Types Of Barcodes: Choosing The Right Barcode
However, Codabar codes are being phased out in favor of newer code forms, which allow more data to be stored in a much smaller form. Either way, Codabar is still commonly used in logistics, healthcare, and even schools, where the code is applied to the spines of library books. They are an error checking feature of barcode symbols such as UPC, but are not used in other types such as CODE39. Presentation scanners stand still and items are passed in front of the scanner, allowing hands-free scanning.
QR codes are a minimum of 21×21 cells, but can increase in size in increments of 4×4 cells to a maximum size of 105×105 cells. You’ll find QR codes on everything from cereal boxes to posters, ads, and even museums, drinking cups, library books, and more. While there is no standardized barcode format, there are some key specifications that determine how they are designed and made. Barcode labels may differ in size, capacity, linearity, material, and whether or not a checksum is required. The size of a label is often determined by the specifications of the scanning equipment and the intended application.
This speeds up processing at exits and helps track items and also reduces cases of shoplifting related to exchanging price tags, although thieves can now print their own barcodes. Barcodes that encode a book’s ISBN are also widely preprinted in books, magazines, and other printed materials. In addition, retail chain membership cards use barcodes to identify customers, enabling personalized marketing and a better understanding of consumers’ individual buying patterns. At the point of sale, buyers can get discounts on products or special marketing offers through the address or email address provided at registration. Barcode Authority, we produce more than 2,000,000 barcode files each year and are the ONLY source for accurate (.eps) UPC barcodes and personal support.
Another advantage is that they can read 2D barcodes on screens of mobile devices, for electronic coupons, tickets or boarding passes. Linear image scanners are like laser scanners, but instead of reading the barcode, it takes an image of the image and interprets it. They are more effective at reading poorly printed or damaged codes. For companies dealing with printed barcodes or dealing with damaged or hard-to-read barcodes, linear imagers are a better choice. Laser scanners are used to read 1D barcodes, illuminate and detect the specific order of bars and spaces. It records and translates the data before it is sent to a computer database for use.
On the other hand, Matrix barcodes are a two-dimensional way of displaying data. They are similar to linear barcodes, but are able to display more data per unit area. They look like squares or rectangles that can contain numerous small dots. Examples of 2D barcode types are QR codes, EZcode, Nexcode and more.
UPC codes: One of the most widely used barcode symbols and possibly the most recognized type of barcode by consumers due to the widespread use of UPC codes in retail environments. The position of each digit reveals the type of information those numbers refer to, a standardized process that allows upc codes to be deciphered upc barcode that do not come from a specific company. There are also more basic UPC-E variations that contain only 6 digits. Code 128 can encode alphanumeric data, as well as all standard ASCII symbols and control codes. In addition to encrypted data, barcodes also contain a starting bar, a check digit and a stop bar.