These are physical stickers or tags designed to display machine-readable optical representations of data. They are produced using a variety of printing technologies and adhesive materials to suit diverse application needs. For example, a retail store might use these to apply to products for point-of-sale scanning, inventory tracking, and pricing accuracy.
Their widespread use is driven by the need for efficient data capture and management. The adoption of scannable codes has revolutionized supply chain management, logistics, and asset tracking. Benefits include reduced manual data entry errors, improved speed and accuracy in identifying and tracking items, and enhanced operational efficiency. Historically, this technology emerged as a more effective alternative to manual inventory systems, facilitating faster processing and improved data integrity across various industries.
The following sections will explore the various types of printing methods used to produce these identifiers, the diverse range of applications they serve, and the key considerations for selecting the optimal material and adhesive for specific environmental and usage requirements.
