subject: Defining Barcodes [print this page] Defining Barcodes Defining Barcodes
Barcodes encrypt data, both numeric and textual, in a machine-readable form which can be printed. Expenses in depot administration and listing can be considerably lessened when barcodes are utilized. There are two main types of barcodes that are currently in use. The first type is the one dimensional barcode or a barcode that is encrypted on a horizontal manner; these are called linear or normal barcodes. Between four to forty characters or digits are encrypted in this type of barcode. The second type of barcode is the two dimensional or 2D barcode where the information is encrypted in two dimensions which would result in a bigger amount of data to be encrypted and can reach up to three thousand digits or characters. Majority of linear barcodes only encrypt digits or numbers but there are exceptions to this, these exceptions include Code 39 and Code 128, which can also includes letters or alphanumeric characters. Numbers, letters as well as special characters can be encrypted in two dimensional or 2D barcodes.
Code EAN, a barcode that is utilized to encrypt product number in retail settings, are the most frequently used linear barcodes. This kind of linear barcode is widely-used all over the globe save for the US, which utilizes Code UPC, a comparable barcode which has a similar function. Addon is a unique kind of Code EAN which is a smaller barcode that is placed beside the central barcode and is used to encrypt price and other similar data. The International Standard Book Number or ISBN uses a Code EAN that has a five-digit Addonn whereas the International Standard Serials Number or ISSN is encrypted using Code EAN with a two-digit Addon.
Code 39, which is used in the medical field, Code 128, which is widely used for depot administration and retail, and Code 205, which is used fro depot administration and listing, are some of the more significant linear barcode symbologies.
Among 2D barcodes the PDF417 and Datamatrix are the most commonly used barcodes, both of these 2D barcodes are employed in production, tracking of shipments and other related functions that would necessitate a considerable amount of information to be encrypted.
Checksums in Barcodes
To ensure safe and error free reading and scanning of barcodes, all common barcode symbologies support so called checksum or check digit schemes. A checksum or check digit is an additional character or number that is calculated from the encoded data and appended to thebarcode. While reading the barcode the scanner or reader can verify the checksum and determine if the barcode was scanned correctly. This is especially important if the barcode can easily be damaged or be tampered with. Simple check digit systems like the sort that is used with most linear barcodes will only detect simple errors, like a missing character. More sophisticated systems, especially those used with area barcodes can not only detect but also repair any damage that may have occurred to the code.
To guarantee reliability as well as the deciphering and scanning of barcodes without making mistakes, every single frequently-used barcode symbologies should support the use of checksum or the extra character or number that is added at the end of the barcode. The checksum of the barcode can be authenticated to verify if the barcode was scanned properly by the barcode scanner or reader. Barcodes that are easily damaged or altered can benefit from this function of the barcode. Majority of linear barcodes can only identify omitted characters and other simple mistakes with their straightforward check digit system. Aside from identifying any damage that may have happened to the barcode, the more modern systems can also fix the damage on the code itself.
Applications for Barcode
Virtually every kind of business makes use of barcodes these days. The retail industry was the first main area of application of barcodes where the barcodes would encrypt the product numbers, information about the maker and the price of the product price. The transport sector also has a widespread use of barcodes where the address and data to be used for tracking are included in the barcode. Two dimensional barcodes, on the other hand, are currently being widely used in personal identity cards, driver's licenses and other similar applications. Electronic parts like computer or memory chips can also be tagged using these two dimensional barcodes.
