4 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Barcode Printer

We know you do your research.

And we know there is a lot of it out there.  Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.  No one wants to purchase a printer, hoping to streamline your business, only to find out that there is an alternative that could have been better.  At Ideal Print Solutions, we just want to remind you to think of the following questions before deciding to purchase the right barcode printer.

Finding the correct barcode printer for your small business can be challenging because there are many available options.If you don’t know what to look for, the process can be overwhelming. Answering the following four questions before you start shopping will make the selection process smooth and free of  stress.

1. What will it need to print?


There are a variety of labels you could create, including: shipping barcode labels, product barcode labels, inventory labels, location labels, asset tag labels and compliance labels. An idea of your printing needs will guide your printer selection. Many barcode printers work for a range of industries and printing needs, but it’s always good to double-check.

2. In what environment will the printer be used?


If you are working in the manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, retail, or  healthcare industry, a barcode printer with an industrial design is ideal.  With an all-metal exterior housing and die-cast aluminum print mechanism, we can help you chose the right one.

On the contrary, if you are in a cramped workspace, a compact barcode printer is an excellent choice. A good printer with a smallest footprint is ideal and can easily fit just about anywhere. The small size doesn’t take away from the printing capabilities. In fact, there are several models that we can help you with.

3. How often will you print?


Before selecting a barcode printer, determine how much you will be printing and how quickly. If you are printing small volumes (fewer than 1,000 labels per week), a desktop barcode printer is the ideal solution. For larger volumes (a couple thousand labels per day), an industrial printer is a sturdy option. We recommend manufacturing and distribution centers use the industrial printer because all-day label printing is usual.

4. What type of connectivity do you need?


Barcode printers have to be connected to a computer of some type to receive print jobs. The most common connection is USB. Any PC or laptop will have USB connections. Additional connectivity options gaining popularity are Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Other options include serial or parallel connectivity. Multiple options allow easy and quick integration into any environment.

So, do your research, ask yourself these questions, and give us a call.  We are always here to point you in the right direction.  1 (949) 387-3223

 

No Comments Yet.

Leave a comment