Barcodes Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that isn't listed below, please send it
to us at info @ Arnlea.com and
we will try our best to find the answer. Further information about
barcode technology is also available at www.aimglobalorg.com.
What is a barcode?
 Linear bar
code symbols are easily identified by their tall printed bars of
varying widths. There are many linear symbols but the ones used
most frequently are called UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 39,
Code 128, and ITF (Interleaved 2-of-5). Two dimensional bar code
symbols are broken into two major groups called Matrix symbologies
and Multi-row bar codes. Matrix symbologies look like a matrix of
printed dots and Multi-row bar codes look like linear bar codes
with very short bars stacked on top of each other.
ITF-14 symbol
UCC/EAN-128 symbol
UPC and UCC/EAN symbols are fixed in length and can only encode
numbers.
Back to top
What are the limitations of barcodes?
Barcodes
are "write-once, read-many" symbols which require direct
line of sight to read and decode the symbols. Although used in harsh
environments, barcodes are not ideal since maintenance is required
to remove any dirt, grease or water build-up to ensure the barcode
can be scanned reliably. In these environments, other technologies
such as RFID tags are a better choice.
Back to top
Which sectors use UCC/EAN standards?
Any company
in any sector, regardless of where it is located, can use the UCC/EAN
standards. UCC/EAN numbers are unique keys to fixed or variable
information characterising an item. This information may be communicated
using standard formats.
Although the UCC/EAN system was first implemented by the retail
industry, it has rapidly expanded to include a range of commercial
and industrial sectors that wished to identify not only consumer
goods but also books, textiles, healthcare products, automotive
parts, and many other products and services.
The combination of a secure bar code symbology and standardised
data content is being used in many supply chain applications including:
· Tracking and Tracing of Equipment/Tools in transit or located
at different sites
· Identification of Equipment/Tools
· Encoding of additional information such as serial numbers,
production specifications and certification status
· Tracking and Tracing of Returnable Equipment/Tools
Back to top
What are the benefits of using UCC/EAN standards?
The application
of UCC/EAN standards can result in significant improvements in logistic
operations.
There many good reasons for using the UCC/EAN numbering standards,
including:
· Uniqueness: a separate unique number is allocated for each
item
· Non-significant: the UCC/EAN number itself is a key to
access a database, which contains precise information on the unit.
· Multi-industry and international: their non-significance
enables their use in all sectors, and their uniqueness permits their
use across borders.
· Security: UCC/EAN numbers include a check digit which guarantees
secure data capture.
Back to top
What bar code do I use?
If you are
developing a closed system strictly to be used within your company,
then the choice is yours. You need to analyse your requirements
in terms of the type of data (numeric, alphanumeric) as well has
how much space you have available to print the code. If space is
not constrained then the most likely code is Code 128. Many industries
are standardizing on Code 128. If you have a space problem then
you may want to evaluate one of the matrix symbologies. In general,
it will cost you more for scanning equipment capable of scanning
a matrix symbol.
If you need to comply with a customer's bar code application then
you must obtain a copy of the application specification and whatever
bar code is required by the specification is what you need to use.
Industry standards tell you what bar code to use, how to build the
information inside it, what size to print the bar code, where to
put the bar code on your package or container, and what the minimum
quality level is for you bar code.
Back to top
How do I print a bar code?
There are
two major types of printing equipment used to print bar codes, traditional
pressroom equipment and electronic printing equipment (for example,
laserjet or inkjet printers). If you're printing the same bar code
over and over within packaging graphics, the traditional pressroom
approach is widely used. However, if you print many different bar
codes everyday or print barcodes with information that varies (e.g.
shipping labels, equipment tags, or production tool labels) electronic
printers are used.
To print your own labels and tags you need a printer capable of
printing bar codes, software to design your barcodes, labels/ tags,
and ribbons/toner.
Back to top
What size should I make the barcode?
For a closed
system (where you control the scanning environment), this is entirely
up to you. Simply use whatever size you need for your scanning equipment.
For compliance with an industry specification, an application specification
will define the size that is needed in order to be compliant. Most
application specifications are based on a particular scanning environment
and call for a specific bar code symbology, size of the narrow element,
and height of the code.
Back to top
What colour should I make my barcode?
This will
very much depend on the application. For in-house much depends on
the contrast (required for reliable scanning) you are able to achieve
with different colours. If you are providing something based on
a customer's specification then they will generally tell you what
colours they want it to be. It is generally best to avoid colours
having red pigmentation if your customer's scanners operate in a
wavelength range from 630 to 680 nanometres (visible red spectrum).
For these scanners, bars printed in black, dark blue, or dark green
and spaces printed in white, red, orange, purple, and yellow generally
work well.
Depending on the scanner being used, the colour may be of little
relevance. When the scanner being used has a light source above
900 nanometres (mostly industrial applications), it is more important
to make sure that there is carbon content in the ink that is used.
If you are printing on a reflective substrate such as an aluminium
can, it may be possible to print the spaces and quiet zones in white,
red, orange, or light yellow and let the aluminium show though as
the bars. If you do, remember to print the human-readable text in
a dark colour in case the scanner operator has a scanning problem
and has to key enter the information.
Back to top
When should I use a barcode scanner versus
a barcode verifier?
The difference
between using an ANSI-based verifier and a scanner to determine
what is good is the scanner only assures you that what you have
printed can be scanned by that particular scanner. With a verifier
you will know if the symbol you have printed can be scanned by any
scanner in the world capable of decoding the particular symbology.
Back to top
Is it necessary to calibrate barcode scanners/readers?
The term
calibration is not applicable to bar code printing and reading devices.
ISO9000 procedures should reference manufacturer's specifications
and recommendations regarding preventative and scheduled maintenance
for bar code reading and printing equipment
Back to top
|
