Everything you wanted to know about 'bar coding' but were af

Everyone knows what bar coding is, right? It is simply an automated method of collecting and reading data by scanning a symbol comprised of bars and spaces. The use/trend of using bar coding has entered more areas of transactional processing (and our lives) than most have noticed. Just look around and you will see it everywhere: buy groceries--SCAN, rent a video--SCAN, send a package--SCAN, take out a library book--SCAN.

Bar coding in records and information management (RIM) is a relatively low-cost method for records professionals to enhance their programs and realize tremendous gains. These gains are not limited to faster processing time and decreased data entry errors. Bar coding could increase a RIM program's technologies profile, and provide a user-friendly (and fun) file tracking method that will encourage a higher compliance (no one likes to complete a file OutGuide!).

Little is published on bar coding, and that which is published is either overly technical, or sandwiched as a chapter in a book that stops short of providing any useable information. Most RIM professionals have hardly more than a general understanding of this technology, and specifically the whats and hows to integrate it into their programs.

Market Resources Publishing sells a set of booklets that includes everything you would want to know about bar coding. Author Ernest Campbell communicates a great deal of practical information in a set of five booklets, each averaging 25 pages. The booklets are easy to read and understand, well organized, up-to-date, and thorough in addressing their topic. The titles are:

Automated Data Collection

Bar Code Symbologies

Bar Code System Components

Bar Code Printing

Bar Code Economics

The booklets can be purchased separately, or as a set. Each one stands on its own, providing complete information on the title subject. Following is a review of each booklet:

Automated Data Collection

This booklet provides an introduction to bar coding. With a business perspective, it addresses what bar coding is and how to use it as an efficiency tool. It wisely makes the point that bar coding should not be identified as the solution before one's goals are defined.

In dealing with system requirements and design, the following are logically explored: defining improvement targets, getting started, system types, application specifications, and labeling decisions. This is a very good overview booklet for those wanting to develop a basic knowledge of the technology and associated considerations.

Bar Code Symbologies

There are many different bar code symbologies and no single symbology is perfect for all applications. This booklet outlines the concepts behind bar code symbologies with descriptions of the most popular symbologies and typical applications. The topics include: symbol characteristics, standard symbologies, selecting a symbology, and specifying the symbol parameters. This is the most technical booklet of the five and may be more pertinent for those involved in the actual application design. However, for those who choose to know more rather than less, this booklet presents the technical aspects in as simple a manner as possible. To further aid in presenting the information, the author has included illustrations that are very helpful.

Bar Code System Components

This booklet reviews the different hardware components available for implementing a bar code system, along with a description of typical usages. The component information is very complete and is supported by excellent illustrations of the hardware configurations. The specific component topics include scanners, readers, data collection terminals, printers, print quality verifiers, label media, and software. A variety of aspects are reviewed for the components, such as usage conditions, computer interface, quality measurements, and data entry. Very nuts-and-bolts information that is well done.

Bar Code Printing

As the brochure on this booklet states, "There are many different types of computer printers in use today but not all of them have attributes necessary for good bar code printing." The author reviews everything from quality considerations to advantages and limitations of different types of print technology to assist in the reader's printer decision making. A very useful Print Technology Selection chart is included which provides the following information for each type of printer: environment considerations, label complexity, label availability, and bar formations ratings. A Glossary of Terms is also included which includes almost 100 terms used in all five booklets.

Bar Code Economics

This booklet deals with the financial side when bar coding is being considered. Bar coding can increase productivity, reduce errors, and save money, however, today businesses require/expect complete justification. The topics addressed in this booklet include the basics of justification, project costs, calculating the savings, return on investment, and realizing the calculated savings. Also included is a helpful Savings Worksheet and the necessary calculations formulas. Bravo to the author for recognizing the importance of financial analysis and costing, and including this informative booklet in the set.