Wasp Barcode Technologies: The Barcode Solution People

4 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Barcode Printer

Finding the correct barcode printer for your small business can be challenging because there are many available options.If you don’t know what to look for, the process can be overwhelming. Answering the following four questions before you start shopping will make the selection process smooth and free of  stress. 1. What will it need to print? There are a variety of labels you could create, including: shipping barcode labels, product barcode labels, inventory labels, location labels, asset tag labels and compliance labels. An idea of your printing needs will guide your printer selection. Many barcode printers work for a range of industries and printing needs, but it’s always good to double-check. The four printer types are: dot matrix, laser, thermal transfer, and direct thermal. 2. In what environment will the printer be used? If you are working in the manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, retail, or  healthcare industry, a barcode printer with an industrial design is ideal.  With an all-metal exterior housing and die-cast aluminum print mechanism, the WPL612 barcode printer can withstand even the harshest of conditions. On the contrary, if you are in a cramped workspace, a compact barcode printer—like the WPL305 barcode printer—is an excellent choice. The WPL305 barcode printer has the smallest footprint of any Wasp 4-inch format printer and can easily fit just about anywhere. The small size doesn’t take away from the printing capabilities. In fact, this printer prints 203 dpi barcodes at speeds up to 4 inches per second. 3. How often will you print? Before selecting a barcode printer, determine how much you will be printing and how quickly. If you are printing small volumes (fewer than 1,000 labels per week), a desktop barcode printer is the ideal solution. For larger volumes (a couple thousand labels per day), an industrial printer is a sturdy option. We recommend manufacturing and distribution centers use the industrial printer because all-day label printing is usual. 4. What type of connectivity do you need? Barcode printers have to be connected to a computer of some type to receive print jobs. The most common connection is USB. Any PC or laptop will have USB connections. Additional connectivity options gaining popularity are Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Other options include serial or parallel connectivity. Multiple options allow easy and quick integration into any environment. Barcode printers and barcode labeling solutions increase the efficiency and profitability of your business. Once you have answered these questions and determined your barcode printer needs, you will have an easier time selecting the best option for your small business. When you are ready, we suggest checking out the full lineup of Wasp barcode printers.