Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a barcode?
Barcodes (bar codes) are machine-readable symbols used to store bits of
data. Barcodes are used for identification, tracking, inventory, and as part
of retail point of sale (POS) systems. Barcodes are used everywhere in the
modern world and are there if you look for them (though most of us ignore
them altogether).

What types are there?
There are different types of barcodes known as barcode symbologies.
Different symbologies are used by different vertical markets. An example is
the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode scanned at the cash register. Some
symbologies are fixed length, others variable length; some are numeric-only
and others are alphanumeric (letters and numbers).

What's a barcode scanner?
Barcode scanners are optical or laser devices that read and decode barcodes.
They interpret the varying widths of bars and stripes or the matrix patterns
then transmit the data within the barcode. Most scanners can read most
barcode symbologies. They autodiscriminate based on each symbology's unique
start and stop bar patterns at the beginning and end of the symbol. Many
barcodes include a check digit to insure data integrity.

What are the benefits of using barcodes?
Barcodes enable automated work processes without human intervention. Auto ID
technology like barcodes is often called keyless data entry. Barcodes are
fast and accurate, never dyslexic. The use of barcodes eliminates many
errors and often saves time and money.

Are there specs and standards?
Various standards bodies regulate the use of barcodes. Some standards
describe physical characteristics (shape, size, data structure, character
set, etc.) while others describe how barcodes are used in context (shipping
standards, labeling standards, etc.) The important thing is that everyone
who creates or scans a barcode agree beforehand.

• UPC, EAN, Bookland, & ISSN - UPC bar codes are used in the U.S. and Canada on retail items. EAN and JAN
  symbols are used in Europe and Japan respectively. Bookland symbols, based
  on ISBN numbers, are used on books. ISSN bar codes are used on non-U.S.
  periodicals. All of these symbologies are numeric-only, have a fixed length,
  and include one or more check digits.
• Code 128 - A dense, compact symbology that supports the lower 128 ASCII characters.
  Used whenever space is at a premium. Variable length strings with a
  mandatory check digit. Widely used in the shipping industry, it has three
  variations: code set A, code set B, and code set C. The latter is
  numeric-only and employs simple compression. There are several
  industry-specific subsets of Code 128.
• Code 39 (Code 3 of 9) - A popular symbology for ID, inventory, and tracking purposes. It has a
  variable length, supports alphanumeric strings, and can be printed at a
  variety of sizes and aspect ratios. This is the bar code used anywhere a
  simple bar code is needed. The full ASCII version supports the lower 128
  ASCII characters. Rarely used with an optional check digit.
• Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) - Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric-only symbology that is relatively compact
  because information is encoded in both the bars and spaces. Interleaved 2 of
  5 bar codes are used on corrugated boxes, in the shipping industry, and in
  laboratories. 2 of 5 (non-interleaved) is an older bar code that isnt used
  much today.
• Codabar - Codabar is a numeric-only symbology used by FedEx, libraries, and blood
  banks.
• MSI-Plessey - MSI-Plessey is another numeric symbology used in libraries.
• Code 93 - Code 93 is a compact symbology used on electronic components.
• POSTNET - POSTNET bar codes are used to encode ZIP codes on U.S. mail. Unlike other
  bar codes, POSTNET symbols consist of bars that vary in height, not width. A
  check digit is appended to the bar code, which can be used for 5-digit ZIP
  codes, 9-digit ZIP+4 codes, or the newer 11-digit delivery point barcodes.
• PDF 417 - 2D (two dimensional) symbologies are extremely dense bar codes that look
  like a crossword puzzle or a honeycomb-like matrix. PDF 417 is found on the
  backs of many states' drivers licenses. Because PDF417 encodes up to 1108
  bytes of information, it is really a portable data file (PDF), as opposed to
  simply being a pointer into an external database.
• Data Matrix - A popular 2D sybology that takes up much less space compared to PDF 417.
  It's the basis for UID (universal identification) symbols mandated by the
  Dept. of Defense.
• MaxiCode - A 2D symbology that resembles a honeycomb used by United Parcel Service for
  fast package sortation.

To get more information on what to purchase in a barcode software or a
barcode printer go to www.barcodefactory.com