Bar code system distributors help businesses save time and money with product tracking and identification. Bar coding systems are also playing a bigger part in hospitals when it comes to patient safety. When hospitals give patients a bar code identification bracelet linked to a medical record, they can also link it to medications, special diets, and even blood for transfusions -- making wrong doses and patient misidentification less likely.

Use the following tips to find the best bar code system distributors for your business:

1. Product reviews or established distributors provide some of the best bar code systems recommendations.

2. Certain barcode systems are industry-specific.

3. There are a vast array of barcode systems ranked high in ease of use, compatibility and support.

4. Used systems may best solve needs of small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Narrow your bar code systems services choices with product reviews and well-established companies

Compatibility is key if you run a large business or conduct transactions with multiple vendors. Find a bar code system that can import and export data from any software program you depend upon heavily for tracking. Several websites review multiple features including everything from label design to technical support.

I recommend: TopTenReviews prices and compares the leading 10 bar code systems services. Providing barcode systems for more than 20 years, Worth Data offers free shipping, a 30-day money back guarantee and free technical support. Find other long-standing barcode system providers with profiles from ThomasNet.

Decide on barcode systems specific to the medical industry

Barcode systems help hundreds of thousands of industries track products or stock carefully and thus do business more smoothly. For hospitals and medical practices, bar code systems are necessary. Not only do they make tracking medication and information more speedy, a recent survey suggests an accurate barcode system may reduce hospital error overall by 93% -- reducing lawsuits and malpractice insurance premiums.

I recommend: Contact RXinsider.com for a list of leaders in the medical barcode system industry. Mededex.com provides a list of medical technology websites offering medical industry-specific barcode systems.

Save big bucks with used barcoding systems

Barcoding systems come with a wide range of prices and features. For small retail businesses, some used systems come with a single printer and scanner. Remember that your used system may require servicing sooner than a new system, so buy from a company that has a guarantee, a flexible return policy and either provides service or links to service companies.

I recommend: Mobile Knowledge Group specializes in used and surplus barcode scanning systems. UsedBarcodeSystems.com leases equipment. Enterprise Data Resources Inc. buys, sells and services used barcode scanning systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A wireless barcoding system requires constant battery changes. Go to CheapBatteries.com for an inexpensive selection and 24-hour shipping.