This page contains contents from a brochure on variable imaging. Content on this page is provided by The Flesh Company.

SECTION I: VARIABLE IMAGE SALES QUESTIONS FOR BUSINESS PRINTING DISTRIBUTORS

Question 1:

What Variable Image Technologies Do Your Customers Need? Depending on the application, bar codes, mod numbering and jumbo numbers can be used together on the same form or independent of each other.

Because of the complexity of bar coding, it comprises the majority of our upcoming sales questions. For that reason, we'd like to briefly define mod numbering and jumbo numbers.

MOD NUMBERING
Modulus or "Mod" numbering is a self-checking numbering system that greatly minimizes errors in data entry such as the substitution of one number for another and the transposition of numbers. There are two types of Mod Numbering Systems:

A. Mechanical Self-Checking Numbering Systems
These systems use simple arithmetic with check digits that are consecutively numbered. The most common systems are Mod 7, Mod 9 and Mod 11. Of the three, Mod 9 is the system most frequently used. While these systems are relatively easy to produce, their drawback is that their error detection rate is only about 60%.

B. Weighted Modulus Systems
These systems are designed for applications that require error detection capabilities of 99%+. In these systems, each digit of the basic number is assigned a weighting factor, so the calculations are more complex and the check digits are not consecutive.

The most common weighted modulus systems are Weighted Modulus 10 and Weighted Modulus 11.

C. Applications
There are numerous applications for Mod numbering systems. For example, hospitals frequently use Mod numbering because it is critical to keep accurate patient records. Mod numbering also is used for self checking MICR account numbers as well as airline tickets, traveler's checks and credit card tickets, just to name a few applications.

JUMBO NUMBERS
Jumbo numbers are just what their name implies: large numbers.

Jumbo numbers generally range from 3/16" to 1-15/16". They're sometimes used with bar codes to provide human readable characters that represent the printed code. And they're also used frequently in warehousing and distribution so that boxes and cartons can easily be identified. New imaging technology allows for a large number of fonts and point sizes.

Question 2:

What Bar Code Symbology is Being Used?
A symbology simply refers to the specific bar code that is being used. The most common symbologies are:

• Code 39 – This is one of the most widely used of the industrial codes.
  
  
• Interleaved 2 of 5 – Also widely used in industrial codes.
  
  
• Codabar – Used frequently in the transportation field and dry cleaning industry.
  
  
• Code 128 – A newer and very flexible code.
  
  
• Universal Product Code (UPC) – Used in the retail field for product labeling.

Question 3:

Is the Bar Code Static or Consecutive? Once you have determined the bar code symbology, you'll want to know whether the bar code is static or consecutive.

A static bar code is one that stays the same while a consecutive bar code serves the same purpose as consecutive numbers. Just as an Arabic consecutive number identifies an individual form, a consecutive bar code on a form uniquely represents a record of information in a database.

The significance of whether a bar code is static or consecutive is that it will be a factor in determining how it is printed. A static bar code can be burned onto the plate with the rest of the form and printed on an offset press. By contrast, consecutive codes can be imaged electronically.

Question 4:

Are Eye-Readable Equivalents Being Used? An eye-readable equivalent is just what its name implies: an area underneath the bar code that contains the same information so that it can be read without a scanner.

It's always best to persuade your customers to include eye readable equivalents. The reason is that it is always possible that the bar code will be unreadable by the scanner and will require manual entry.

Question 5:

If Eye-Readable Information is Printed, is the Formatting Identical to the Bar Code?
Some applications involve punctuation, such as inserted dashes, which are only printed in eye-readable data and not in the bar code.

Question 6:

What is the Orientation of the Bar Code?
The orientation is simply the alignment of the bars and spaces. Although your customers usually will have determined the orientation, it's important to know what it is because it can affect which manufacturer is capable of printing the bar-coded form.

A. Picket Fence Bar Code
A "Picket Fence" bar code is printed horizontally and the individual bars look like the pickets in a fence.

B. Vertical or "Ladder" Bar Code
A Vertical or "Ladder" bar code is one in which the overall coded area from start to stop is perpendicular to the horizon.

Once you know the orientation of the bar code, it is advisable to confer with your manufacturer on the best way to print it.

Question 7:

How much space is available for the bar code?
The availability of space could determine the density of the bar code. Density simply refers to the amount of information in a given area. A smaller space might require a higher density bar code. Consult your manufacturer for the maximum number of characters per inch. In selecting a manufacturer, it's important to make sure they can produce top quality high density bar codes.

Question 8:

Is the Quiet Zone Adequate?
The quiet zone is simply an area surrounding the bar code in which there is no printing. As a rule of thumb, the quiet zone should be at least 1/4" on each side of the bar code.

Question 9:

Is the Bar Code Tall Enough to Scan?
It's important to know that as a rule of thumb, the height of the bar code, which is the length of the bars, should be at least 15% of the total width of the the total bar code symbol.

Question 10:

Is the bar coding on a multiple part form?
This is an important question. In particular, you'll want to know whether or not the internal parts need to be scanned. If the answer is yes, you'll want to avoid using carbon paper over the bar coded area. Keep in mind, too, that pink and green papers are difficult colors to scan.

Question 11:

On What Type of Stock will the Bar Code be Printed?

• Self contained paper will not work in some technologies. Check with your manufacturer for specific information.
• Screens and solids should be knocked out of a bar code area.
• Bar codes should not print in an area that might have bleed through from a backer.
• In terms of ink and paper colors, your best bed is black printing on white stock.

Question 12:

Where will the bar code be used?
If the bar code will be used outside, it could create problems for codes printed with water-based inks. That's because the elements could damage the bar codes. It's best to speak with your manufacturer to develop a possible solution.

Question 13:

How many times will the printed code be scanned?
If the bar code is to be scanned many times with contact scanners, lamination or overspray is probably recommended. It is also best to avoid laser applied codes because they can flake off with repeated scanning. Again, speak to your manufacturer regarding this question.

Question 14:

Do the bar codes need to meet an industry standard?
Some industries have standards for bar codes that cover such requirements as:

• Height
• Density
• Placement
• Use of eye-readable equivalents

Question 15:

Have You Allowed Enough Time to Test the Coded Forms?
Bar code printing can be complex. You should always allow time to test the bar codes prior to delivery of the order.

For example, in the auto industry, if the bar codes do not meet industry standards, the end user can return the parts to the supplier at the supplier's expense.

Always allow enough time to test the bar codes.

SECTION II: BAR CODE APPLICATIONS

Listed below are some of the many applications for bar coding:

Hospitals: material management, tracking patient services and charges, capital equipment inventory, tracking attendance

Manufacturing: Production tracking, work-in-progress inventory, measuring productivity, identifying specific items used, verifying correct assembly

Warehousing: Picking optimization, electronic pick lists, space management, physical inventory

Distribution: Cost allocation, revenue accounting, tracking, proof of delivery.

Small businesses of almost every kind are adding bar coding applications.