An overview of the barcode label

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.