Labels: 1D/2D/3D
Gloria Slomczynski MBA
Fractional | ITBP | IT M&A | PM | Solution Architect | LIMS | ELN | ERP | SalesForce | Digital Roadmap | Quality | Management Consulting | Laboratory Informatics
Project-to-project, company-to-company, I typically end up in label discussions at some point. Various companies have their thoughts on how these will fit into their process.
One order of business is often to discuss what types of barcodes might or might not need to be printed on the labels. With that in-mind, here is an article I ran into that gives some explanations and visuals regarding what the different barcode types are and what they're used for. It's a few years old but it shows some photos and gives information on how some of these types are used:
Now, you know why we only use 1D or 2D on our projects. I include this because, not infrequently, people ask me about using 3D barcodes. So far, I have not run into anyone using 3D barcodes on the projects I have worked with nor anyone who thought it worth pursuing once they understood more about them.
Of course, there's a lot more to say about labels than this. However, understanding the basics of these two types that we use is the initial step, and it's just fun to know a little about the 3D barcodes and their purposes, as well.
Additional tidbit: Most of you already know this, but some of the 2D barcodes we use in biotech are proprietary formats that come from the instrument/equipment vendors.
The Sad, Sad Facts For Those of You Who Like the Latest Tech
Many of the labels we print use 1D barcodes. It's not that we can't print 2D (but be aware that you need to plan for that so that you have the proper equipment), just that we don't need to, in many cases.
The bridge between business with IT. Specialist in laboratory computerized systems with extensive experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry.
2 个月Good tips. Barcode labels and readers are often regarded as a difficult step in a LIMS. Wher I think the technical aspects are very easy. It is the adaptation of the process that needs the most work.
Fractional | ITBP | IT M&A | PM | Solution Architect | LIMS | ELN | ERP | SalesForce | Digital Roadmap | Quality | Management Consulting | Laboratory Informatics
2 个月Since we're having a label discussion past just the label dimensions, let me add more tips. Some people ask how we figure this out and here's a good way to start: When you're creating your workflows, include label information. Sometimes, I take already-built workflows that customers or employers have and I add the picture of a barcode next to the workflow blocks with the word "print" or "read." Next, someone else walks it through that. In walking it through, we pretend to do the scanning and other work. We note where we would need to scan, where there needs to be a monitor/computer, that sort of thing. Just think of all the things you have to do in order to do the lab work and to make the barcode work and you'll see what more you'll need to do to make it work. By the way, physically walking it through is a good way to work with other areas, too. I remember when I was converting batch records to MES steps and walking through two almost identical (but not quite) manufacturing areas and seeing the gaps. These days where some of us are remote and others are hybrid or on-site doesn't make it that big a deal to accomplish. We just split the work.
Owner at Heartland QA
2 个月Good discussion. Sometimes you have to design the label with less information, so people are forced to use the electronic system to get the complete information, esp. when it all will not fit on the label format. . Label design not only conveys information, it also drives behaviors in the shop—don’t neglect that aspect of the discussion.
Product Director, IT, Quality & Labs at GSK
2 个月nice write-up Gloria, hope you're well. I love and hate the label conversations, mostly hate. :) Sigh. To me, it's more about they 'physical' challenges with labels such as squeezing content onto a small label; labels that are the right size, for the right environment, and fit well onto lab containers. 3D barcodes terrify me - it is challenging enough for sites to keep a normal zebra printer aligned, with the correct darkness, etc. 3D printing will be much more fun. Finally, it would be great to hear your perspectives on other identifying technology - such as label-less, RFID, etc. Thanks!