Barcodes
are commonly presented as a self adhesive barcode label, and can be found on
almost every consumer item sold in retail outlets across the world. We rarely
go for a single moment without sighting a barcode label - They’re read on
packaging, parcels, post and now our mobile phones are even equipped to read
them.
Barcodes
come in many different formats, according to their end use. Some codes are
referred to as ‘linear’ and these have the traditional stacked vertical line
appearance we’re all familiar with. The latest generation of codes are referred
to as 2 dimensional codes. These are typically square in shape, and are made up
of a series of dots running inside.
2D codes
are commonly used by mobile phones, and these are normally the QR format (Quick
read). QR codes are very robust, in that the encryption of the data in the code
is such, that a reader can interpret a code even if part of the code is damaged
or missing. They are also capable of holding mass volumes of data (over 7000
characters). 2d codes are also used by the military and other federal organisations
to identify an array of vital components. These are typically the PDF417 type
of code, which has a hybrid appearance to it, a 2d code with vertical stacked
bars either side of it. Airlines are now using the Aztec code more and more at
airport terminals for baggage labels and boarding passes. The Aztec code is a
2d code with a bullseye pattern in the middle of it.
The most
commonly used linear code is the UPC (Universal product code) code, or EAN
(European article numbering code) UPC’s/EANs are the codes that the retailer
scans when you do your grocery shopping, The UPC/EAN has eight or thirteen
characters in it, of which the last one is a check digit, (a final character
devised from an algorithm applied to the preceding numbers). The numbers that make up an EAN/UPC code are
very specific, and the two halves of the code are specific to the retailer and
the product they are selling.
The
Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is a linear barcode that was traditionally used on 35mm
film reel. The ITF14 is a variation of this code and is commonly found on the
outside of cartons for wholesale, for example an outer carton of 24 stubbies
will have an ITF14 code on which identifies the retailer, the product and the
quantity of items within.
Barcodes
have become an integral part of our daily life as computerised systems, retail,
health care, heavy industry and many other sectors have grown to rely on them.
For this reason it is important that the code is printed accurately to ensure
correct decoding by the scanner and software. The quality of a barcode is
determined by a series of factors laid out by ANSI (the American NationalStandards Institute).
Always
choose your barcode label supplier carefully. Label Makers Pty Ltd have been manufacturing
and supplying barcode labels for over 30 years. All of our barcodes are
verified and tested to the ANSI standards, which is the international standard
for barcode quality.
For more
information, or help sourcing your barcode labels, contact us via the Label Makers website.
