Industrial coding and marking | Everything you need to know

Industrial coding and marking are essential components in ensuring traceability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency on production lines. From barcode identification to direct printing on products, these processes ensure that every item can be identified and tracked throughout its life cycle.

That's why today from United Barcode Systems we come to tell you all the keys to industrial coding, its importance in different industries and how to choose the right technology to optimize your company's operations.

Keys to industrial coding

Industrial coding is the process by which products, cases or pallets are marked with crucial information such as barcodes, QR codes, lot numbers, expiration dates and other key identifiers. This process is critical to maintaining traceability in the supply chain, enabling companies to comply with regulations and ensure consumer safety. Without accurate coding, it is impossible to effectively manage inventory and returns, which can result in significant losses.

In modern production lines, automation plays a crucial role. Product coding and marking systems have evolved to integrate seamlessly with other industrial processes, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing efficiency. Accurate coding also helps minimize errors, which is essential for maintaining product consistency and quality. Choosing the right system, whether for product, case or pallet coding, can make a big difference to operational efficiency.

Production line with automatic coding and labeling equipment

In addition to traceability and efficiency, versatility is a key in industrial coding. Systems must be able to adapt to different materials and surfaces, from plastics to metals, and operate in demanding environments without compromising marking quality. Investing in systems that offer flexibility not only improves productivity, but also enables companies to respond quickly to changes in regulations or market demands.

What is coding and marking used for in each industry?

In the food industry, coding and marking are essential to ensure that products are traceable from their origin to the end consumer. This not only ensures food safety, but also facilitates inventory management and traceability in the event of product recalls. Labels, or printed messages, must be clear and durable, withstanding conditions such as humidity and low temperatures without deteriorating.

In the pharmaceutical sector, coding is even more critical due to the strict regulations governing the industry. Each medicine must be clearly identified with lot numbers, expiration dates and unique codes that allow it to be tracked throughout the supply chain. Accuracy and clarity in coding are vital to prevent falsifications and ensure that patients receive safe products.

In industrial coding standards, marking and coding are used to identify parts and components, which is essential for traceability in case of failures or product recalls. Codes must be readable even under extreme conditions, such as exposure to high temperatures or corrosive chemicals. The robustness and durability of coding solutions in this sector are key to maintaining product integrity and ensuring operational efficiency.

Types of identification and marking systems

• Barcodes

Barcodes are one of the most commonly used methods of identification in industrial coding. These codes, composed of a series of lines and spaces of different thicknesses, store key information that can be quickly read by scanners. In the retail industry, barcodes are essential for inventory management and sales control, allowing quick identification of products and prices.

Example of barcode printing in the food industry

In industrial production, barcodes are essential for tracking products throughout the supply chain. Their simplicity and efficiency make them a preferred choice for many companies. However, it is crucial that the printing of these codes is accurate, as any errors can affect readability and, consequently, operational efficiency. UBS solutions ensure that barcodes are printed with high accuracy and durability.

There are several types, normative according to GS1 (the organization responsible for the most widely used barcode standards), which can be used depending on the needs.

• Datamatrix codes

Datamatrix codes are two-dimensional codes that can store a large amount of information in a small amount of space. Unlike traditional barcodes, datamatrix codes can code alphanumeric and symbolic data, making them ideal for applications where more information needs to be included in a limited area. These codes are widely used in the pharmaceutical and aerospace industries.

Example Datamatrix code for pharmaceutical industry

One of the main advantages of datamatrix codes is their high information density and their ability to be read even if they are partially damaged or soiled. This makes them a reliable choice for industrial environments where labels may be exposed to harsh conditions. UBS solutions enable accurate printing and reading of datamatrix codes, ensuring product traceability and regulatory compliance.

The datamatrix is considered a two-dimensional barcode and, as with all other barcodes, its standards are defined by GS1.

How to choose the right technology and coding system for your company?

• Product coding

Product coding is essential to ensure traceability and efficient inventory management. United Barcode Systems (UBS) solutions, such as the TJX Series, offer advanced technology for High-Resolution printing on individual products. This product coding system is ideal for industries where accuracy and clarity are crucial, such as pharmaceuticals and food. The TJX Series enables fast and accurate coding, reducing downtime and ensuring that each product is clearly identified.

In addition, the TJX Series is compatible with a wide range of surfaces and materials, allowing it to be used in a variety of industrial applications. Its ability to integrate with ERP systems and other management platforms ensures that product information is always up-to-date and aligned with the operational needs of the business.

Product coding with TJX equipment

• Case coding

Case coding is critical for inventory management and logistics in a wide range of industries. The UBS APLINK Series offers high quality printing solutions for case printing, ensuring that critical information, such as barcodes and lot numbers, is clearly visible and legible. This is especially important for inventory management, where accurate product identification is key to avoiding errors and optimizing workflow.

The APLINK Series is highly versatile, capable of printing on a variety of surfaces and case sizes. Its advanced technology ensures fast and accurate printing, reducing downtime and improving overall production line productivity. For production managers, this series represents a reliable solution for maintaining efficiency and quality in the coding process.

Direct printing on porous cartons with APLINK MRX72e

Finally, the APL 35 Series from United Barcode Systems is an advanced solution for automatic case label printing and application. This equipment is ideal for production lines that require high speed and accuracy in labeling, ensuring that each case is correctly identified with key information, such as barcodes, lot numbers and logistic data. The APL 35 Series is highly versatile, allowing labels to be applied in different positions (top, side, front, back) and adapting to various case sizes and types. Its integration with data management systems and ERP platforms ensures that label information is always up to date.

Automatic printing and application of labels on cases with APL 35s

• Pallet coding

Pallet coding is critical for efficient logistics and supply chain management. The UBS APL Series offers robust solutions for pallet labeling and coding, ensuring that each unit is easily identifiable at any stage of the logistics process. These solutions are designed to operate in demanding industrial environments, providing durable and legible labels that withstand rigorous handling and transportation.

The APL Series not only improves traceability, but also optimizes operational efficiency by reducing errors and increasing processing speed. These solutions are ideal for logistics managers and project managers looking to improve visibility and control over their warehouse and distribution operations.

Automatic pallet labeling with APL 80S

In conclusion, choosing the right coding and marking technology is crucial to ensure efficiency, traceability and compliance in industrial operations. United Barcode Systems offers a wide range of solutions, from the TJX Series for product coding, to the APLINK Series and APL 35 Series for cases and the APL Series for pallets.

These solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into your production lines, improving operational efficiency and ensuring that every product is accurately identified. Contact us today to find out how we can help you optimize your coding and marking processes and take your business to the next level.