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What is the best method to generate massive quantities of code 128 barcodes?


We are looking to buy the Universal Font Package, and I was testing the Add-in with Excel 2011 for Mac. The end goal will be doing a data merge with InDesign. Then generate unique, user-specific, one-time use, Code 128 barcodes for coupon promotions. These will be then printed on a digital printing press.

We have an existing image generator app from another supplier, but it takes about 1 second per code to output, so that takes around 8-9 hours to output 35,000. The folder directory then just gets slow to navigate, refresh, and backup. I could possibly end up doing batches of 100,000+.

I tested the IDAutomation software with 35,000 codes, and it took maybe 30 minutes.

My questions are:
1. Is 30 minutes what I can consistently expect?
2. Is there any limit to how many rows it can do?
3. Is this the most efficient way? Not that I am complaining – 30 minutes is much better than 8 or 9 hours.

Operating System: Mac OS X

Application: Excel, InDesign

01-02-15     9.2 year(s) ago    

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James

Best Answer

2016 Update:
A new product (Native Barcode Generator for Excel) has been released since this question was resolved that offers an easier method of generating barcodes in Excel.


Theoretically, the VBA could be a bit faster than the AddIn. Since the AddIn is already installed, I suggest sticking with it.

Posted 9.2 year(s) ago

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Other Answers (2)
Thanks, James, I think cutting time from 8 hours to 30 minutes is still a vast improvement. I think using it as the font has great gains for me, instead of an image as mentioned above. On the encoding, would using the Visual Basic VBA Barcode Macro be any faster than using the Add-in? I haven't had a chance yet to test the VBA yet.

Posted 9.2 year(s) ago

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Given that the targeted software is InDesign on Mac, the recommended product to use is the Universal Barcode Font Package, encoded in Excel. There is no imposed limit to IDAutomation products.

Encoding must be performed. The delay is unavoidable when such a large quantity of barcodes is involved. The only other recommendation we could make is to schedule the processing overnight, if possible. In between large batches, it is advised to reboot the machine.

Posted 9.2 year(s) ago

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