There’s no limit on the size of enterprises that use Linux as the core of their IT systems. That means the amount of inventory and assets to be managed can sometimes be huge. Although within the IT environment the capacity for storing and managing information is virtually limitless, making the link with the real world is another matter. So what if your computers say you have X of this item here and Y of the other there? If someone used or moved them in the meantime, how will your data get updated so that you still get a true representation of what’s really out there?
Enter the barcode. By printing a unique barcode label for each item (and possibly for each storage location), and sticking that label on the item concerned, you immediately make the link between what’s in your accounting and the real world. As changes occur, you can scan your barcode labels and reconcile those changes with your systems data. Linux printing of inventory barcode labels can make your organization run more smoothly, more productively and above all more profitably. So what’s the catch, you’re asking yourself? There isn’t any – except that you still need a solution for cost-effectively and reliably printing all the barcode labels required for your inventory.
How to be (almost) all things to all people
The thing about Linux is that as well as being open source, it’s so-o-o popular. Different Linux software companies make and distribute different versions of Linux available. Although these versions use the same core operating system, they have enough differences to make it necessary to produce a specific version of software program to be able to run it on a particular Linux version – and that includes the software “drivers” that send printing information from the Linux system to printers. If the printer manufacturer cannot make such a driver available for the version of Linux you’ve chosen, then you’ll have develop your own work around – and update it to take account of new releases of your Linux system.
The solution is to choose a barcode label printer that doesn’t depend on any proprietary software driver. Luckily, there is an industry standard known as PCL5 – it’s the printer control language invented by Hewlett-Packard to control the LaserJet printer, and it’s available for a vast range of different operating systems. IntelliBar printers from IntelliTech employ PCL5 for that very reason. Suddenly, the barcode label printer installation and maintenance becomes an awful lot easier. However, IntelliBar printers also do a bunch of other things to make Linux inventory barcode label printing a snap.
Print, stick, scan, done
Depending on what you want to stick barcode labels on, you’ll need different kinds of barcode labels. Perhaps you’ll also need to deal with different dimensions and adhesive characteristics. You’ll surely want excellent print quality and barcode labels that resist wear and tear, so that you can scan them whenever you want without having to worry about prints fading or print quality degrading. And, especially if your organization is big, you’ll want barcode label printers that can print reliably and fast, day in and day out. Guess what? You’ve just described yet more of the key features of the IntelliBar printer range.
In short, IntelliBar printers will be the barcode label printers you can rely on for effective Linux inventory label printing. You’ll also be able to count on them for a long time to come, because they’re both robust and future-proofed – from the industry standard printer command language to the advanced thermal transfer printing technology that lets you print more, faster, with longer print head life and lower maintenance costs. In short, IntelliBar printers are the solution of choice in terms of Linux version, barcode label size, type of adhesive, archiveability, and features, and for knowing that not only there is a place for everything in your organization, but that everything is also in its place.
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