How to make Your Own Barcodes to start a small production business

Own Barcodes for small Business is simply and cost less

If you are a small business looking to automate your inventory processes, then a 1D barcode is what you need.  The one dimensional (1D) barcode or linear code is a set of alpha and numeric characters.  It holds product information and tracks inventory items.  This guide will walk you through the different standards and resources available to making your own barcodes and choosing the right type of codes to use. Barcodes are a cost effective tool used for:

1. Asset Tracking
2. Creating Sales Orders
3. Storing Product Information

It automates procedures which otherwise would be done manually.  Moreover it improves operational efficiency and reduces inaccuracies.


Resources for Online Barcode Generators
If you are looking to create barcodes to track your internal processes, then using a free online barcode generator is easy.  Perhaps you want to be able to create sales orders quickly.  By having a barcode reader and a product sheet with of all the items you sell, you can quickly scan in the items simulating a Point of Sale (POS).   Or perhaps your business does a lot of online orders and you need an easy way for your warehouse staff to track the location of stock items.  By using a barcode to manage your inventory related processes saves you time and minimizes errors. To get started just simply use one of these online barcode generators.  They will create an image for you that you can save.  To track your barcodes, save the image on a spreadsheet with a product description.  (*Tip – adjust the height of your rows to accommodate the size of the image)

Making Your Own Barcodes in a Spreadsheet

Free Barcode Generators:

Online Barcode Generator - It’s easy to use and it has a nice interface.  You can create various types of barcodes.  Moreover you can customize the background colour and the code itself.  As well they provide downloadable formats in PDF, AI, PS and SVG.

 Barcode Generator - Another online resource that provides you the ability to create both linear and 2D barcodes.  You simply right click the image and you can save the image as a PNG file.

Archon Free Barcode Font 39 – InFlow Inventory has provided a font extension which can be used with Microsoft Word or Excel.   To use it, you simply type in your data and highlight your information.  In the Font drop down list choose Free 3 of 9.  It will convert data to a Code 39 barcode.
Archon Free Font 39 Extension for Microsoft

Code 39 versus Code 128
When standardizing your barcodes for internal uses the best option for a small business is Code 39.  Code 39 is the de facto standard.  It is the most widely used code for non-food products and almost any reader can decode it.  Nevertheless if you need to house more data in your code, then a good alternative is Code 128.  This code utilizes space more efficiently and produces a denser image.  However the drawback with Code 128 is that not all scanners can read it.  So to be on the safe side, stick to Code 39.

Does My Business Need a UPC or EAN Codes?
If your business manufactures or sells products to retail stores, then you will need barcodes created for each one of your products. GS1 is a non-for-profit organization that develops and maintains UPC and EAN barcode standards.  GS1 and resellers like Nationwide Barcode will create a unique identifier of your business and products.  Your information is maintained in their global database.  To get started you will need to register your business and become a member.

The Difference Between a UPC and EAN Code?
A barcode or a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) provides a standardized global language for suppliers and retailers to communicate with each other.
Universal Product Code (UPC) - developed in the United States and it contains a 12 digit barcode.  This standard was used globally but it is primarily used in Canada and the United States.
International Article Number (EAN) - which was formerly called the European Article Number has 13 digits with the first digits identifying a country code.   This standard is used in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Australia and Latin America.

What Type of Barcodes Should I Make?
When creating your barcodes you will need to consider the markets you serve.  If your business solely sells products to the U.S. and Canada then create UPC barcodes.  Smaller American and Canadian retailers might not have barcode scanners to read EAN codes.  So by standardizing your products on a UPC you are ensured that your barcode will always be picked up.

What is a QR Code?
In 1994, 2D codes otherwise referred to as QR codes were created by Denso Wave a subsidiary of Toyota.  They used the code to track vehicles during the manufacturing process.   This square code gained traction for large companies and it was extensively used for marketing campaigns.  The codes held 100 times more information than a traditional 1D code and they were being used on everything and everywhere.  However the marketing fad quickly fizzled out.
The biggest problem with the QR code was that it did not follow a regulated standard.  Anyone could create any information they wanted including malware.  In 2012, GS1 created a standardized version of their QR Code.  The GS1 QR Code was not meant to replace the UPC or EAN.  It is meant to provide consumers with “Extended Packaging” information such as marketing collateral.

For more information, refer to the guideline document on GS1 QR Code.

Barcodes are a global standard used for managing internal processes and for trade.  For internal uses it provides a cost effective method to track your inventory.  It helps your personnel generate error-free sales orders.  As well as, assist your warehouse and shipping staff locate items quickly.  Moreover, it prepares your business for growth.  So when it comes time to get your products onto the shelf of retailers, your business is ready to go.  Your unique  identifier provides traceability.  It makes it easy for retailers to replenish stock from you in the future.

To find out more about how to use barcodes for your small business, please download this eBook.  It is an excellent resource to helping you get started.