Archive for the ‘Barcode Scanner And Software’ Category
Barcode Scanner And Software
Barcode Scanner And Software
There are several options to assist in deciding on a barcode software management system.
There are different forms of the barcode symbols and the information that is decoded and presented. The choice of the system, will depend on the suitability and form of the information, along with the simplicity and appropriateness of the solution represented.
Examining the available technologies, can provide some insight into how suitable the may be for your particular purpose. Another important consideration, should be the cost, and the ability to upgrade the barcode technology system.
2D barcode systems may be more expensive, but may be less limited in storage capacity. The cost calculations must also include the cost of all barcode hardware, such as readers and scanners, along with the software, maintenance and management costs involved in running the entire system.
Barcode generators are responsible for transforming the ASCII code which is the numerical representation of a character, into the establised and accepted code.The handheld barcode scanners capture the reflected light in the form that it presented and transfers the formation back into digital data.
Almost any information can be transferred into a barcode.
What are 1D Barcodes?
Original 1D barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines.The decoding system is normally the European Article Number”, which has been renamed “International Article Number” This standard was implemented because the original UPC-A standard was not well designed for international use.
This system is still the most widely used, because of the simplicity. The simple grouping of parallel lines in the barcode system represent a number system, an assigned manufacturer code, a product code and a digit check sum, that verifies the data. This identification number or the ID produced by the barcode software is assigned to the stock item or to any portion of information related to the stock, as it is accumulated in the storehouse.
These barcodes symbols are now essential for managing inventory. The ease of the use of barcode scanner enables the almost instantaneous retrieval, identification and transfer of product information.
The disadvantage of using the EAN system is that the information stored is in the barcodes are meaningless until it is referenced against standard information. Standard product specifications and other relevant data must first be developed for incorporating into the software.
2D Barcodes
2D barcodes are more complicated. PDF or Portable Data File is a stacked linear barcode symbol format used in a variety of applications, primarily transport, identification cards, and inventory management. Being two-dimensional, a lot more data can decoded and transferred. Along with the Data Matrix format, this 2D symbolism is adopted in a wider variety of applications and can be used to generate postage accepted by the United States Postal Service. PDF417 is also used in the airline industry for generating Bar Coded Boarding Passes.
The Department of Homeland Security has also adopted the PDF-417 as the machine readable zone technology for RealID compliant driver licenses and state issued identification cards.
PDF-417 also has additional capability that include:
* Linking. PDF417 symbols can link to other symbols fitting systems that allow scanning is sequence for extension of product data
* User-specified dimensions. The user can set the dimensions of the bars and the data it represents.
* Public domain format. PDF-417 system can be implemented by anyone with the knowledge without requiring a license.
There is no referral information required for the 2D barcode system as all information is stored in the code, and is simply read and retrieved. Because it is two-dimensional, less surface area is required,the calculations used to develop PDF417 barcodes enable us to produce 170 bytes per sq cm approximately.
Thermal laser printers are recommended for greater accuracy in printing barcode labels, especially two-dimensional barcode labels..
Choosing a Barcode Scanner
It is very important to choose the right scanner for a 2D barcode. Improper imaging or limited barcode dimensions can produce errors in the scanning process which may be costly.
1D barcodes scanners are less complicated and less prone to errors, but for scanning a 2D barcode, it is a bit different. Choosing the correct type of barcode system and its suitability to your application is an important process. Your system should include an appropriate scanner and software system. With the proper care and planning, the barcode software system can be indispensable in inventory and content management.
By Emily Singh
Article Source: ezinearticles.com
