How to Create Bar Code Inventory Labels

Create bar code inventory labels in just minutes.

Inventory management is an important aspect of nearly every type of business. Managers and employees need to have quick access to data involving inventory usage and current inventory levels. Additionally, a computerized inventory system will provide valuable data about seasonal inventory levels, which can be useful when dealing with cash flow issues. One of the most efficient methods of performing these tasks is through the use of bar coded inventory labels. The creation of these labels will significantly expedite the process of counting inventory and save your company time and money.

Things You'll Need

• Bar code scanner
• Printer
• Labels
• Word processing application

Instructions

1. Check the documentation of your bar code scanner to determine which bar code formats it is compatible with. For example, a common bar code format is "code 128."

2. Determine how you are going to label your inventory. A good labeling system can make product location much simpler. For example, code 128 will accept any number of digits or letters. This can allow for product names to be used as bar code numbers, or it can allow for a locational numbering system.

3. Navigate to the free bar code generator. (See references.)

4. Enter your bar code data into the text field in the center of the screen, then choose the bar code format that you will be using as well as the image format you would like to use to save the bar code. Click the "generate bar code" button when you are finished.

5. Right-click on the bar code and select the option to save the image. Give the image the same name as the bar code data you previously entered, then select a location where you would like to save the file.

6. Continue generating and saving your bar code images until they have all been saved to your computer.

7. Navigate to the website for the maker of your labels and download the correct template for your labels and word processing application.

8. Open your label template and begin inserting one of your created bar code images into each label until you have inserted every bar code image into the template. Verify that you have correctly placed the label pages in your printer, then print your labels.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your system for creating bar code numbers consistent and expandable. There may be a situation where you remove an item from inventory or add other items. Keep some numbers open in your labeling system to account for this inevitability.

References

• Barcoding.com: Free Barcode Generator (with multiple formats)

Resources

• Avery.com: Blank Template - Business Card Templates & Label Templates