Selecting the right Zebra printer for your business needs doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it first sounds. The key to getting it right is in knowing what barcoding functions you require and answering some simple questions that our AIS team of experts have put together.
These will help you find the right model in the quickest amount of time.
10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Zebra Barcode Printer?
Below are the ten questions you should ask yourself when looking to purchase a barcode printer. By answering these you will be able to narrow down the choices and choose the model that suits your needs.
- What is the intended use for the barcode labels?
This will help to narrow down your selection and let you choose Zebra printers suited to the types of barcodes you want to print.
- Where will the printer be located?
Will the printer be installed in a warehouse, office, etc.? Knowing the location is another way to narrow down the Zebra printer models giving you a list of compatible options for your chosen location.
- What type of environment will the printer operate in?
Answering this question involves looking at the temperature of where the printer will be and if it fluctuates. Whether there is high humidity, exposure to chemicals, etc. There are certain Zebra printer models that are suited to different environments.
- What is the anticipated duty cycle for the printer?
Again, this question helps to narrow the choice and anticipate maintenance costs when working with a specified budget. There are Zebra printer models with different cycles and you’ll want to choose the model that fits your needs.
- What are the minimum speed requirements?
Do you have a daily or hourly target to be met? If so you will need to look at the speeds and outputs of your barcode label printer and ensure that minimum speeds for the Zebra printer will work with your requirements.
- What dimensions do the labels need to be?
Different printer models have different label sizes. Some Zebra printers can be adjusted to take a number of different label sizes and if you plan to print a range of different sized labels this is an important feature to look at before making any decisions.
- How often do label specifications change?
How often do you change your label specifications is a question that can make a big difference. If specifications change on a regular basis you need a printer that is easy to program and adapt.
- What type of environment will the labels be exposed to?
Will the labels you are printing be exposed to chemicals, changing temperatures, abrasion or high humidity? These are things you need to be aware of so the Zebra printer you choose will produce quality labels that won’t fade when exposed to high or low temperature and can withstand exposure to the elements as well as chemicals.
- Will the printer be connected to a network or used by standalone terminals?
By answering this question you will be able to focus on the features your printer needs to have. Networked printers will require different functionality compared to standalone models.
- What is the budget for purchasing a printer?
Knowing your budget is important as it will allow you to narrow your selection and focus solely on Zebra printers within your price range. There are models to suit all budgets and should you need any additional advice or help in choosing your barcode printer, our experts are always on hand to answer any questions you might have.