs is by saving you time on audit preparations and improving the ease of financial reporting. They can be used to help you monitor your assets, calculate depreciation and save you tax money. They can also help you account for spending, which leads to better financial reports and overall financial management.

Final Thoughts on Barcode Systems

To summarize, a barcode system can be used to track employee productivity, making theft or loss issues simple to solve, and reducing overall costs. They reduce the number of workers needed to do manual jobs making inventory tracking simpler. This reduces operational costs and allows you to channel the money into other areas of your business. Finally, fewer errors mean a reduction in costs and time wasting. As you can see, tracking systems are a great solution that you can use to tailor to a range of needs. By taking this approach, you can turn any complex business operation into a smooth and simple one.

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Categories
Barcodes for Business

Custom Barcode Labels Will Improve Your Small Business Operations

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]The biggest mistake most small business owners make is that they lack the ability to set up efficient systems. They simply aren’t organized. And a lack of organization has its costs. In time, money, and frustration. Luckily, getting and staying organized doesn’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. Creating a simple system of using custom barcode labels is one way to immediately increase office organization and efficiency.

Here’s how:

Why Use Custom Barcode Labels?

Barcodes are used to track items, usually merchandise. But using custom barcode labels will do much more than just track your merchandise.

Here’s what else you can use them for:

  • Shipping: Using a barcode helps you track your shipping from start to finish. No more money or time lost looking for items that got lost in the mail.
  • Update in Real Time: You can scan your barcodes and get an immediate, and accurate, inventory count.
  • Information: You can easily obtain information regarding asset management on your fixed assets.
  • Customers: Your customers will also appreciate your using a barcode system. They can use the barcode scan to obtain product information.
  • Sales: Will help you accurately organize, manage, and forecast your sales.
  • Accuracy: Data entry mistakes are costly. Save yourself from costly mistakes by using a barcode system.

How Can You Save Money?

In every business, the bottom line is that you want to make money. So it’s a smart choice to start using a barcode labeling system because it helps save money in so many ways.

Ways such as:

  • Start Immediately: Most barcodes use intuitive software which is easy to use and download. You can usually start using the system in as little as 10 minutes.
  • Styles & Sizing: Using a custom barcode system allows you to use the styles and fonts you want. A printing system from us opens up tons of possibilities.
  • Quick Turnaround: Rather than waiting days or weeks for your barcodes to be ready, they’re finished in minutes.

How to Choose the Right One

Of course, once you realize that using a barcode system will make your small business more efficient, and more profitable, you want to choose the right one.

Here’s what you need to ask yourself first:

  • Where will I be using this system? What environment will it be used in?
  • How often will I use these barcodes?
  • Do I have the right network set up to use a barcode system?
  • What type of data do I need to encode?
  • How much data will I be encoding?
  • What size labels do I want to print?

And lastly, how long do I want these barcode labels to be used for? Are they long-lasting or short-term? Ready to improve your ROI? We offer everything from custom labels to mobile scanners to software and we’ll help you find the right solution for your business needs.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Categories
Food Service Healthcare Industry

Barcodes Solving Food Safety Challenges

Have you ever strolled the produce section at your local grocery store and wondered where the food came from? Now, you might be able to. Consumers today are demanding more transparency when it comes to their food — and producers are responding. Many are turning to barcode software that allows items to be labeled and tracked across the food supply chain. This boosts traceability efforts and allows buyers a more comprehensive overview of where their items come from. This barcode software also helps Food and Beverage (F&B) manufacturers meet stringent food safety regulations. When food items are tracked at every touchpoint from the farm to the table, discrepancies are easily found. Also, issues are more quickly resolved, and teams can effectively work together. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the top ways barcode software can help F&B teams solve food safety challenges head-on. Ready to get started? Let’s dig in!

  1. Complete Labels, Fewer Recalls

Did you know that in 2016 alone, there was more than 760 food recalls, a 22% jump from the year before? One of the top factors: undeclared allergens. According to a recent report, 42% of recalls issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a result of misbranding. Labels were missing or incomplete. Ingredients lists weren’t revealed in full. Allergens weren’t identified. Identification software helps ensure that all items are properly and thoroughly labeled from the onset. This helps avoid any potential repercussions down the line. In the event that a recall does occur, this barcode software makes it easier than ever to pinpoint exactly which batches were affected.

  1. A Stronger Focus on Prevention 

In January 2011, President Obama signed into effect the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This was the most comprehensive reform of food safety in 70 years. The FSMA’s main initiative is to identify and rectify food safety issues before they even begin. This switch to preventative controls versus strictly responsive ones is exactly why this type of software was created. Food items are affixed with labels as soon as they enter the F&B supply chain. Then, teams across departments can identify where they’re going, how they’re getting there, and when they should arrive. This real-time tracking mechanism means that issues can be addressed immediately. They can even be avoided before they occur. This is a huge step in the right direction for food safety initiatives.

  1. Safety at the Organizational Level

F&B manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers are seeking to make internal changes in compliance with FSMA regulations. One major action item they’re putting into place is establishing in-house controls for food safety. The FSMA requires food facilities to create and maintain a written preventative controls plan. This plan requires them to, in part:

  • Evaluate potential hazards
  • Delineate specific preventative controls
  • Specify how each control will be monitored and recorded for accuracy

As such, many are turning to barcode software to keep track of every movement their inventory takes. This allows for efficient and clean recordkeeping and monitoring, two of the FSMA’s top safety plan requirements.

Barcode Software and More: Tracking Solutions You Can Trust

If you’re an F&B leader looking to invest in barcode software to take your food safety operations to the next level, we’d love to help. As a leader in inventory tracking and asset management solutions, we’re skilled in all areas of barcoding. From specialty barcode labels to thermal printers, we’re a one-stop-shop for your identification and barcode labeling needs. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to check out our product line, browse our blog, or contact us today and let’s connect!