American Barcode and RFID (AB&R) provides Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) solutions that track everything that is valuable to our customers.

AB&R is based in Phoenix, Arizona and markets its barcode and RFID products and solutions to three vertical markets: Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Distribution.

The continued growth and success of American Barcode and RFID centers around our Core Competencies for Value Creation:

• Equipment & Technology
• Systems Development
• Card Solutions
• Printing Supplies
• Service & Support

A "Label Primer"

What type of labels should you use in setting up your printer for bar codes? Does it make a difference? Yes, it does make a difference. Some label stock and ribbon combinations will print with excellent quality while others will print poorly, if at all.

A Little on Labels... The environment in which the bar code is being used will determine which type of label stock is compatible. For example, bar codes used with light pen (wand) readers entail rubbing the surface of the bar code and require thermal transfer media that has with a durable surface. The surface must resist smearing and smudging when the reader's tip is run across the bar code. A durable thermal transfer label stock with the correct resin-wax blend will provide excellent long life for the user. Thermal transfer labels will also ensure the life of the bar code in many harsh environments.

Direct thermal labels are the material of choice if labels are used in a friendly environment, where light, heat and humidity are not excessive. A direct thermal label stock contains a chemical which turns dark when exposed to the heat of the thermal print head (similar to thermal FAX paper). Direct thermal labels are recommended for marking goods with short shelf life (like consumer items) or for temporary identification. Direct thermal labels are not recommended for application on items with long shelf life, or where the item is exposed to heat, light or humidity. Direct thermal labels in harsh environments are at risk of fading or darkening the bar code to the point where it is no longer readable.

Used properly in appropriate applications, both types of labels offer good quality bar code print. To ensure the life and quality of your label stock, store them in a cool dry place. Under ideal conditions, a label's shelf life ranges from approximately 6 to 12 months.

The Lions Eyes of Texas Eye Bank, a division of Lions International manually tracked eye components used for eye transplants. This involved high volumes of paper files, man hours, and there was still the risk of human errors,...can you imagine the danger an error could cause? This method of functioning "worked", but how efficient could this method possibly be in an operation where 100% accuracy is critical. It is conceivable that continuing in the fashion would have eventually led to the destruction of the company. Lions International pioneered to bar coding! They began to use bar codes to track the eye components. Bar codes are affixed to containers holding the eye tissue, blood vials, and the documentation for each case. These are scanned by technicians to ensure appropriate matches for prospective recipients.