History of Barcode Using

In the 1940s, the owner of a grocery chain in the United States demanded that merchandise be automatically registered at the checkout. Graduate students Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland began working on this request after learning that the Drexel Institute of Technology, to which he had applied, was not interested in the topic. Even if they succeeded, it would have been tremendously expensive.

They prepared a circular design, but later this design would also change. Deepening the research, Norman designed a label that would work with Morse code logic and be read by browsers. Instead of dots and hyphens in Morse code; thin, thick lines and spaces between them were to be used. In 1949, they prepared prototypes and received a patent. In 1962, Philco bought the patent and then sold it to RCA.

So, which product do you suppose was the first to be sold with a barcode? Chewing gum became the first item to be sold with a barcode on June 26, 1974, as it was scanned at a grocery store checkout.

Barcode Types According to Their Features and Usage Areas

Barcode types are divided into two main groups 1D (one-dimensional) and 2D, (two-dimensional) in terms of the prevalence of use. 2D codes have more data capacity and are very difficult to emulate. However, unlike 1D codes, 2D codes can read the data even if there is wear or damage. Although the use of barcodes is preferred according to the requirements and production operations, the global barcode standards setter is the GS1 organization.

One-Dimensional Barcodes – (1D)

One-dimensional barcodes are one of the most commonly used barcode types. 1D barcodes use a series of variable-width lines and spaces to encode data, including the GTIN for product identification. However it can only hold a very limited amount of data encoded by lines of varying widths and the spaces between them, hence they are also called linear barcodes.

In practically every market and grocery shop in the world, one-dimensional barcodes are used to identify consumer goods. They are utilized during the sales process and for inventory control. It comprises some of the most conventional or well-known 1D barcode types, including the UPC, EAN, and 128 barcode types.

The UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode is one of the most widely used barcodes in the world. A UPC is a 12-digit barcode used in U.S and Canada to label consumer products and outer packaging with an item number which are helping to identify information such as brand, size, color, and value. Along with the UPC, the EAN (European Article Numbering) barcode has 2 barcode types. First EAN-13 which is 13-digit, is mainly used to mark consumer products that pass the checkout point and which are identified with a GTIN-13 or a variable weight code. EAN-8 is generally used to label small products that have limited space for coding. Code128 is a data carrier created, so it enables items to be tracked through the global supply chain.

Two-Dimensional Barcodes – (2D)

Among the barcode types, they have recently begun to be used. 2D barcodes are also divided into varieties according to their usage area and purpose. They have a higher data capacity than 1D barcodes, and 2D codes are impossible to misread thanks to the self-checking mechanism.

The use of 2D codes has become widespread due to the development of production technologies as well as external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. 2D barcodes look like squares or rectangles that contain many small, individual dots. 2D barcodes store big information on both the horizontal and vertical planes and also can remain readable even when printed in a small size or hatched into a product. Furthermore, 2D codes are safer because the information stored in the code can be easily encrypted. 2D barcode types are QR Code, Datamatrix, Aztec Code, and PDF417. However, the most preferred ones are datamatrix and QR Codes.

Differences Between Data Matrix and QR Code

QR code and data matrix are the two most preferred barcode types in traceability operations. Data Matrix codes are physically smaller than QR codes, and offer high data density in a very small size, making them an ideal solution for marking individual product parts, where space might be limited. In addition to that, the datamatrix is the only 2D code approved by GS1 for healthcare products. On the other hand, QR codes are physically larger than data matrix codes and have more data capacity.

The finder pattern of the datamatrix is L-shaped, while that of the QR code is the squares located in the three corners. There are certain standards for the principles of operation and creation of both codes. ISO/IEC 16022 standards for datamatrix codes and ISO/IEC 18004 standards for QR codes can be examined.

Advantages of Using 2D Code

To maintain a competitive advantage and make sure they follow market trends, businesses should regularly update and upgrade their technology products. One of the most essential tools companies may use to assure their success is 2D code. Therefore, there will be advantages to using the barcode types that are most suitable for you and your business.

• Traceability of products becomes easier.
• It makes inventory and warehouse recording systems more practical.
• Operations for production, storage, and distribution are carried out effectively.
• Order arrangements can be established with ease, and stock tracking is available.
• Within the parameters of the intended application, product-customer matching is possible.
• The execution of reporting and statistical procedures allows for the development of strategies.
• Data will help with sustainability because it will be digitalized.
• The informal economy is fought against, as well as counterfeiting.
• The brand’s reputation is unquestionably secure.
• Regulation compliance is ensured.
• Recalls getting easier and faster.

Which Barcode Types to Choose

There are many different barcode types, and each has particular advantages. It might be challenging to decide which barcodes would work best for your products, inventories, or assets? Which barcodes should you use, 1D or 2D? Which barcode types are most effective for your particular industry? Most significantly, which barcode types will increase your company’s productivity and profitability?

• Which of the available barcode types must be used, according to the authority?
• How much space will the printing of code require?
• Which code does my process work best with?
• How much information should be included in the code?

You can determine which barcode types to use for your business with the help of the answers to these questions.

Technologies for 2D Code Applications that are Efficient and Economical

Since there are many barcode types, there are numerous ways to use them. To put it another way, barcode technology is determined by the product or packaging, the production process, and the regulatory requirements. For instance, the technology and procedure used to apply a barcode to a vial with a 16 mm will be different from those used to apply a barcode to the aseptic carton.

VISIOTT is a pioneer in coding and especially 2D code applications; It produces 2D coding technologies for vials, aseptic, bottles, cartons, and much more product packaging. With the experience it has amassed thus far, VISIOTT is unique as a pioneer in 2D coding technology. VISIOTT, which develops all configurable technologies based on the objective and client expectations, is also preferred for providing cost-effective solutions. VISIOTT is always by its customers’ side, with conveniently accessible spare parts, offices in many areas of the world, and a 24/7 support service. To learn more about our services and the barcode types, get in touch with us.