WHAT IS BARCODING AND WHY IS IT USED?

  • The process by which information is encoded into a barcode.
  • A barcode scanner translates the code into numbers and letters that are passed on to a host system.

Why is the use of barcoding so widespread?

  • Provides rapid, simple, and accurate readings, as well as data transmission for items that need to be identified, tracked or managed.
  • Can be directly printed onto virtually any material.
  • Most cost-effective and accurate solution for capturing data.

NOT ALL BARCODES ARE THE SAME

There is no single barcode type that has a universal business application

  • Therefore, a need for different symbologies exists

Symbology:

  • A symbology is a type of barcode, or a barcoding language.
  • Every barcode type or symbology has a unique way of encoding data characters.
  • The most common difference between symbology types is 1-Dimensional (1D) and 2-Dimensional (2D) codes.

1D VS. 2D SYMBOLOGIES

  • Different barcode symbologies support different types and amounts of data.
  • The type of barcode that is being used in the application environment will impact the type of scanner that is needed to read it.

1D BARCODE SYMBOLOGY EXAMPLES

SYMBOLOGY DATA CAPACITY
UPC-A 12 numeric digits – 11 user specified and 1 check digit
UPC-E 7 numeric digits – 6 user specified and 1 check digit
Code 128 Variable length alphanumeric data
I 2 of 5 Variable length numeric data

2D BARCODE SYMBOLOGY EXAMPLES

SYMBOLOGY DATA CAPACITY
Data Matrix Consists of any type of data including binary or
alphanumeric and be up to 3116 bytes in length
Aztec Consist of any type of data including binary or
alphanumeric and be up to 3750 bytes in length
Maxicode Holds up to 93 alphanumeric characters or
138 numeric digits
QR Code Consist of any type of data including binary or
alphanumeric and be up to 7089 bytes in length

1D VS. 2D SYMBOLOGIES

1D SYMBOLOGIES 2D SYMBOLOGIES
Encodes data horizontally along
the barcode.		 Two-dimensional way of representing
information.
Can store a limited amount of
information (around 85 characters
maximum but typically much less,
depending on the code type).		 Can store a greater amount of information
(hundreds of characters) compared to a 1D code.
As more data is encoded, the
barcode becomes wider		 As more data is encoded, the size of the barcode
can be increased in both the horizontal and
vertical directions, thus maintaining a manageable
shape for easy scanning. To properly decode the
data, a scanner must read the entire symbol, in
both dimensions.

BARCODING DNA

  • Character Sets are combinations of bars and spaces that represent a specific character.
  • X-Dimension is the width of the smallest bar or space element in the barcode. Also referred to as mil size (1 mil = .001 inch).
  • Quiet Zones are the areas just before and after the barcode.

ANATOMY OF A UPC BARCODE – EXAMPLE

  • Number system character = specific to industry
    • 0 = Grocery
    • 3 = Pharmaceutical
    • The price is not encoded in the barcode, just the ability to look it up in the host system via the Manufacturer and Product Code
      • Manufacturer Code/Company Prefix – 6 to 10 digits in length and is a globally unique prefix assigned to the company. This ensures that your product’s barcode is not confused with another company’s product.
      • Product Code/Item Reference –Unique code assigned to the product. Combines with the manufacturer code to make up the first 11 digits of the barcode.
      • A check digit – a special formula using those first 11 digits is used to calculate the check digit. This 12th digit ensures the accuracy of the information in your barcode when it is scanned.

BARCODE ISSUES THAT MAY IMPACT SCANNING PERFORMANCE

  • Spots, voids, and rough edges are common barcode defects.
  • Bar width growth and loss may occur when the barcode is printed.
    • Bar Width Growth happens if the ink spreads.
    • Bar Width Loss happens if too little ink is applied.
  • Poor print contrast occurs when there is insufficient color difference between bars and spaces.

 Coming soon… Scanning Technology