It is also useful to place bar codes in a consistent place on the form, preferably, the upper left-hand corner. If possible, forms should be filled out by machines, computers and type writers rather than hand print. All fields that are filled in by the originator, etc. should be in black ink. If there is one step that should not be cut short, this is it. Test the scanning process, the OCR process, the data entry process, the printing process, the clarity of the directions given to the originator, the bar code reader, the drop-out ink, etc.
Many companies provide a forms testing service.
Suggested Guidelines for Ordering Forms . Their specifications are available from the Office of Task Force or directly from these agencies. These may be useful in preparing a bid.