Scanning asset labels with smartphones and tablets is a common practice. Lately we’ve been testing labels provided by ImageTek, a custom label printer based in Vermont (USA). They print custom labels at reasonable prices and have a quick turnaround time (see below).
Based on feedback from many clients, we recommend using QR codes for scanning with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. The ideal QR size is roughly 0.7” square (or larger) which allows almost any camera to quickly scan the QR code, even when off-axis and in dim lighting. Smaller sizes are fine, as are other types of barcode formats, but you may sacrifice scanning speed unless you upgrade to our SD PRO camera scan engine.
For fast scanning, we also recommend having a simple barcode value embedded in the code. So, for example, if the asset’s ID is ’1234567890’ then that’s what should be in the barcode. That would scan much faster than a barcode value such as ‘1234567890, Asset Name, Asset Location’ or ‘https://myassetdatabase.com/database123/1234567890’.
If you want to show Asset Name and Asset Location, as noted in the first example above, use ’1234567890′ in column 1 and for column 2 add the Asset Name and Asset Location in the database you import to codeREADr.com. For the second example above, you could use Alter Scan Response to append ‘1234567890’ to the URL ‘https://myassetdatabase.com/database123/’. Using these techniques you achieve the same goals but with a fast scanning QR code.
Another very important consideration is the label material and environmental considerations. Popular materials include:
* Vinyl (LMV5000): Ideal for outdoor usage (<176⁰F) and moisture. Low gloss – best for scanning in sunlight and high ambient conditions.
* Polyester (LMP6000 – aka LPA7031): Durable solution, e.g. chemical and moisture resistance, or in temperatures ranging to 300⁰F. Medium gloss.
* Polypropylene (LMR4016): Adheres well on a large variety of substrates, good moisture resistance and for temperatures up to 200⁰F. High gloss.
ImageTek will customize sizes, shapes, etc. to order. They have a minimum order of $150 USD which would get you roughly 1,500 custom 2.0” x 1.0” labels. We’ve been testing this label size with great results:
Label Size: 2.0” wide x 1.0” high
QR Code @ 0.7” square
Customer-Defined Text @ 1.0” wide x 0.8” high
Credit to code READr
Barcode Reader & Real-Time Web Services
Contact info:
Trevor Billings
ImageTek Labels
Phone: (802) 885-6208 ext 263
Email: tbillings@pcmanufacturing.com
http://www.imagetekdigitallabels.com
Located in the center of the Precision Valley region of Vermont, ImageTek Labels converts and manufactures custom label & printing solutions that fit our customer’s strict specifications.