We have been using bar coded labels for about 6 years now and never use the bar code. The labels are produced from the Estates WIMS system, and I would imagine someone had the bright idea that one day we would all have hand-held scanners to read the bar code, but it never happened and I'm sure it never will.
In my view, bar code labes should be part of an efficient inventory/equipment management system, probably using palm organizer's. If not you are wasting your time.
