Pre-printed bar code demand up

Johannesburg, 25 Jul 2007

ProScan Media Products (PMP) has expanded the printing facilities at its plant in Jet Park to meet the increasing demand for pre-printed labels.

The company says all bar code labels printed at its premises are GS1 compliant and are run in one of two ways: short runs of bar codes that include variable information, such as incremental numbers and expiry dates; and long runs of bar code labels where the information is 'static' and typically involves a long printing run of one label in one colour.

PMP's MD Roland Pinz says one of the reasons the demand has increased over the last year is because of the industry's requirements to print labels to GS1 standards.

"Numerous large food and beverage producers are finding it easier to outsource the printing of their bar code labels to ensure they meet GS1 requirements."

The GS1 System is recognised as the only bar code identification communication system that provides applicable and fully-international standards across all sectors of the supply chain.

"Poorly printed bar code labels are some of the major causes of scanning difficulties that lead to delays, increased costs and consignment rejection along the supply chain," says Pinz.

Global talk

"The use of a global standard language among the trade is now mandatory, as it is one of the critical success factors of ensuring the smooth operation of the supply chain. Bar code print quality and 100% readability is essential, particularly at the point of sale. Compliance with the GS1 system increases data accuracy and speed by fully-automating exchanges between trading partners."

According to Pinz: "Once the bar code labels are printed, they are tested to ensure compliance. This is done with an ISO-compliant verifier, followed by additional observations of the physical aspects and measurements of the bar code in relation to specifications."

He says once testing has been completed, a verification report indicates the compliance of bar codes, and if there are any discrepancies, the labels are reprinted.

Some companies purchase bar code printers and others the printing. "Outsourcing removes the hassle from the company, so they can focus on what they do best, whether it's production, warehousing, transport and logistics, or retailing, and let the bar code printing experts take care of the efficacy of the labels."

The company's GS1 compliance ensures accuracy of the bar code throughout the supply chain, Pinz concludes.