Barcoding

The barcode is the most commonly used form of data recording. The data is read automatically and flawlessly. In the Netherlands, barcodes were first introduced in the seventies. Since then, they have found use in many sectors.

Originally, barcodes contained data in the shape of variations in the widths and spaces between a number of parallel bars. These are the so-called linear or one dimensional (1D) barcodes. A number of different standards have been developed for this type of barcode each of which has its own applications and specific characteristics. Well-known, standardised, common 1D barcodes include:

•  The UPC: common in retail in the USA and Canada
•  The EAN 8 and EAN 13 codes: used in European retail, among other things
•  The GS1-128, also known as EAN-128: applied globally.

Alongside the 1D barcodes there are also 2D barcodes. These are also known as matrix codes. Matrix codes do not consist of bars, but of a raster of square dots. Matrix codes can contain a much more data on an equally large surface area than 1D barcodes. Matrix codes can contain approx. 2kByte of data. This is comparable to a full A4. There are various types and standards of matrix code. Stacked barcodes are a mix of 1D and 2D barcodes. These consist of multiple rows of 1D barcodes on top of one another.

There are two ways of scanning barcodes. The oldest, most well-known method is to use a laser scanner. A laser is then used to read the barcode after which it is decoded. Laser scanners can only read 1D barcodes and stacked barcodes. The second way of reading barcodes is to use an imager. This is a camera which takes a picture of the barcode after which software decodes it. Imagers can read both 1D and 2D barcodes. Both methods are common and each has its own pros and cons.

When RFID technology was introduced many predicted that the end was in sight for barcodes. However, things will not be progressing that quickly. Not only are barcodes still more reliable, they are also still cheaper to implement than RFID tags. Dalosy expects barcodes to be the most commonly used method for years to come.

Dalosy introduced barcode technology into the Netherlands. This gives us enormous experience with the implementation of solutions that use barcodes. We would therefore be only too happy to provide you with advice on barcode solutions for your business processes!

If you need more information about Barcoding? Please contact us