Should you be using barcode labels for your units?

 

Should you be using barcode labels for your units?

Here at ServiceCore we get a lot of questions about tracking porta potties and dumpsters. This is a common issue that becomes even more apparent as companies, and their inventory, grow. Sometimes a farmer or construction worker will move a unit from its original location, so how do you find the unit to service or remove it? Often operators are unsure of how to solve this problem ServiceCore recommends barcoding units for easy tracking that you can integrate into your software solution.

We sat down with our partners at Express Corp to discuss how barcoding could help you. Express Corp has been providing barcode and traditional labeling solutions since 1984. Their customers consist of tens of thousands of businesses, government entities, and industrial customers worldwide. Their fully integrated manufacturing facility, located in San Diego, California, delivers the quickest turnaround on even the most complex custom barcode label jobs. Express provides knowledgeable technical support, competitive pricing, and an array of products to satisfy a broad range of customer needs. Plus, ServiceCore customers can get free samples, consultations, and free shipping when ordering from Express.

Curious about how barcoding could be a game changer for your business? Express Corp shared their thoughts with us on the most pressing questions about their services to help you decide if this is the right solution for you.


1. Why should I use labels rather than numbering my units?

  • The use of a barcode label aids greatly in data collection and asset management. Rather than having to manually enter the number of the unit into your system, you can scan the barcode for instant lookup. Not only does this improve efficiency, but it also eliminates the potential for mistyped unit numbers.

2. Are the labels weatherproof?

  • Yes –anodized aluminum tags are intended for use in any environment. The images are sealed into the sapphire-hard anodized layer, protecting them from weather, abrasion, and chemicals.

3. How often do the tags need to be replaced?

  • Anodized aluminum tags will often outlive the assets they are applied to when installed correctly.

4. What is the cost range?

  • Unit pricing is dependent on a wide variety of factors- material, size, and quantity are the 3 most impactful. Most of our common configurations will run about $2.00 per tag for lower volumes of only a few hundred, down to $0.75 when getting into the thousand plus piece range.

5. Does the size of the label matter?

  • The size of the label is up to you. A larger tag can display more information and stand out more clearly on an asset, while a smaller tag will be less noticeable and carry a lower price point. We can produce the tags in any size, depending on your needs.

6. How quickly can I get more tags if I need them?

  • Our standard lead time is 5-10 working days, though we can expedite to deliver sooner if needed.

7. What devices do your labels work with?

  • We use universal barcode symbologies on our tags, so any commercial scanner or smartphone should work just fine. If there are any concerns about compatibility we can certainly provide test barcodes for you to scan with your equipment.

8. Can I order magnetic labels instead of stickers?

  • Magnetic labels are absolutely available. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for applications where a permanent tag solution is required. Magnetic labels are easy to remove by hand and run the risk of becoming dislodged while the unit is in transit.

9. Do you have aluminum labels? What is the additional cost?

  • We recommend aluminum as our standard product when the units will be outdoors, cleaned regularly, or subject to handling or abrasion. Other label materials (vinyl, polyester, etc.) are also available but are only recommended for indoor applications.

10. When is it necessary to track the location of your unit using a label?

  • The choice is totally up to the client as to when it is necessary to track a unit using a barcode label. Anytime you find your team is spending too much effort entering unit numbers into your system, or there are too many entry errors going on, a switch to a barcode system might be your best course of action.