Understanding your labeling needs up front will simplify the process of choosing the ideal printer for the job. Consider several key questions:

Why do you need an on-demand labeling system?
Will your printer be utilized for internal improvement -- such as capital asset management, inventory control or time and attendance reporting -- or to meet corporate or industry-mandated labeling requirements -- such as automotive AIAG, electronic EIA or retail UCC/UPC specifications?

What do you need to print on your labels?
Many users of thermal printing technology generate bar coded labels. However, some labeling applications never use bar codes, but require high-resolution printers to produce text or graphic images. Your labels may include bar codes, alphanumerics, graphics or any combination of the three.

Bar code considerations:
Bar code symbologies are grouped into two distinct categories:

� Linear symbologies, a combination of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths.

� Two-dimensional symbologies, which can encode large amounts of data in relatively small spaces.

If you'll be printing bar codes for internal use, you may have the freedom to select a symbology that suits you. But if you're printing labels to meet customer or industry specifications, you'll need to use a specified symbology. Make sure the printer you select supports the symbology you require.

Additionally, if you must meet compliance labeling standards, you may require a printhead with a specific print resolution and maximum print width. For example, if you need to print UPC symbols at 100% magnification, a 152 or 304 dpi printhead is ideal; you'll be outside the specification with a 203 dpi printhead. Or, if you'll be generating labels to meet the European automotive industry's ODETTE standard, you'll require a printhead that's over 6 inches wide.

So remember . . . it's important to understand both the bar code and the label specifications when determining what you'll print on your labels.

Text considerations:
If your labels will include text:

• Determine whether you'll print small or large characters. Resolution can be a critical concern. Printers with resolutions of 300 dpi can produce images that are clearer than those produced by laser printers. These high-resolution models are ideal for applications that require very small text, such as PC board labels or jewelry tags.
• Determine if you'll need special typefaces. Some fonts are bitmapped, others are scalable. Bitmapped fonts may require less formatting time than scalable fonts and are excellent for many applications. But scalable fonts allow for printing of very large, crisp text without jagged edges, which may be important if you require large bin, pallet or location labels.

Graphic considerations:
If you'll be printing graphics -- logos, line art, gray scales or other complex images -- look at resolution. Detail is enhanced as resolution is increased. So if your print requirements call for intricate graphics, you'll probably want a 300 dpi printhead rather than a lower resolution printhead.

How will you create your label formats? Many printers are programmed via manufacturer- specific -- or even printer-specific -- programming languages. If you don't want to take the time to master a new skill, there are literally dozens of software packages on the market that may simplify the label creation process:

• Many software packages offer WYSIWYG ("what you see is what you get") support, which enables you to view a graphic of the label on your monitor. All of the elements, including bar codes, text, logos, line art and other graphics, appear exactly as they'll look on the printed label.
• The software may allow you to create custom graphics, logos and typestyles without the aid of a separate software package.
• Some software is compatible with DOS or Macintosh PC environments; other packages are designed for multi-user midrange or mainframe systems.
• Many will interface with existing databases.
• Some are easier than others to master!

As you investigate the alternatives, you'll discover that functionality varies from basic to complex. If you choose to purchase a separate label creation package, test it for ease of use and confirm that it supports your symbology, connectivity and functionality requirements.

Where will your labels be printed? In a controlled environment -- such as a centralized data processing area, laboratory or office -- you probably won't need to worry about such factors as printer construction or internal versus external media supply and rewind spindles. On the other hand, your printer may be located in an uncontrolled environment and subjected to temperature extremes, excessive humidity, airborne particulates and other harsh elements. If this is the case, a rugged steel-cased cabinet that shields the printhead, electronics and media may be advisable.