In today’s fast-paced digital transformation era, barcodes remain one of the most widely used identification and tracking technologies across warehousing, retail, logistics, and manufacturing. While RFID is gaining momentum, barcodes continue to dominate due to their low cost, simplicity, reliability, and high accuracy.

However, many businesses are still not maximizing the full power of barcode technology. Common issues include:

• Barcodes that fail to scan

• Faded or damaged labels

• Incorrect or inconsistent data

• Slow scanning processes

• Using the wrong type of barcode scanner

These problems lead to wasted time, human errors, and disruptions in daily operations.

This article reveals 5 small but powerful tips every business can apply to significantly improve barcode performance and overall operational efficiency.

1. Choose the Right Barcode Label Material for Your Environment

One of the most common mistakes businesses make is selecting barcode labels based solely on price instead of the actual usage conditions.
Each working environment requires a different type of label to ensure durability and scan accuracy.

1.1. Paper Labels

• Low cost

• Suitable for office use or short-term labeling

• Not waterproof, not heat-resistant

Best for: retail shelves, office documents, light-duty inventory.

1.2. PP/PET Waterproof Labels

• Resistant to moisture and cold

• Do not tear easily

• Maintain clarity in low temperatures

Best for: cold storage, frozen foods, seafood, agriculture.

1.3. PVC Industrial Labels

• Extremely durable

• Resistant to abrasion and chemicals

• Long-lasting print quality

Best for: machinery parts, industrial production, long-term inventory tracking.

1.4. Metal or Heat-Resistant Labels

• Withstand high temperatures

• Maintain readability under extreme conditions

Best for: engines, electronics manufacturing, metal components.

👉 The right label ensures your barcode remains readable, stable, and long-lasting—even in harsh environments.

2. Print Barcodes with High Contrast for Accurate Scanning

Barcode readability depends heavily on print quality. A poorly printed barcode becomes unreliable—even if your scanner is top-tier.

2.1. Use the “Light Background – Dark Bars” Rule

• White or light-colored background

• Dark bars (black or navy)

• Avoid red ink (laser scanners struggle to detect red)

2.2. Keep the Barcode Size Standard

Barcodes that are too small or compressed will distort the spacing between bars.
Minimum recommended bar width (X-Dimension):

• 0.25mm – 0.33mm for 1D barcodes

• Larger sizes for long codes

2.3. Maintain Your Printer Regularly

• Replace worn-out ribbons

• Clean printheads

• Ensure ink density is consistent

👉 A high-contrast, well-printed barcode can reduce scan errors by up to 90%.

3. Use the Right Barcode Scanner for the Right Job

Barcode scanners come in many types, each designed for different environments and workflows. Using the wrong scanner creates delays and inefficiencies.

3.1. 1D Barcode Scanners

• Affordable

• Ideal for POS systems and basic retail

• Limited reading capability on damaged or curved labels

3.2. 2D Barcode Scanners

• Scan QR codes, DataMatrix, PDF417, and all 1D codes

• Read damaged, wrinkled, or on-screen barcodes

• Much faster and more flexible than 1D scanners

Best for: warehousing, logistics, customer check-in, healthcare.

3.3. Wireless Scanners

• Bluetooth or WiFi

• Mobility across aisles and shelves

• No cable clutter

Best for: warehouses, loading docks, large stores.

3.4. Industrial PDA / Mobile Computers

• All-in-one device: barcode scanner + mobile OS + data processing

• Real-time sync with ERP/WMS

• Rugged, long battery life

Best for: manufacturing, fulfillment centers, inventory management.

👉 Selecting the right scanner can increase operational efficiency by 40–60%.

4. Avoid Applying Barcodes on Curved, Glossy, or Rough Surfaces

The surface on which you place the barcode has a direct impact on scan accuracy.

Common scanning issues include:

• Curved surfaces → distorted bar spacing

• Glossy surfaces → light reflection makes scanning difficult

• Rough textures → uneven print quality

How to fix these problems:

• Use curved-surface labels for bottles and cans

• Choose matte labels instead of glossy for reflective products

• Use resin ribbons for rough or textured packaging

• Apply the label on a flat, clean area whenever possible

👉 A small adjustment in labeling technique can double your scan accuracy.

5. Synchronize Barcode Data with Your Management System

The true power of barcode technology lies in its connection to your software ecosystem.

If the barcode on the product does not match the data in your ERP/WMS/POS system:

• Scanning becomes inaccurate

• Inventory becomes inconsistent

• Staff becomes confused

• Orders can be mixed up

To maintain accurate synchronization, businesses should:

• Use a standardized code structure

• Ensure all new products are registered before printing labels

• Update changes across all software platforms

• Train staff to scan consistently in every step of the workflow

Integrate with management software

Barcode works best when combined with:

• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

• WMS (Warehouse Management System)

• POS (Point of Sale)

• Inventory applications

• Production tracking systems

👉 With proper synchronization, businesses can achieve inventory accuracy levels close to 100%.

Conclusion: Barcodes Are Simple but Exceptionally Powerful

Barcodes may look simple, but when optimized correctly, they bring enormous benefits:

• Faster operations

• Lower labor costs

• Fewer manual errors

• Better inventory accuracy

• Smoother daily workflows

By applying the 5 tips above:

1. Use the right label material

2. Print high-contrast barcodes

3. Choose the right scanner

4. Apply labels correctly

5. Synchronize with your management system

Your business can operate more smoothly, accurately, and professionally.

Beetech – Your Trusted Barcode & RFID Solution Provider in Vietnam

Beetech offers a full ecosystem of identification technology:

✔ 1D/2D barcode scanners (wired & wireless)
✔ Desktop and industrial barcode printers
✔ Barcode labels: paper, PP, PET, PVC
✔ Rugged PDA scanners for warehousing
✔ RFID readers, tags, antennas & software
✔ Consulting, demo, and integration support tailored to your business needs

📩 Contact Beetech for expert consultation and customized barcode solutions that improve accuracy and operational efficiency.

📧 Email: info@beetech.com.vn
🌐 Website: https://beetech.com.vn