A total barcode system will involve software, scanners, a printer, labeler and labels for thermo transfer and thermo direct printing. Another interest is mobile terminals for mobile data gaining with a built-in scanner, a keyboard and display. A POS which means point of sale solution will entail laser barcode scanners with high throughput and repeated triggering for hands-free barcode scanning.

Barcodes are produced with special software. While barcode software for Microsoft Windows is obtainable, best right for barcode creation are Apple Macintosh computers. Macs are preferable due to their strong location in the DTP, prepress and graphics market section. A usual barcode software will maintain the common symbology, calculate checksums without human intervention and will offer a variety of output options with support for the most general images formats for example PNG, TIFF or JPG and in addition for Post Script or even EPS.

An inexpensive alternative to devoted barcode generators are something called barcode fonts. Yet, the quality a barcode formed with such a font will usually not conform to the respective principles.

Depending on the application the use of committed, barcode enabled, label printing software may be advised. For example, such software can be used to print chronological barcodes for serial numbers or even to print logos or product images next to the authentic barcode.

Barcode Scanners also recognized as barcode readers exist in a variety of forms: The most common type is the laser scanners. Now a moving laser beam scans the code which results in fast and error free reading. A low-priced alternative to laser scanners are CCD scanners that feature a row of light emitting diodes and photo detectors. The first type of barcode reader where called barcode wands, also identified as a magic wands. This is where a single light emits diode (LED) and a single photo detector is used to sense the typical black and white pattern of a barcode. While laser and CCD barcode scanners scan a barcode as a full the barcode wand has to be swiped across the code to interpret it.

Barcode printers are made to print the barcode on self adhesive labels. Today most barcode label printers work in both thermo direct or thermo transfer mode. Using the thermo direct rule the print head applies heat to chosen parts of the label which then turn dark. This is the same rule as is used with older fax machines. Thermo direct labels are responsive to light and should not be used if they have to last longer than a few days or weeks. Usual applications are address labels which simply have to last a few days.

With thermo transfer printers a heat sensitive ribbon is placed between the label and print head. When heat is applied to the ribbon, ink transfers from the ribbon to the label. Labels that were printed with thermo transfer are extremely durable. On the other hand, besides the actual label the transfer ribbon is another consumable which will raise the printing cost.