Barcodes and barcode labels
Barcodes and barcode labels vs. hang tags
Barcodes are a visual representation of a set of information that uniquely identifies a product. They are printed on labels or tags that are affixed to the product using an adhesive, plastic fasteners, or string. During a point of sale transaction, the barcode can be scanned or manually entered to retrieve all relevant information about that product for the transaction.
Hang tags are typically larger tags (1-4 per 8.5 x 11" sheet) using a Microsoft Word template. These tags are more commonly used to display detailed information about an item and may include pictures of the item.
What can you use with AIMsi?
The label printers most commonly used by AIMsi customers are Cognitive Barcode Plaster label printers and Zebra label printers however, all models of Windows-capable barcode label printers are supported. AIMsi comes pre-loaded with label styles and defaults for labels purchased through Tri-Tech. If you choose to use other labels, you may be able to use these defaults or you can create custom settings.
Managing your barcodes
Barcodes are frequently printed on your inventory by the manufacturer. They are automatically loaded into the Maintain Barcodes window when you receive your inventory and scan or manually type in the barcode. If needed, you can update the SKU or barcode or add additional barcodes for a SKU.
Setting up your barcode labels
Below are the basic steps to follow for setting up your barcode printer defaults and styles.
- Install your barcode label printer following the manufacturer's instructions.
- If you are using a label printer of any brand other than Barcode Blaster, set up your label printer styles on the Add/Change Label Styles window.
- Create your label printer defaults.
- For Barcode Blaster printers, do this on the Setup Barcode Blaster Defaults window.
- For other brand label printers, do this on the Setup Barcode Defaults window.
- Set up your workstations to look for the appropriate label printer.
- For Barcode Blaster printers, do this in the Port for Printing Barcodes box on the Work Station window, Misc tab, Misc Page 1 tab.
- For other brand label printers, do this in the Barcode Printer and Label Style boxes on the Work Station window, Misc tab, Misc Page 2 tab.
- Establish the barcodes for your inventory subcategories. If you did not select to apply a default to all subcategories when you created your defaults, assign a barcode to each of your subcategories in the Barcode box on the Edit Sub Categories window, Setup tab. Right-click in that box to apply the selected barcode to all subcategories with the same category. Subcategories must have barcodes set up to print labels.
Printing barcode labels
Barcode labels can be printed as you receive new inventory, consignments, and purchases. You can also print barcodes on demand for date ranges, sales ranges, returns, and more on demand using the Print Barcode Labels window.
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