Comprehensive Guide of Barcode Types and the Applications

The use of barcodes has become a standard practice in various industries. Over the years, barcode technology has aided businesses in identifying and tracking products. According to new formats, many barcodes exist, including 1D and 2D barcodes.

Each type consists of different positive and negative points. Also, different barcodes suit diverse packaging applications and operations. To better improve your supply chain management, it is essential to understand the types and applications of barcodes.

In this article, you will discover a comprehensive guide to the common types of barcodes and applications in several industries, along with the advantages and disadvantages. Read the article to make informed decisions about your packaging choice.

What is Barcode?

A barcode, also known as a bar code, is machine-readable visual data consisting of numbers, symbols, and bars with varying forms, spacings, and widths. Industries use barcodes to store variable information such as production data, batch number, serial number, Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), Electronic Product Code (EPC), and many others.

Barcodes have become a significant part of a wide range of industries since barcodes can accurately encode and store a large amount of information. It improves the efficiency of an industry’s supply chain, including distribution, retail sales, logistics, etc.

How does a barcode work? It uses symbols, numbers, and bars in white and black. A standardized rule specifies the size and arrangement of such characters depending on the information. A barcode scanner emits light and scans the existing code to retrieve the barcode information, then converts the information.

The most common example is using a mobile phone camera where you can scan a QR code. Then, it will direct you to a website page to finish a transaction or to see more detailed information about a product, service, or restaurant menu.

List of Barcode Types

Barcodes consist of two popular types, namely, 1D or one-dimensional barcodes and 2D or two-dimensional barcodes. Each consists of various types designed to encode, store, and retrieve information. 1D barcodes use lines and spacings of parallel lines, while 2D barcodes use shapes and symbols. Below is the explanation of every barcode type. 

• Codabar

Codabar is a barcode symbology usually used in photo labs, blood banks, libraries, FedEx airbills, and retail applications. The form comprises a series of bars and spaces representing numeric and alphanumeric data. It has 16 symbols of numbers (0 to 9) and characters (letters A, B, C, D, and $).

• Code 39

Code 39 consists of linear bars used in many industries, such as government, military, manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive. It uses 43 characters containing alphanumeric characters such as numbers, capital letters, and special characters.

• Code 128

Code 128 can store information with different data types and lengths. It encodes alphanumeric characters and many functions, including encoding information of different subsets, the start or stop characters, and character sets. 

• EAN 13

The European Article Numbering (EAN) 13 refers to a linear barcode format that uses 13 digits of data. This type allows for quick and efficient scanning of goods sold in stores, such as electronics, food, and household goods.

• UPC-A

The Universal Product Code (UPC) A is a numeric and linear barcode format. It encodes 12 digits of data that encodes 12 digits of data, including a leading number system digit, a product code, and a manufacturer code.

• Aztec Code

Aztec Code is a 2D barcode encoding large amounts of information in a small area. It uses matrix symbology and a grid of cells. The arrangement of cells represents the encoded data.

• QR Code

The Quick Response (QR) code uses matrix symbologies like a black or white grid of cells to encode data such as texts, email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, and even entire business cards. This barcode can be personalized with a business logo or brand color.

QR Code and Barcode: Are They Different?

Yes, both are different. QR code is a 2D or matrix code. It uses white and black squares to encode and store information. Moreover, a QR code can store more information, such as images and website links. The code is versatile and accessible to a smartphone camera.

On the other hand, a barcode refers to a linear or 1D code. It uses a series of spaces and lines of different widths to store information such as prices, product names, and manufacturers’ information. Thus, the barcode design is more straightforward.

There are some advantages and disadvantages of QR codes. Its advantages include having a large data capacity, which enables it to store URLs, contact details, and product or service information. It is easy to use and customize.

You can add colors, shapes, and business logos, making it more appealing to the eyes. In addition, a QR code provides a report about who is using it and how it is used. Thus, it makes the tracking process helpful in measuring the success of marketing campaigns. 

There are some disadvantages, however. To scan, a QR code, a smartphone camera, and a strong internet connection are required for successful access. Hence, it is not very versatile for remote areas with limited connectivity.

Moreover, it is easy to duplicate a QR code, especially for financial transactions. This makes a QR code more vulnerable in securing sensitive financial information. Also, a QR code requires an accurate scan to convert the information. If the code is damaged or the scan angle is wrong, it will result in an incorrect outcome.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Barcode

Barcodes have many advantages. For example, they are cost-effective solutions to produce accurate data collection. In addition, it is easy to print the required data on labels which helps the management and traceability of a product through warehouses, shipments, and sales.

Barcodes can improve productivity and customer experience. It eliminates manual data-entry tasks, which reduces the possibility of human error. Then, customers can have a more straightforward checkout process by scanning a barcode. The last is versatility. Barcodes are applicable in various industries such as logistics, military, healthcare, manufacturing, and others.

Barcodes, however, have some disadvantages in the application. Some barcodes, usually 1D, can store limited information making them less versatile than 2D barcodes. They are vulnerable to external damage caused by sunlight, temperature, and changing weather. You cannot retrieve information from barcodes if the barcode is damaged or blurred.

Another point is the limitation of security. Anyone with the necessary technology can replicate and alter barcodes. Thus, it is vulnerable to fraud. Although some disadvantages exist, the advantage of barcodes exceeds the disadvantages. 

How to Identify Barcode?

The next time you buy a product, you can identify a barcode by finding a unique pattern of characters, symbols, lines, and spaces on the packaging. This unique pattern is the barcode. It represents a sequence of numbers or letters identifiable by a barcode scanner.  

If you want to know more about barcode features, look at the following explanation:

• Lines and Spaces

A barcode has a variety of lines and spaces of different widths. It represents the variable information of a product. Usually, the lines are black with white spaces in between. Other barcodes might use distinct colors.

• Numbers or Letters

A sequence of numbers or letters can also be seen with the naked eye on a product’s packaging. This barcode stores specific product information such as price, expiry date, name of the manufacturer, and others.

• Quiet Zones

Quiet zones of barcodes refer to a blank area that informs a barcode scanner of the start and end of the barcode’s symbol.

• Check Digits

A check digit is the last calculated digit from a series of numbers. It helps to verify the integrity and accuracy of the barcode data.

Printer Recommendations for Implementing Barcodes in Industries

After knowing barcode types above, it is important to know that choosing a suitable printer to produce high-quality and durable barcodes is vital. Here are some printer recommendations or solutions for implementing barcodes in industries.

• Thermal Transfer Printers

Thermal transfer printers produce high-quality barcodes. The results are resistant to moisture, heat, and fading. These printers use heat to transfer ink from a ribbon to the label material.

• Thermal Inkjet Printers

A thermal inkjet printer is a reliable and cost-effective printing solution to produce text or images. You can use it at home or in a work environment. This printer is versatile. It can print on different media labels such as plastic, paper, and fabric. 

• Direct Thermal Printers

Another option is a direct thermal printer. It is a suitable solution for quick and simple barcode printing. It is easy to use, yet the printed labels are more susceptible to fading. It is recommended for short-term label applications.

Barcodes have aided businesses across industries in storing information and improving product traceability. Moreover, barcodes are a cost-effective and reliable solution to accelerate product management in case of labeling a variety of variable data on the packaging. They comprise two primary types, 1D and 2D barcodes, with different strengths and weaknesses.

Read About: Marking and Coding Technologies for Improved Traceability and Quality Control