Weber Blog

You don’t just print a barcode at random. Instead, you should always consider them before printing a number, date or text on a product or packaging. There are lots of different barcodes and materials on which you can print them. In this blog, we go through them with you.

There are many things to consider when printing barcode labels with variable data. Most of them are practical concerns: Which variable label data like text, graphic elements or barcodes should be on the labels? Which font size do you want? Which parts should be pre-printed, and which information should the printer add as variable data?

Don’t forget to to consider the technical constraints of your labeling system. What is the maximum label width your label printer can handle? Do you need to turn a broad label by 90 degrees so that the narrow side comes out of the printer first? Or can you use a label printer that is wide enough for your purpose without having to rotate the label? Are the ribbon and labels compatible, and does the printing result comply with readability and durability requirements?

All these factors determine the position and orientation of the barcode on the label. Either it leaves the printer by the long edge and looks like a picket fence, or the barcode is printed along the length of the label and looks like a ladder.

Data Matrix codes are indispensable in logistics, production, and marking applications – but a Data Matrix code is not necessarily a GS1 DataMatrix. Although both codes appear visually identical, small differences can have a major impact on processes, scan results, and system compatibility. This article explains in practical terms what the key difference is, why the FNC1 control character plays a central role, and how companies can avoid costly mistakes when using codes.

The barcode is the most important part of the packaging as it allows for automatic identification (AutoID) and recording data about the product. You can spice up such an important part of the packaging with colour, but beware… some colour combinations affect the readability of a barcode.

Bad colour combinations can result in errors when scanning. These are not only annoying during scanning. They also slow down processes, cause correction costs and problems in the supply chain. That is why you need to print a good barcode and use the right colour combination.

Traditional barcodes and QR codes sometimes reach their limits when storing large amounts of data. The JAB Code offers an innovative solution: by using up to eight colors, it breaks away from the classic black-and-white design and significantly increases the information density in a very small space. JAB stands for “Just Another Barcode.” It was developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology SIT. This article explores the functionality, advantages, and applications of this color-based code.

In retail, supermarket, factory and distribution centres: barcodes are everywhere. In commerce, industry and logistics, barcodes and data matrix codes are used to record and process data electronically. In this blog post, we explain you the advantages of these codes compared to traditional barcodes!

Variable data labels are necessary to identify, track and authenticate products along the entire supply chain. They also help manufacturers optimize their operating costs and market their brand. They have amazing capabilities to boost your business! As a specialist for product marking, Weber Marking Systems has more than 50 years of experience in all industries. In this article, we will tell you how several companies from the industrial sector and medium-sized businesses successfully use labels with variable data.

Since December 14, 2019, the new EU plant passport has been mandatory for all plants intended for planting. The regulation defines clear requirements regarding the content, format, and placement of the label to ensure traceability and plant health across Europe. We outline the mandatory information that must be included and how companies can efficiently and compliantly implement the requirements using suitable labeling technology.

A few months ago, we reported that e-commerce giant Amazon has been testing brand protection solutions in order to ban counterfeits from its marketplace for good. The project has resulted in an authentication service that helps protect brands and customers from product fraud: Amazon Transparency. The program is currently available in Europe, USA, Canada and India. To benefit from it, brand owners will need to apply unique codes on every product unit they manufacture. Here’s what you need to know!