Barcode and Variable Data Printing: What You Need to Know
Barcode and variable data printing is an essential production step in industries where every product needs its own unique identity — food, pharmaceuticals, logistics. Fields like serial numbers, lot codes, production/expiry dates and QR codes differ on every label, which requires a process separate from standard printing.
What Is Variable Data?
Variable data is a type of printing where every label within a print run carries different information. Static design elements (logo, product name) stay fixed, while fields like barcodes and serial numbers are automatically changed by the production software.
Types of Barcodes
- 1D barcode (Code 128, EAN-13): The most common format for retail and inventory tracking.
- 2D barcode / QR code: Can carry more data; used for product info, campaign links or verification.
- Serial number & lot code: Play a critical role in production tracking and recall processes.
Why It Matters
Incorrect barcode matching can cause serious disruptions in inventory management and legal issues in the food/pharma sectors. That's why control mechanisms at both the software and hardware level are critical in variable data printing.
At D-Art Etiket, we design our barcode and variable data printing processes to verify the accuracy of every series during production.