BarTender Label Software: Features and Uses 

BarTender is a labelling software for designing, managing and printing labels, barcodes and cards. The software can be used for everything from individual label printing to more extensive labelling workflows where information is retrieved from databases or other business systems. 

Which features are relevant depends on how labelling works in the business. A smaller production may need a simple tool for creating labels, while a larger business may need database connections, automated printing and central administration. 

What can you do with BarTender? 

BarTender brings together multiple parts of your label workflow in one software package. You can design labels, add dynamic information, and control how and when they print. 

Design labels and barcodes 

In BarTender Designer, you create the label layout and place text, barcodes, images, symbols, tables, and other graphic objects. The design surface adapts to the size and shape of the label or print media. 

The software supports common linear and two-dimensional barcode types. It also allows you to use templates and document guides as a starting point for label design. BarTender also supports RFID.

For example, it can be used to create: 

• product labels  

• batch and lot marking  

• best before date labels  

• transport and logistics labels  

• barcode labels  

• cards and tags  

What information the label needs to contain is determined by the product, the operation and the requirements that apply in the current area of ​​use. 

Use information from Excel and other data sources 

Not all labels need to be filled out manually. BarTender can connect a label design to external data sources, such as Excel and CSV files. Depending on the edition, there are also connections to more types of databases and cloud-based data sources. 

Information from the data source can be used to populate the label with, for example, product name, part number, batch information or other variable data. The user can filter, browse and select the records to be printed. 

A database connection can be especially useful when many label variants use the same basic layout. Instead of creating and maintaining a separate label for each product, the content can be pulled from a common data source. 

Enter information when printing 

BarTender can also use data entry forms. The form appears during printing and allows the operator to enter or select the information to be placed on the label. 

For example, this could involve: 

• enter a batch number  

• select a product from a list  

• scan information with a barcode scanner  

• enter number of labels  

• select records from a connected database  

The operator can then work in a delimited form without having to change the label design itself. BarTender's documentation describes how forms can be used for both manual entry and scanned data for printing. 

Automate label printing 

In more advanced production environments, label printing may need to be initiated by another system. BarTender has features to integrate the printing workflow with ERP, WMS, and other business systems, for example. 

Depending on configuration and edition, a printout can be triggered by, among other things: 

• a new or changed file  

• a database change  

• a web service or API call  

• an incoming message  

• information from a connected business system  

This means that the label can be created and printed based on information already in the business's system. BarTender's current offering includes REST API, file-based integrations and other methods for automated print workflows. 

Such an integration always needs to be designed and tested based on the customer's system, data, printer and production process. 

Manage documents and prints 

For businesses with multiple users, printers, or production locations, central administration features are available. Depending on the BarTender edition, this can include permissions, central document storage, versioning, print logging, and monitoring. 

It may be relevant when the organization needs to control: 

• which label templates may be used  

• which users are allowed to make changes  

• which printers can be selected  

• how document versions are managed  

• what information is saved about previous prints  

Feature availability varies between editions and between locally installed solutions and BarTender Cloud. 

Common uses 

BarTender can be used in many types of labelling workflows. In food and beverage, for example, the software can be used for product, batch and date labelling. In pharmaceuticals and chemicals, it can be used when label templates and variable product information need to be managed in a controlled manner. 

In the plastics, rubber and other manufacturing industries, BarTender can be connected to product data to create labels for products, components, packaging and logistics units. The software can also be used in warehouse and distribution flows where barcodes are needed. 

BarTender itself does not guarantee that the labelling complies with any specific regulatory framework. The label content, the technical solution, and the business's work procedures must always be checked against the requirements that apply to the product and the industry. 

Which BarTender solution is right for your business? 

BarTender is offered in multiple editions for on-premise software and as a cloud-based solution, with options for basic label design, database connections, automation, and central administration. 

Before the election, it is good to map out: 

• how many users and printers to include  

• what types of labels to create  

• where the product information is located  

• whether printing should be started manually or automatically  

• if multiple locations will work with the same labels  

• what requirements there are for authorization, history and version management  

Not all features are included in all editions, so always check the current feature comparison and licensing model before choosing a solution. 

Get help with BarTender and label printing 

The right labelling software is only one part of a functioning labelling solution. Label design, printers, materials, product data and integrations need to work together in the real production flow. 

We at Logimark can help you assess which BarTender solution is right for your business and how it can be used with other labelling equipment. We are there from solution selection and installation to service and support over time. 

Contact us to discuss your needs in BarTender, label printing and industrial product labelling.