Title: How to Print Barcode Job Cards URL: https://zudoworks.com/answers/how-to-print-barcode-job-cards/ Description: How to print barcode job cards: what goes on the card, Code 128 versus QR, printer and scanner choice, and fixes for cards that will not scan. Updated: 2026-11-03 # How to print barcode job cards for the shop floor A barcode job card is a printed work order sheet carrying a barcode that encodes the work order or operation number. Print one when the job is released, attach it to the traveller or bin, and scan it at each work centre to start and complete steps and to book labour. Code 128 handles alphanumeric job numbers, and any USB barcode scanner reads it. By Arunkumar V, CTO · 03 November 2026 · 2 min read [Try ZMOS free](https://app.zudoworks.com/signup) [Book a 20-minute demo](https://zudoworks.com/contact/) - how to print barcode job cards - job card with barcode - shop floor barcode scanning - Code 128 job card ## What goes on the card The card is read by an operator standing at a machine, so it should carry only what they need, and the barcode should be large enough to scan from arm's length. Keep instructions to a line or two and point to the drawing for the rest. - Work order number as a barcode and in plain text under it. - Part number, description, BOM revision and quantity to make. - Routing steps in order, each with its work centre and, if used, its own barcode. - Due date and customer reference. - Space for the operator to write quantity completed and scrapped per step. - Drawing number and any special instructions. ## Choosing the barcode format and printer Code 128 is the usual choice for job cards. It encodes letters and digits, so a job number like WO-2026-0417 fits, and every common handheld scanner reads it without configuration. QR codes hold more data and can be read by a phone camera, which helps if operators use tablets, but a dedicated scanner reads Code 128 faster at a distance. A standard office laser printer on plain paper is enough. Thermal labels suit bin stickers but fade with heat and handling. Print the barcode at least 30 mm wide with a clear quiet zone, black on white; toner-saving modes and coloured paper are the usual reasons a card will not scan. ## Scanning on the shop floor A USB scanner acts as a keyboard: it types the scanned text into whatever field has focus and sends Enter. The ERP screen at the work centre should be waiting on a field that accepts a work order scan and then asks for the action, such as start, pause or complete. One scan per event is the target; if the operator has to click through three screens first, the scans will stop within a week. Put the scanner where the work is done, on a short cable or wireless, with a shared terminal per work centre. ## How to print and use barcode job cards 1. **Step 1** Set the job card layout once with the work order number as a Code 128 barcode at least 30 mm wide. 2. **Step 2** Print one card per work order on plain paper when the work order is released and attach it to the traveller or bin. 3. **Step 3** Place a USB scanner and a terminal at each work centre with the ERP open on the scan field. 4. **Step 4** Scan the card to start a step and again to complete it, entering good and scrapped quantities. 5. **Step 5** Return the card with the finished parts and file it when the work order closes. ## Where ZMOS fits ZMOS prints a job card for every work order with a Code 128 barcode, lists the routing steps and work centres, and records labour at work centres when the card is scanned. Material issue and return post against the same work order. It fits sheet-metal, machining and fabrication shops of 10 to 50 people. If your shop runs a handful of jobs a week, a printed card without a barcode and a whiteboard may be enough; the barcode earns its place once typing the job number becomes the step people skip. See barcode job cards in ZMOS. [What ZMOS does](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/) - [barcode job cards in ZMOS](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/barcode-job-cards/) - [work orders and routing](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/production-and-bom/) - [manufacturing workflows](https://zudoworks.com/manufacturing/workflows/) - [scanning in the ZMOS user guide](https://zudoworks.com/guide/#20-mobile-scanning-and-working-offline) ## People also ask Short answers, each one complete on its own. ### Related answers - [What is a job card in manufacturing?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/what-is-a-job-card/) - [What is a work order in manufacturing?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/what-is-a-work-order/) - [How do I track labour hours on jobs?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/how-to-track-labour-on-jobs/) - [How do I track work in progress (WIP) on the shop floor?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/how-to-track-wip/) - [What is a routing and a work centre?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/what-is-a-routing-and-work-centre/) - [How do I handle scrap in production?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/how-to-handle-scrap-in-production/) - [How do I run quality inspections in a small shop?](https://zudoworks.com/answers/how-to-run-quality-inspections/) - [All 54 answers](https://zudoworks.com/answers/) ### Inside ZMOS [Zudo AI](https://zudoworks.com/zudo-ai/)[Stock ledger](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/stock-ledger/)[Low-code forms and rules](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/low-code/)[Barcode job cards](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/barcode-job-cards/)[Roles, audit log, API](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/roles-audit-api/)[Security](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/security/)[Free trial](https://zudoworks.com/zmos/free-trial/)[Why Zudo Works](https://zudoworks.com/why-zudo-works/) Do I need a special printer for barcode job cards? No. Any laser printer on plain paper prints a Code 128 barcode that scans reliably, as long as toner-saving mode is off and the barcode is a sensible size. Label printers are useful for bin stickers but not required for job cards. Which barcode scanner should I buy? A wired or wireless USB handheld scanner that reads Code 128 and QR, set to send Enter after each scan. It works as a keyboard with any browser-based ERP. Buy one per work centre or shared bench. Why will my job card not scan? Check the printer for toner-saving or draft mode, which fades the bars. Check the barcode was not scaled down to fit the layout. Remove laminate or glossy sleeves that reflect light. Keep text clear of the barcode, and confirm the scanner is set for Code 128. Can operators use a phone instead of a scanner? Yes, if the ERP runs in the browser and the camera can read the code. Phones are slower per scan and less durable in a workshop, so most shops use a dedicated scanner at fixed work centres and keep phones for supervisors.