What Is A Barcode: Definition, History, and Development

Simply explained, a barcode is an automatic identification system that allows data to be captured about people, materials, methods, machines, measurements, and environments. Barcodes can be found in a wide variety of industries including retail, manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, finance, and the military. Common applications include inventory, Work in Progress (WIP), shipping & receiving, quality assurance, asset tracking, patient wristbands, patient labels, laboratory labeling, and more.

The first patent for a barcode was filed in 1949 for a concept that would automatically capture product data at grocery stores, via patterns of ink read by a scanning device. From this idea, the technology was developed using a laser beam moving across the ink patterns - the black stripes of the bar code would be absorbed and the white reflected, allowing the code to be read. In 1974, a pack of chewing gum was the first retail product sold with the help of the Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode and scanner.

The barcode itself is a series of black and white bars and white spaces with varying widths representing binary components. A scanner reflects the light and interprets this code as numbers and letters, and then transfers this information into a computer system. Linear barcodes are based on bars or spaces, bar height, bar position or distance of adjacent bars.

Barcodes require a quiet zone surrounding the barcode to allow the scanner to find the leading edge and begin reading. Many label design software packages already calculate the appropriate dimensions to create barcodes for labeling. View our solution - BradySoft 8 Barcode Label Design Software.

Typical linear or "picket fence" barcodes include UPC, Interleaved 2 of 5 (I of 5), Codabar, Code 39, and code 128.

In 1996, the 2 Dimensional (2D) barcode was introduced in order to get more information in a smaller space based on "dot" locations within a matrix.

Typical 2D barcodes include Datamatrix, Aztec, and Maxicode. These are commonly used on component marking, hazardous materials, medical instruments, patient labeling, laboratory vials, and electronics.

Benefits of Barcodes

Companies implement barcode systems to track, secure, and manage data. These systems offer many cost and quality benefits, including:

• Reductions of labor costs with faster data entry.
  Manual method: Observe + Record + Review + Key entry -> Database
  Automatic method: Capture -> Database
• Error reduction - it is estimated that keyboard entry mistakes result in 1 out of 300 entries, while barcode scanning mistakes result in 1 out of 3 million scans.
• Inventory tracking - save capital costs, have goods on hand.
• Access to information - accurate, real time, when you need it.

Beyond the advantages listed above, there are other costs to consider: What is the cost to your organization if the wrong item is shipped to a customer, the wrong part is installed in an aircraft, or the wrong drug is given to an infant?

Simple Steps to Implement Barcodes

To develop an effective barcode system, you must determine whether you need a static set of pre-printed labels or an on-demand printing system. On-demand printing systems include the material (label, tag, or sleeve), a thermal transfer printer, label design software, and a barcode scanner. These systems allow you the flexibility to print large or small batches of labels cost-effectively. Printing systems also allow the user to adjust the barcode and label for variable data such as employee, batch, serial number, date and time, quantity, or part number.

 Effective barcode systems should focus on four key elements:

Step 1: Start with your product.

What are your requirements for labels? Physical considerations include: how long must they last, what will they be attached to, and how many labels you will need. What data you need on the label will also determine the size and location appropriate for labeling.

 

Next determine the application requirements such as agency recognition (UL, CSA, AGA, etc.), tear resistance, abrasion resistance, color, texture, temperature, and other considerations. Go to our online material selection guide for assistance with your labeling needs.

 

Step 2: Choose the right printer for your label material.

Thermal transfer printers are available that are compatible with specialty label materials that are resistant to rain, chemicals, sunlight, etc. These systems can also print on materials with various types of adhesives, from removable or repositionable to high-grade permanent adhesives. Print resolution is another factor when choosing a printer, with systems ranging from 203 dots per inch (dpi) to 600 dpi. View Brady's IP^TM Thermal Transfer Printer.

 

Step 3: Determine your label design needs.

A variety of label design packages are available that allow companies to create a variety of label formats, including alphanumeric text applications, barcodes, and serial number generation. Software packages can be integrated to your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system so data can be automatically downloaded to your label file. View all of Brady's software solutions.

 

Step 4: Select a barcode scanner.

Your scanner needs are determined by how you apply your barcode data: Does your system need to simply simulate typing the data into your system, or do you need to manipulate the data coming into the computer system? Connectivity is another consideration: USB with a cord or wireless with Bluetooth? The symbology of your barcodes (linear or 2D) and their density are also determining factors. Brady offers a full range of scanners to meet the needs of most applications.

Barcode technology continues to evolve, as companies discover new ways to use label data to drive operational efficiencies and improvements. Current RFID technology is already pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from label applications. Brady provides the flexibility of on-demand, integrated total solutions to not only identify your products but also support your system at every point. For more information, go to www.bradyid.com/manufacturing.