Track-And-Trace

Variable information print technologies

Bar codes may be applied via a simple label, pre-printed with a logo or other message and subsequently furnished with unique variable information print—including a barcode—by direct thermal, thermal transfer, or inkjet print. The mature direct thermal technology, which creates images using heat on a heat-sensitive substrate, primarily serves the retail market. It offers ease and reliability of use for short-life applications, and delivers relatively low-cost quality bar codes at reasonable print speeds. These characteristics also make direct thermal an obvious choice for transit product identification and tracking labels, e.g., for parcel distribution, as well as outer case and pallet markings.