barcoding individual eneloop batteries

Anyone doing it?  I thought it would be nice to automatically track individual batteries: when they were purchased, how many times they've been charged, and when the last time was charged.   The idea being: to have a scanner near the recharge station so I can track when they're due for replacement, when they should have a drain test performed, etc.
 
In contrast, I think most people just throw their batteries into a big box and immediately lose track of this kind of useful information.
 
Or is there a better way that doesn't involve numbering or barcoding?  I thought barcoding would be easier by eliminating the data entry that would come from just numbering.
 
So, if barcoding is the best way to move forward, what's the best barcode printer to print little stickers for each battery.  It would have to be readable even on an AAA battery.
 
Better yet, are there packages of unique barcodes already printed that I can just peel off and apply?
 
Also, any suggestions for an inexpensive barcode scanner?  I guess if it's a 2D barcode, then a simple webcam could read it, right?

I like your idea of using bar codes.  I just write numbers on my batteries with a Sharpie marker.  But it gets to be a pain keeping track of them that way.
 
I haven't used this particular printer, but the description says it can create bar codes using free software that they have available.  It's one of the less expensive bar code capable printers I have come across.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828113347
 
One potential problem I have run into with putting labels on batteries is that it makes them too fat to fit in some devices.  Some Maglites are one example where I've had trouble.

Yup, I just date my Eneloops. I have about 6 sets currently; they are also marked via set as well.
 
For example, I maintain that a 4-pc set consists of batteries A-D; so those batteries may be labeled 1A-1D with the respective date. My next set purchased would be 2A-2D with date, and so on. I don't keep track of number of recharges, etc. I do utilize a Maha charger for them and re-condition them periodically - not really even scheduled, but I try to do it about once every 6 months to a year. Understand that I really don't use any of my eneloops for general use, I pretty much solely use them for photography purposes where I maximize the low self-discharge (LSD) feature as they may sit idle in my camera bag for weeks or months at a time.

RAL said:

One potential problem I have run into with putting labels on batteries is that it makes them too fat to fit in some devices.  

Click to expand...

You've put your finger on the scenario that worries me.  It might be that a system which relies on labels is fatally flawed for that reason.

Sorry, I should have specified that I mark/label my batteries with a Sharpie.