barcode

A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the

object to which it attaches. Originally, barcodes represented data by varying the widths and

spacings of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or 1 dimensional (1D). Later they

evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns in 2 dimensions (2D).

Although 2D systems use a variety of symbols, they are generally referred to as barcodes as well.

Barcodes originally were scanned by special–optical scanners called barcode readers, scanners

and interpretive software are available on devices including desktop printers and smartphones.

The first use of barcodes was to label railroad cars, but they were not commercially successful

until they were used to automate supermarket checkout systems, a task for which they have

become almost universal. Their use has spread to many other tasks that are generically referred

to as Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC). The very first scanning of the now ubiquitous Universal

Product Code (UPC) barcode was on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum in June 1974.

Use

Barcodes such as the UPC have become a ubiquitous element of modern civilization. Some

modern applications of barcodes include:

Almost every item other than fresh produce from a grocery store, department store, and mass

merchandiser has a UPC barcode on it. This helps track items and also reduces instances

of shoplifting involving price tag swapping, although shoplifters can now print their own

barcodes.

Barcodes are widely used in shop floor control applications software where employees can

scan work orders and track the time spent on a job.

Retail chain membership cards (issued mostly by grocery stores and specialty "big box" retail

stores such as sporting equipment, office supply, or pet stores) use bar codes to uniquely

identify a consumer. Retailers can offer customized marketing and greater understanding of

individual consumer shopping patterns. At the point of sale, shoppers can get product

discounts or special marketing offers through the address or e-mail address provided at

registration.

Example of barcode on a patient identification wristband

When used on patient identification, barcodes permit clinical staff to instantly access patient

data, including medical history, drug allergies, etc.

Document Management tools often allow for barcoded sheets to facilitate the separation and

indexing of documents that have been imaged in batch scanning applications.

Barcoded parcel sent from Ukraine

The tracking of item movement, including rental cars, airline luggage, nuclear

waste, mail,express mail and parcels.

Tracking the organization of species in biology. The barcode assigned is based on the CO1

gene.

Since 2005, airlines use an IATA-standard 2D barcode on boarding passes (BCBP), and

since 2008 2D barcodes sent to mobile phones enable electronic boarding passes.

Recently, researchers placed tiny barcodes on individual bees to track the insects' mating

habits.

Barcoded entertainment event tickets allow the holder to enter sports arenas, cinemas,

theatres, fairgrounds, transportation, etc. This can allow the proprietor to identify duplicate or

fraudulent tickets more easily.

They can track the arrival and departure of vehicles from rental facilities.

Barcodes can integrate with in-motion checkweighers to identify the item being weighed in

aconveyor line for data collection

Some 2D barcodes embed a hyperlink to a web page. A capable cellphone might be used to

read the barcode and browse the linked website, which can help a shopper find the best price

for an item in the vicinity.

In the 1970s and 1980s, software source code was occasionally encoded in a barcode and

printed on paper. Cauzin Softstrip and Paperbyte[14] are barcode symbologies specifically

designed for this application.

The 1991 Barcode Battler computer game system, used any standard barcode to generate

combat statistics.

In 1992 the Veterans Health Administration developed Bar Code Medication

Administration system (BCMA).

In the 21st century many artists started using barcodes in art, such as Scott Blake's Barcode

Jesus, as part of the post-modernism movement.

Today, barcodes are issued by GS1, the most widely used supply chain standards system in

the world.

Symbologies

The mapping between messages and barcodes is called a symbology. The specification of a

symbology includes the encoding of the single digits/characters of the message as well as the

start and stop markers into bars and space, the size of the quiet zone required to be before and

after the barcode as well as the computation of a checksum.

Linear symbologies can be classified mainly by two properties:

Continuous vs. discrete: Characters in continuous symbologies usually abut, with one

character ending with a space and the next beginning with a bar, or vice versa. Characters in

discrete symbologies begin and end with bars; the intercharacter space is ignored, as long as

it is not wide enough to look like the code ends.

Two-width vs. many-width: Bars and spaces in two-width symbologies are wide or narrow;

how wide a wide bar is exactly has no significance as long as the symbology requirements

for wide bars are adhered to (usually two to three times wider than a narrow bar). Bars and

spaces in many-width symbologies are all multiples of a basic width called the module; most

such codes use four widths of 1, 2, 3 and 4 modules.

Some symbologies use interleaving. The first character is encoded using black bars of varying

width. The second character is then encoded, by varying the width of the white spaces between

these bars. Thus characters are encoded in pairs over the same section of the barcode.Interleaved

2 of 5 is an example of this.

Stacked symbologies repeat a given linear symbology vertically.

The most common among the many 2D symbologies are matrix codes, which feature square or

dot-shaped modules arranged on a grid pattern. 2-D symbologies also come in circular and other

patterns and may employ steganography, hiding modules within an image (for

example, DataGlyphs).

Linear symbologies are optimized for laser scanners, which sweep a light beam across the

barcode in a straight line, reading a slice of the barcode light-dark patterns. Stacked symbologies

are also optimized for laser scanning, with the laser making multiple passes across the barcode.

In the 1990s development of charge coupled device (CCD) imagers to read barcodes was

pioneered by Welch Allyn. Imaging does not require moving parts, like a laser scanner does. In

2007, linear imaging had begun to supplant laser scanning as the preferred scan engine for its

performance and durability.

2-D symbologies cannot be read by a laser as there is typically no sweep pattern that can

encompass the entire symbol. They must be scanned by an image-based scanner employing a

CCD or other digital camera sensor technology.

Quality Control And Verification

Barcode verifiers are primarily used by businesses that print and use barcodes. Any trading

partner in the supply chain can test barcode quality. It is important to "grade" a barcode to ensure

that any reader in the supply chain can successfully interpret a bar code with a low error rate.

Retailers levy large penalties for non-compliant barcodes.

Barcode verifiers work like a readers, but instead of simply decoding a barcode, a verifier

performs a series of eight tests. Each test is graded from 0.0 to 4.0 (F to A). The lowest of the 8

grades is the scan grade. For most applications a 2.5 (C) is the minimum acceptable grade.

Compared with a reader, a verifier measures a barcode. The measurement must be repeatable and

consistent. Doing so requires constant conditions such as distance, illumination angle, sensor

angle and verifier aperture. In comparison, a reader must interpret a barcode as reliably as

possible over a wide range of conditions.

Barcode verifier standards

Barcode verifiers should comply with the ISO/IEC 15426-1 (linear) or ISO/IEC 15426-2

(2D).

This standard defines the measuring accuracy of a bar code verifier.

The current international barcode quality specification is ISO/IEC 15416 (linear) and

ISO/IEC 15415 (2D). The European Standard EN 1635 has been withdrawn and replaced by

ISO/IEC 15416. The original U.S. barcode quality specification was ANSI X3.182. (UPCs

used in the US—ANSI/UCC5).

This standard defines the quality requirements for barcodes and Matrix Codes (also called

Optical Codes).

As of 2011 the ISO workgroup JTC1 SC31 was developing a DPM quality standard :

ISO/IEC TR 29158.

International standards are available from the International Organisation for Standardization

(ISO).

These standards are also available from local/national standardisation organisations, such

as ANSI, BSI, DIN, NEN and others.

Benefits

In point-of-sale management, barcode systems can provide detailed up-to-date information on

the business, accelerating decisions and with more confidence. For example:

Fast-selling items can be identified quickly and automatically reordered.

Slow-selling items can be identified, preventing inventory build-up.

The effects of merchandising changes can be monitored, allowing fast-moving, more

profitable items to occupy the best space,

Historical data can be used to predict seasonal fluctuations very accurately.

Items may be repriced on the shelf to reflect both sale prices and price increases.

This technology also enables the profiling of individual consumers, typically through a

voluntary registration of discount cards. While pitched as a benefit to the consumer, this

practice is considered to be potentially dangerous by privacy advocates.

Besides sales and inventory tracking, barcodes are very useful in logistics.

When a manufacturer packs a box for shipment, a Unique Identifying Number (UID) can be

assigned to the box.

A database can link the UID to relevant information about the box; such as order number,

items packed, qty packed, destination, etc.

The information can be transmitted through a communication system such as Electronic Data

Interchange (EDI) so the retailer has the information about a shipment before it arrives.

Shipments that are sent to a Distribution Center (DC) are tracked before forwarding. When

the shipment reaches its final destination, the UID gets scanned, so the store knows the

shipment's source, contents, and cost.

Barcode scanners are relatively low cost and extremely accurate compared to key-entry, with

only about 1 substitution error in 15,000 to 36 trillion characters entered. The exact error rate

depends on the type of barcode.

Types of barcodes

Linear barcodes

Symbology

Continuous

or

discrete

Bar

widthsUses

U.P.C. Continuous ManyWorldwide retail, GS1-approved -

International Standard ISO/IEC 15420

Codabar Discrete TwoOld format used in libraries and blood

banks and on airbills (out of date)

Code 25 – Non-interleaved

2 of 5Continuous Two Industrial (NO)

Code 25 – Interleaved 2 of 5 Continuous TwoWholesale, libraries (NO) International

standard ISO/IEC 16390

Code 39 Discrete TwoVarious - international standard ISO/IEC

16388

Code 93 Continuous Many Various

Code 128 Continuous ManyVarious - International Standard ISO/IEC

15417

Code 128A Continuous ManyVarious - only a CODE 128 character set,

not an own symbology

Code 128B Continuous ManyVarious - only a CODE 128 character set,

not an own symbology

Code 128C Continuous ManyVarious - only a CODE 128 character set,

not an own symbology

Code 11 Discrete Two Telephones (out of date)

CPC Binary Discrete Two

DUN 14 Continuous Many Various

EAN 2 Continuous Many

Addon code (magazines), GS1-approved -

not an own symbology - to be used only

with an EAN/UPC according to ISO/IEC

15420

EAN 5 Continuous Many

Addon code (books), GS1-approved - not

an own symbology - to be used only with

an EAN/UPC according to ISO/IEC 15420

EAN 8, EAN 13 Continuous ManyWorldwide retail, GS1-approved -

International Standard ISO/IEC 15420

Facing Identification Mark Continuous One USPS business reply mail

GS1-128 (formerly known

as UCC/EAN-128),

incorrectly referenced

as EAN 128and UCC 128

Continuous Many

various, GS1-approved -is just an

application of the Code 128 (ISO/IEC

15417) using the ANS MH10.8.2 AI

Datastructures. Its not an own symbology.

GS1 DataBar, formerly

Reduced Space Symbology

(RSS)

Continuous Many Various, GS1-approved

HIBC (HIBCC Health

Industry Bar Code)Discrete Two

Healthcare [19] - is a datastructure to be used

with Code 128, Code 39 or DataMatrix

ITF-14 Continuous Many

Non-retail packaging levels, GS1-approved

- is just an Interleaved 2/5 Code (ISO/IEC

16390) with a few additional specifications,

according to the GS1 General

Specifications

Latent image barcode Neither Tall/short Color print film

Pharmacode Neither TwoPharmaceutical packaging (no international

standard available)

Plessey Continuous TwoCatalogs, store shelves, inventory (no

international standard available)

PLANET Continuous Tall/shortUnited States Postal Service (no

international standard available)

POSTNET Continuous Tall/shortUnited States Postal Service (no

international standard available)

Intelligent Mail barcode Continuous Tall/short

United States Postal Service, replaces both

POSTNET and PLANET symbols

(previously known as OneCode)

MSI Continuous Two Used for warehouse shelves and inventory

PostBar Discrete Many Canadian Post office

RM4SCC / KIX Continuous Tall/short Royal Mail / Royal TPG Post

JAN Continuous ManyUsed in Japan, similar and compatible

with EAN-13 (ISO/IEC 15420)

Telepen Continuous Two Libraries (UK)

Matrix (2D) barcodes

A matrix code, also known as a 2D barcode or simply a 2D code, is a two-dimensional way of

representing information. It is similar to a linear (1-dimensional) barcode, but has more data

representation capability.

Symbology Notes

3-DI Developed by Lynn Ltd.

ArrayTag From ArrayTech Systems.

Aztec CodeDesigned by Andrew Longacre at Welch Allyn (now Honeywell Scanning

and Mobility). Public domain. -- International Standard ISO/IEC 24778

Small Aztec Code Space-saving version of Aztec code.

Chromatic Alphabetan artistic proposal by C. C. Elian; divides the visible spectrum into 26

different wavelengths - hues.

Codablock Stacked 1D barcodes.

Code 1 Public domain.

Code 16K Based on 1D Code 128.

Code 49 Stacked 1D barcodes from Intermec Corp.

ColorCodeColorZip[21] developed colour barcodes that can be read by camera phones

from TV screens; mainly used in Korea.

Compact Matrix

CodeFrom Syscan Group, Inc.

CP Code From CP Tron, Inc.

CyberCode From Sony.

d-touch readable when printed on deformable gloves and stretched and distorted

DataGlyphs From Palo Alto Research Center (also known as Xerox PARC).

Datamatrix

From Microscan Systems, formerly RVSI Acuity CiMatrix/Siemens. Public

domain. Increasingly used throughout the United States. Single

segment Datamatrix is also known as Semacode - Standard: ISO/IEC

16022.

Datastrip Code From Datastrip, Inc.

Dot Code A Designed for the unique identification of items.

EZcode Designed for decoding by cameraphones.

Grid Matrix Code From Syscan Group, Inc.

High Capacity

Color BarcodeDeveloped by Microsoft; licensed by ISAN-IA.

HueCode From Robot Design Associates. Uses greyscale or colour.

INTACTA.CODE From INTACTA Technologies, Inc.

InterCode

From Iconlab, Inc. The standard 2D barcode in South Korea. All 3 South

Korean mobile carriers put the scanner program of this code into their

handsets to access mobile internet, as a default embedded program.

JAGTAG From JAGTAG, Inc. Optimized for use with mobile device cameras.

MaxiCode Used by United Parcel Service. Now Public Domain

mCode

Developed by Nextcode Corporation specifically for camera phone

scanning applications. Designed to enable advanced cell mobile

applications with standard camera phones.

MiniCode From Omniplanar, Inc.

MicroPDF417 Facilitates codes too small to be used in PDF417.

MMCC

Designed to disseminate high capacity mobile phone content via existing

colour print and electronic media, without the need for network

connectivity

Nintendo e-

Reader#Dot code

Developed by Olympus Corporation to store songs, images, and mini-

games for Game Boy Advance on Pokémon trading cards.

Optar

Developed by Twibright Labs and published as free software. Aims at

maximum data storage density, for storing data on paper. 200kB per A4

page with laser printer.

PaperDisk

High density code, used both for data heavy applications (10K – 1 MB) and

camera phones (50+ bits). Developed and patented by Cobblestone

Software.

PDF417 Originated by Symbol Technologies. Public Domain.

PDMark Developed by Ardaco.

QR Code

Initially developed, patented and owned by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave

for car parts management; now public domain. Can encode Japanese Kanji

and Kana characters, music, images, URLs, emails. De facto standard for

Japanese cell phones. Also used with BlackBerry Messenger to pickup

contacts rather than using a PIN code. These codes are also used frequently

for Android OS phones. -- International Standard : ISO/IEC 18004

QuickMark Code From SimpleAct Inc.

SmartCode From InfoImaging Technologies.

Snowflake Code From Marconi Data Systems, Inc.

ShotCodeCircular barcodes for camera phones by OP3. Originally from High Energy

Magic Ltd in name Spotcode. Before that probably known as TRIPCode.

SPARQCode QR Code encoding standard from MSKYNET, Inc.

SuperCode Public domain.

TrillcodeFrom Lark Computers. Designed to work with mobile device's camera or

webcam PC. Can encode a variety of "actions".

UltraCodeBlack-and-white & colour versions. Public domain. Invented by Jeffrey

Kaufman and Clive Hohberger.

UnisCodealso called "Beijing U Code"; a colour 2D barcode developed by Chinese

company UNIS

VeriCode,VSCode From Veritec, Inc.

WaterCode High-density 2D Barcode(440 Bytes/cm2) From MarkAny Inc.

Five Advantages of Barcodes

Barcode systems provide an array of benefits, including operational efficiency, better customer

service, and improved visibility of key business information to management.

Speed

A bar code label of twelve characters can be wanded in approximately the time it takes a

keyboard operator to make two keystrokes.

Accuracy

For every 1,000 characters typed by a keyboard operator, there are an average of ten keying

errors. For an Optical Character Reader (OCR), there is one error in every 10,000 reads. With

wands, barcode systems approach one error in every 3,000,000 characters, and with laser

technology, they approach one error in 70 million entries.

Data Integrity

Portable number of substitution errors per 3,400,000 characters.

Data Entry Method Errors

Keyboard Entry 10,000

OCR Scanning 300

Barcode scanning (Code 39) 1

Ease of Implementation

Operators of bar code scanners can learn to use the equipment effectively in less than 15

minutes. System costs are lower than other means of data entry because of the existence of

interfacing hardware and software. Barcode labels can cost less than a penny apiece, are easily

read by thousands of commonly available devices, and can be printed universally.

Cost Effectiveness

Barcode systems have a demonstrated payback period of six to eighteen months, and they

provide the highest level of reliability in a wide variety of data collection applications. Barcode

systems create value not only by saving time, but also by preventing costly errors.

What is the standard for your company's data? Information is your most valuable asset, so you

need the most reliable data management systems available for your budget. Wrong information

in your supply chain or operations can create unacceptable risks, lost business and higher

operating expenses. Protect your organization by ensuring data accuracy and availability.

Four Ways You Can Improve Operations

What benefits can you expect from the application of barcoding? From the receiving dock to the

shipping door, barcode data collection provides direct benefits to labor productivity, production

control, operational costs, customer service, space requirements and inventory management.

Organize Shipping and Receiving

Whether you receive shipments with barcodes applied by suppliers or you need to print and

apply labels for internal use, barcodes provide a way to monitor the flow of inputs. Labels

identify the item, purchase order number, supplier, lot number, date of delivery, and more. This

information is then used to create a receiving and purchasing record which becomes part of the

material's history throughout its cycle, thereby providing lot traceability.

When shipping packages, barcode labels are often mandatory. Barcode label software can

integrate with your database systems to provide convenient, efficient generation of barcode

labels. Once in transit, barcode labels provide an effective means of tracking packages and

collecting proof of delivery.

Manage Inventory Effectively

The most valuable characteristic of barcodes in inventory control is keeping track of parts,

supplies and materials that you purchase, stock, and consume. Knowing what you have, and

where to find it, prevents costly disruptions, saves money in purchasing, and increases sales

revenue.

Track Fixed and Circulating Assets

The application of bar coding to fixed assets was one of this technology's first uses. By attaching

a label to capital equipment, office furniture, computers and other fixtures, you can keep an

account of what you own, calculate depreciation easily, conduct physical inventories, and

perform preventative maintenance.

Circulating assets include equipment, tools, files and other valuable inventory that changes hands

within an organization. By tracking who has custody of each asset, inefficiency and losses can be

minimized.

Use Automatic Data Collection

Virtually any data collection process that currently runs on clipboard and paper can be managed

with barcodes and mobile computers, creating a leap in productivity and accuracy. Whether you

run a factory or a hospital, grow crops or harvest timber, effective management depends upon

timely, accurate information.

Barcode Scanning Technology

Which Scanning Technology Is Right for Your Business?

Scanning technology is constantly evolving and providing industries with more choices in data

capture solutions. Two competing data capture devices: the laser scanner and the digital imager

have many businesses facing a tough decision. Deciding which scanning technology is right for

your application can be a difficult task. Knowing the advantages and applications in which these

two technologies are used is the first step to success.

The key to deciding between these two technologies is determining which fits the requirements

and budget of your business most accurately.

Symbology

2D Data Matrix Code

Both laser scanners and digital imagers are programmed to decode specific symbologies, or the

“language,” of barcodes. The symbology used in the application can help determine which

scanning technology will provide the most benefit. The use of 2-dimensional (2D) symbologies

is on the rise in many markets, making digital imagers a better choice. However, for applications

that don’t require reading 2D barcodes, laser scanners are a cost-effective option.

Laser Scanners

Symbol LS2208

Laser scanners provide excellent scanning productivity and accuracy; this allows operators to

achieve high productivity in high-throughput areas of business. Laser scanners are capable of

decoding barcodes over wide ranges and can achieve 50% more range than digital imagers.

Because laser scanning technology has been refined, scanners are less expensive than

comparable digital imagers. Although laser scanners are incapable of reading 2D symbologies,

they are capable of reading a 2D-like symbology, PDF417. Laser scanners offer a number of

advantages for a multitude of applications and should be considered the technology of choice for:

Decoding at long distance

Decoding UPC/EAN and other 1D barcodes used in retail

Applications that require motion tolerance

Self-Service shopping

While laser scanners prove to be advantageous in certain applications, other markets are better

suited for digital imagers or a combination of both technologies.

Digital Imagers

Intermec CK31 with

EX25 Imager

In addition to 1D barcodes, digital imagers (also known as area imagers) can decode 2D

barcodes. 2D barcodes can be encoded with significantly more information than 1D barcodes,

making digital imagers beneficial to transportation, logistics, and tracking applications. Area

imagers enable omni-directional reading of barcodes, eliminating the need to accommodate the

scanning device. In addition to reading one and two-dimensional barcodes, high performance

digital imagers can capture and transfer images, enabling signature capture and the scanning of

documents. Area imagers have the capability of reading Direct Part Marking (DPM), a method of

permanently marking a product. DPM is growing in popularity and allows a product to be

tracked throughout its life. Digital imagers offer many advantages in certain applications, but

area imagers are not to be confused with linear imagers. Although data is captured in a similar

way, linear imagers aren’t capable of decoding entire images or 2D barcodes as an area imager

can. Area imagers offer significantly more benefits and are the only choice for 2D barcode

applications. Area imagers have proven to be beneficial in the following areas:

Decoding all kinds of 1D and 2D barcodes

Decoding DPM (Direct Part Marking)

Decoding critical tracking information

Capturing images for inventory management

Combining barcode decoding, image capture, and signature capture in a single device

Which one Should Your Use?

When used in appropriate markets, laser scanners and digital imagers both deliver numerous

benefits. At times, the combination of the two technologies may even be the correct decision.

Both are powerful technologies that will increase productivity, improve efficiency, and reduce

operational costs. When choosing a data capture technology, businesses must apply a careful

analysis of the capabilities and advantages of each technology. Recognizing which technology,

laser scanners or digital imagers, provides the most benefits for your business applications is the

key.

Comparison of Barcode Printers

A number of different print technologies are available to print barcodes. These technologies

roughly break down into two categories: impact and non-impact printing techniques. Impact

printing includes dot matrix and drum (or formed character) printers. Non-impact printing

includes thermal direct, thermal transfer, electrostatic (laser printers), laser etching and ink jet

printers.

Barcode Printing Technology

There are four basic types of barcode printers: Dot Matrix, Inkjet, Laser, and Thermal. Barcodes

can be printed on documents, or more frequently, adhesive labels, tags or other media, even ID

bracelets.

Summary of Different Barcode Printing Technologies

Technology Print

Quality

Scanner

Readability

Initial Installation

Cost

Long Term

Maintenance

Material

Waste

Dot Matrix Fair Low Low/Moderate Moderate/High High

Ink Jet Moderate Low/Moderate High Moderate/High High

Laser Moderate Moderate Moderate/High Moderate/High High

Direct

Thermal

Moderate/

Excellent

Moderate/

Excellent

Moderate/High Low Low

Thermal

Transfer

Excellent Excellent Moderate/High Low Low

Dot Matrix

Dot matrix print technology is a longstanding method of producing barcodes on-site.  The

barcode image is produced by hundreds of dots printed in a matrix to make the series of lines and

spaces commonly referred to as a barcode.

Advantages

Printers are easily accessible and a less expensive option of printing

Various surfaces can be used to print on

Multi-pass ribbons can reduce costs for ribbons and label materials

Limitations

Barcodes are low to medium density and may not match up to a users standard

Reusable ribbons can produce illegible barcodes resulting in lower read rates.

Ink saturation can result in bleeding on the paper resulting in image distortion

Though many types of material can be printed on, often these labels are not durable, nor

can they be water or chemical resistant.

Printing of single labels results in a great loss of media and is inefficient

No graphics capability

Speed is suffered when trying to produce best ink coverage for optimal readability.

Ink Jet

Ink Jet printing is usually used in high production settings where production of barcodes and

human readable fonts need to be reproduced at high rates of speed.

Advantages:

Direct ink jet printing requires only one step to finish the carton or readable material,

where other forms may require adhesion of a label to the finished product

A favorite on high-speed production lines due to its ability to mark “on the fly”

Limitations:

System installation is very costly as this method is designed for high-volume barcode

printing – not for individual or batch printing

Requires constant supervision to prevent inkjet clogging and maintain proper print

quality

Material use is restricted due to possible bleeding on certain materials

Printing on dark backgrounds, such as corrugated cardboard, result in hard to read

barcodes. Scanning devices must be chosen carefully to ensure proper readability

Laser

A laser printer works much like a photo copier.  Charging particles of the paper that then attract

ions from the ink.  These two particles are then bonded together by the heat and pressure of the

drum.

Advantages

Print high-quality text and graphics on paper documents and can double as a document

printer when not being used to print barcodes.

Density and resolution are relatively high, allowing the production of scanable barcodes

at any wavelength when read with an infrared scanner

Limitations

Not well suited for industrial environments

Wasteful in small operations

Label adhesives must be strong enough to withstand the heat and pressure of the fuser

Limited durability – cannot produce water resistant nor chemical resistant labels. Toner

costs are generally huge with laser printers as they require five times more toner than

normal text

Thermal

Thermal printing includes Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer, as explained below.

Direct Thermal

Direct thermal printing is an older technology designed for use with copier and fax machines that

utilizes chemically coated paper.  It has since been transformed into a highly successful

technology for barcoding.  The direct thermal printhead consists of a long, linear array of tiny

resistive heating elements (roughly 100-300/in.) that are arranged perpendicular to the flow of

the paper.  Each printhead element locally heats an area directly below it on the paper.  The

image is produced by rows of dots caused by chemical reactions that are formed as the media

passes beneath the active edge of the printhead.

Advantages

Produces sharp print quality with great scanability

Ideal for applications with a short-shelf life such as shipping labels and receipts

Simple to operate and inexpensive to maintain – no ink, toner or ribbon to monitor or

replace

Batch or single label printing is available with minimal waste.  Generally Thermal

printers are built more durably than dot matrix or laser printers

Limitations

Sensitive to environmental conditions such as heat and light.

Paper remains chemically coated after printing, sometimes requiring a coating adhered to

the paper to protect from UV light exposure, chemicals and abrasions.

Thermal Transfer:

Thermal Transfer printers use the same basic technology as direct thermal printers, but replace

chemically coated paper with a non-sensitized face stock and a special, inked ribbon.  A durable,

polyester ribbon film coated with dry thermal transfer ink is placed between the thermal

printhead and label.  The thermal printhead transfers the ink onto the label surface, where it cools

and anchors to the media surface.  The polyester ribbon is then peeled away, leaving behind a

stable, passive image.

Advantages

Crisp, high-definition text, graphics, and barcodes for maximum readability and

scanability

Produces long life scanability

Produce batch or single print labels with minimum waste

Long-term maintenance is low compared to dot-matrix, inkjet, and laser

Print on a high variety of media stock

High durability

Limitations

Supply costs slightly higher than Direct Thermal as Thermal transfer requires ribbon

replacement, though their printhead lasts longer

Ribbon can be wasteful if little is printed from it

Poor candidate for recycling

Ribbon and Media MUST be compatible

Barcode Scanner Comparison

Which barcode scanner do I need?

There are many options to consider when choosing a barcode scanner. It is not as simple as

picking the cheapest reader. Though cost savings maybe a large consideration, choosing the

cheapest scanner may force you to buy another scanner in the long run. Depending on your work

environment, you'll need a scanner with an appropriate IP Rating, so it doesn't fail due to use or

abuse.

Handheld vs. Hands-free Scanners

Hands-free scanners are more efficient when it is easier to bring the barcode to the scanner rather

than the scanner to the barcode. Such examples of this are Point-of-Sale (POS) applications, or

automated assembly lines. Handheld scanners are a better fit with large, bulky items, or when

you have to scan multiple items in different locations. Most applications use handheld scanners.

Laser vs. CCD Scanning vs. Imaging

Laser scanners are generally more expensive than CCD scanners, but can often be more efficient

in their scanning ability. They can be designed to read barcodes from a great distance, allowing

workers to scan items on the top shelf of a warehouse without having to move closer to the item.

These scanners are also a better option when the barcode is not on a flat, hard surface as CCD

scanners are used in close contact situations. Laser Scanners have different options for the

distance you need to scan, most come in standard, long range, and extra-long range capabilities.

A situation for a CCD scanner may be a bright location, typically outside, where placing the

scanner directly over the barcode will block out most outside light giving a quicker and more

accurate read. Imaging technology will take a picture of the barcode and then read the barcode

from that image. Though imaging technology may be slower out of the gate, when the quality of

a barcode decreases, the read rate for imagers increases as the imager will look over the entire

height of the barcode to find a complete strand automatically.

What Type of Laser Scanner do I Need?

Heat and light will cause thermal labels to darken. Dirt, oil or grease will cause bad reads unless

infrared scanners are used which can detect high-carbon inks below the smears and stains that

occur on factory floors. Remember, too, that if you laminate or otherwise protect the label, this

will affect your choice of scanner. In addition, ambient light can also curtail the effectiveness of

fixed beam readers. For these conditions you would require a high density laser scanner, or an

imager, as they both will read poor quality barcodes with great accuracy.

Nine Factor to Consider When Selecting Barcode Labels

Consumable media is a critical component of your printing system. Having the correct labels for

your application can improve accuracy, lower material handling costs, and make your warehouse

operation more efficient. With that said picking out the right labels can be a difficult procedure.

But, if you remember the nine letters in B.A.R.C.O.D.I.N.G.you shouldn't have a problem.

B - Barcode Scanner: What kind of scanning device will you be using to read your barcodes.

Labels can have different light absorbing characteristics, which can improve the performance

and efficiency of your scanner.

A - Attach: What surface will your labels be attached to? Smooth, rough, grooved, curved, or

dirty surfaces can all AFFECT your label selection.

R - Rate: How many labels are you printing per minute? Per day? Per week? Per year? Labels

have many different materials and qualities, so the kind of labels will be one factor in

determining the final cost.

C - Clock: How long must the label last? What is the shelf-life of the product the label is on? Is it

a mailing label to be used once or an asset label that needs to be on a fixed asset for life? This

factor will not only determine the kind of label, but possibly the kind of printer!

O - Operating Environment: One of the most important considerations is the operating

environment the labels will be exposed to. Will the label be exposed to extreme heat or cold,

dryness or wetness, light, extreme handling, or chemicals. If so, there is a label for you, and

Barcoding.com can be your supplier.

D - Do-it-yourself: Did you know that you do not have to buy a printer for every label

application? Some applications, like tracking Fixed Assets with RioScan's Fixed Asset software,

require only pre-printed labels.

I - Inches: It is a matter of inches! The simple question, "how big is my label?" is the first

consideration. Choosing a label with a common size, or "stock size" can help reduce costs.

Labels can come as small as 1/8" x ½" or as large as 11" x 17".

N - Need: What exactly is you labeling need? For example, some barcoding applications occur

on tags that hang from an item, rather than stick to it. There are many different ways to barcode

on item such as hanging tags, ID cards, metal tags, and direct print. Make sure that labels will

suit your needs best.

G - Glue: The type of glue used to adhere the label to your surface is very important. Do you

want your label to be permanently adhered to the surface or you do want it to be removable?

Should your label leave behind a tamper-indication if is played with or is it important for the

label to leave behind little to no residue when it is removed? These are all important questions

and viable options for your labels program!

Other Factors that Affect Barcode Labels

BAR HEIGHT

For hand-held readers, bar height is at least one-quarter of an inch or 15 percent of the entire

code's length, whichever is greater.

"X" DIMENSION

The "X" dimension is the width of the narrowest element of the barcode. Other elements of the

code are multiples of the "X" dimension.

CHARACTER DENSITY

Density refers to the number of characters which can be encoded in a given unit of length and is

vitally important to the eventual application of a barcode.

CONTINUOUS/DISCRETE

Barcode symbologies are either continuous or discrete. Continuous symbologies use the

intercharacter gap as a character, whereas discrete symbologies do not.

FIRST PASS READ RATE

The first read rate is the ratio of the number of successful reads to the number of attempted reads.

RIBBON FACTORS

The principal rule to remember with ribbons is that the ribbon you use in the office will probably

not meet the specifications or requirements of the bar coding environment.

LAMINATES

In many ways, the specifications which apply to paper also apply to laminates. Laminates should

not interfere with the scanning ability of the barcode reader.

ADHESIVES

Adhesives vary with each application. Some require labels to permanently affixed to an item,

such as a piece of capital equipment.

Barcode reader

A handheld barcode scanner

A barcode reader (or barcode scanner) is an electronic device for reading printed barcodes. Like

a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source, a lens and a light sensor translating optical

impulses into electrical ones. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers contain decoder circuitry

analyzing the barcode's image data provided by the sensor and sending the barcode's content to

the scanner's output port.