The Barcode is a technology that consists of a series of parallel, adjacent bars and spaces that allows for real-time data to be collected. The data in the barcode acts as a reference number that the computer uses to look up associated computer disk records. These records contain the descriptive data and other pertinent information that is needed to complete the identifying process.
The width of each bar, or pattern, is designed to represent the actual data in the symbol, which is known as symbology. There are over 300 different types bar code symbologies today, each of which were originally developed to fulfill a specific need in a specific industry. These unique symbologies also have different capabilities for encoding data. For example the UPC (Universal Product Code) symbology, is generally used to identify retail products. The actual UPC is a 12-digit number that accompanies the barcode and is unique to each product. Another numbering system is known as the EAN (European Article Numbering), this system is derived from the U.P.C. however; it was created to establish a 13-digit number that would accommodate country codes for international use. The general purpose Code 39 or Code 128 barcode symbologies, are somewhat different from the UPC symbology. It can encode variable length alphanumeric data up to approximately 30 characters in length. In determining which symbology is suitable for you and your product, you need to decide what information you want encoded, the print quality, and the amount of space available for the bar code.
Barcode's can be used in a wide variety of applications from warehousing and inventory control to library or healthcare applications. The main purpose of a barcode is to improve performance, productivity, and ultimately profitability for all industries. |
