Reduce data entry errors. Provide extensive data validation. Capture more accurate data. Reduce data collection time and labor. Increase operating efficiency. Provide the basis for better business decisions based on accurate and timely information. .

Choosing the Right Bar Code for Your Application

The first pattern that included some bar code basics was issued in 1934. With nearly 300 codes on the market today, choosing the correct linear, 2-D symbology or a combination of many to fit your application may not be simple when you go it alone. Winco ID's team is specially trained in symbology, applications, hardware, and software. Backed by world-class global leaders, Winco ID provides solid, reliable systems that are right for you now and as your business grows.

With the adoption of new standards, hardware, software applications and data processing, bar coding has become an important part of grocery or retail stores, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, etc. All of these industries have unique symbologies and aren't interchangeable.

Why are there so many different types of bar codes? Simply because different symbologies evolved to solve specific problems. Let's take a quick look at a few of the most common symbologies, and how, where and why they're used:

UPC/EAN This is the symbol used on retail items. UPC symbols are fixed length, are mandatory in the retail and food industry. They were developed to meet the needs of grocery retailing as it fits 12 digits into a reasonably compact space.

Code 39 The most popular bar code symbology as it enables the encoding of the alphabet as well as numbers into a bar code. It is typically the non-food standard bar code, and is used for ID, inventory, and tracking purposes in various industries such as manufacturing. However, Code 39 produces relatively long bar codes and may not be suitable if label length is a consideration.

Code 128 Allows for a wider selection of characters than Code 39 can provide. When label length is a consideration, Code 128 is a good alternative because its very compact and results in a dense symbol. This symbology is often used in the shipping industry where label size is an issue. It is widely used by the warehousing industry, too. This is also a very compact symbology and you'll see them on the corrugated boxes in which things are shipped to the grocery store.

PDF417 Known as a 2D (two dimensional) bar code, is a high density, non-linear symbology that reminds you of a crossword puzzle. But the difference between this and the other bar codes listed above is that PDF417 is really a portable data file (PDF) as opposed to simply being a reference number. Some states require a 2D bar code be printed on your driver's license. If your state has this requirement, it is interesting to note that there is room enough in this bar code to encode your name, photo, summary of your driving record, and other pertinent information. As a matter of fact, a PDF417 bar code can encode the Gettysburg Address in a space the size of a postage stamp! An important fact to remember is that the larger the width of the bars and spaces, the more space it takes to print the bar code; therefore, the lower the bar code density, the thinner the bars and spaces.

To get a manufacturers' number assigned for UPC barcodes, call Uniform Code Council at 937-435-3870. For most other bar code specifications, call AIM USA at 412-963-8588.

Not all bar code symbologies are covered here. For more information and to find out which bar code will work for your application, call us at 1-800-325-5260. Winco ID will help you with all aspects of your bar code system.

Why Choose Winco ID?

As an industry leader, Winco ID provides our clients with solutions, not just product. We are the complete source for all aspects of the bar code process from solution implementation, to support and service to enhance productivity of daily business operations.

Our application specialists and technical support professionals are factory trained and familiar with many types of bar code printers, data collection devices and software products. Our staff delivers the best products, application software, functional specifications, systems analysis, repair and support, and fast delivery of consumables.