Barcodes are all around us and incredibly handy. You’ll find them on everything from cereal boxes to boarding passes, in places like grocery stores and hospitals. They make it easy to keep track of inventory, streamline processes, and reduce mistakes. They'll even boost customer satisfaction with their speed and convenience.
There are various types of barcodes, and choosing the right one is crucial. If you've ever been frustrated at a self-checkout, it might be due to a bad barcode choice. Here's a beginner's guide to barcodes, with extra references for those who want to dive deeper.
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Each barcode format follows a set of rules, known as a symbology, that defines what characters it can represent and how. There are many barcode symbologies used worldwide. Some are found only in specialized fields like blood banks, postal services, or print shops. Here, we'll focus on the more common types. But if you're interested in exploring Flattermarken, LOGMARs, and Telepen, Austrian barcode software company TEC-IT offers the most thorough barcode overview we've come across.
Linear or one-dimensional barcodes are the most widely used type.. They consist of vertical parallel lines and spaces of varying widths. Each represents a character or digit. The familiar cereal box barcode is an example of this.
Linear barcodes allow for quick and accurate reading of small amounts of data, such as product identification numbers or pricing information. They are perfect for applications where simplicity and speed are crucial, like retail point-of-sale systems and inventory management.
These barcodes are sometimes referred to as standard barcodes. Yet, as this article shows, there is no true standard barcode—only the right barcode for the job.
Some of the most commonly used 1D barcodes include:
Code 39 barcodes are straightforward. They are initially designed to represent the 26 letters of the English alphabet, the digits 0-9, and a few special characters. It has variations like Code 39 Extended and Code 93, which can encode more characters in a smaller space. For example, Code 39 Extended includes the full ASCII set of 128 characters. It features both upper- and lowercase letters and a full range of special characters.
Each Code 39 barcode includes:
Code 128 is a highly efficient barcode that uses the full ASCII character set, making it more efficient than Code 39. It's commonly used worldwide, especially for tracking packages.
Each Code 128 barcode consists of several elements (some of which are not visible in the human-readable text):
Universal Product Code (UPC) is the primary barcode type used in the US and Canada. UPC-A barcodes consist of 12 digits, while UPC-E is a shorter version with only 8 digits. Both, along with various specialized subcodes, are extensively utilized for tracking the inventory of retail products.
Each UPC barcode comprises three components:
Unlike Code 39 and Code 128, where data characters can convey any information, UPCs are specifically designed to encode manufacturer and production details.
UPC barcodes are allocated by the Global Standards Organization. If you need them for your products, all the necessary information is available here.
EAN (European Article Number) codes share similarities with UPC barcodes but are more prevalent outside North America. They incorporate an additional country code, making them widely utilized in global supply chains. Variations include EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-14, and EAN-18.
The components of EAN codes include:
GS1-128, before known as EAN-128, is derived from Code 128. Its components include:
GS1-128 serves as a versatile barcode capable of encoding dates, batch numbers, quantities, and more. It's extensively used in logistics and supply chain management.
Additionally, there's a subset of GS1 codes known as GS1 Databar, which is notably compact. It's well-suited for small items with limited space and finds common applications in healthcare and grocery sectors for displaying expiration dates and batch numbers.
GTIN, or Global Trade Item Number, isn't a single type of barcode but rather a group that encompasses both UPC and EAN barcodes. GTIN barcodes come in various lengths, ranging from 8 to 14 digits, depending on the specific type of barcode employed.
ITF-14, commonly referred to as Interleaved 2 of 5, is the preferred option for cartons and pallets, primarily geared towards bulk handling. With 14 digits, it's tailored for large-scale operations like shipping cases of products.
Key components of an ITF-14 include:
Codabar, though old-school, remains relevant, commonly found in libraries, blood banks, and air parcels. It's prized for its simplicity and reliability, particularly suitable for handling small data volumes, and it doesn't necessarily require a check digit, although one can be added if desired.
Codabar encodes the following information:
MSI and Plessey are closely associated with numeric-only barcodes frequently employed in inventory management and storage. Plessey finds primary usage in library settings.
Matrix barcodes or two-dimensional barcodes, represent a progression from traditional 1D barcodes. Unlike linear barcodes, 2D barcodes can accommodate substantially more data. They use a matrix or grid pattern of squares, dots, or hexagons. This expanded capacity enables the storage of alphanumeric characters, symbols, and even images.
The increased data storage capacity and compatibility with mobile device screens render 2D codes exceptionally versatile. They can contain a wide range of information, including product details, website URLs, or even entire business cards. Moreover, matrix barcodes can be scanned from any direction, enhancing their flexibility and usability.
Abbreviated from Quick Response, these codes represent the most widely recognized form of 2D barcode. If you've ever scanned a code on a restaurant table to access their menu, you've experienced their practicality firsthand.
The components of QR codes include:
QR Codes are frequently employed in marketing to direct users to websites or videos. Additionally, their usage for contactless payments is steadily gaining popularity.
Data Matrix codes find widespread usage in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Their compact size and high data storage capacity make them particularly well-suited for labeling small components.
Key Components:
PDF417 is a commonly encountered format on travel tickets and boarding passes, renowned for its extensive data storage capabilities.
Essential Features:
Aztec Codes are commonly utilized in the airline industry, particularly for mobile boarding passes. Due to their ease of display and scanning from a phone screen, they are also extensively employed for event tickets.
Aztec codes boast compactness and do not need a quiet zone (the blank area around a barcode). Their anatomy comprises:
MaxiCode is a prevalent 2D matrix barcode utilized extensively for sorting and tracking packages.
Key Components:
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a dedicated encoding system reserved solely for books. It serves as a distinctive identifier aiding publishers, libraries, and bookstores in managing their inventories. Though not strictly a barcode, the ISBN is frequently transformed into a scannable format like EAN-13 to enhance the tracking process.
ISSN, or International Standard Serial Number, is employed for newspapers, journals, magazines, and periodicals.
An ISBN comprises:
ISBN codes play a vital role in the global book trade, simplifying order management, listings, and inventories. They are commonly located on the back cover or copyright page of the book. For small e-commerce businesses specializing in books, understanding ISBN codes is crucial for efficient inventory management.
POSTNET is utilized by the US Postal Service for mail sorting purposes.
Components Include:
Stacked barcodes, also known as 3D barcodes, present a more advanced form of barcode. It is capable of storing information across many layers. In contrast to flat 1D and 2D barcodes, 3D barcodes use multiple levels or layers of data storage. That enables higher data capacity and more intricate information organization.
These barcodes are particularly helpful in scenarios requiring extensive data storage within confined spaces. They find widespread application in sectors such as healthcare and logistics. That is where encoding comprehensive information like patient records or shipment details is essential.
While the majority of codes utilized in e-commerce retail are 1D or 2D barcodes, the utility and potential of 3D barcodes continue to expand.
The barcode type you opt for can have substantial repercussions for your business activities. It can impact:
Operational Efficiency: Barcodes facilitate swift and precise data acquisition. Selecting the appropriate barcode type can augment the efficiency of inventory management, order processing, and overall supply chain functions.
Data Precision: Various barcode types provide differing levels of data precision. Advanced barcodes like 2D or 3D barcodes have the potential to minimize errors and enhance the accuracy of stored information.
Below are some considerations to ponder when selecting barcode types for your business:
Numerous companies specialize in barcode software and label printing, providing valuable resources for further information:
GS1 serves as the authoritative source for UPC and EAN codes.