Now the talk of the industrial world is that there is a newer evolution in barcodes: 3D. There’s a lot of misconception running around about what a 3D barcode is. Misconceptions of 3D barcodes have actually been around for a while (at least since 2012). Let’s take some time to clear up some false information that is flying around, starting with some basics.

Q: WHAT IS A 1D BARCODE?

Q: WHAT IS A 2D BARCODE?

A: 2D barcodes created a faster and more efficient method of tracking stock and inventory than 1D could. 2D barcodes are scannable from any direction and orientation, even if the barcode is worn out and slightly damaged, interpreting the missing information accurately. 2D barcodes use patterns, shapes, and dots to encrypt as many as 2,000 characters, and are scannable up to 50 feet away. 2D barcodes can also contain images, website addresses, and binary data, allowing them to be independent of a database.

2D barcodes include PDF417, DataMatrix, QR Code, MicroPDF, and Aztec Code. These types of codes increase the integrity of the information contained in the 2D barcode, minimizing human error in data entry and the possibility for counterfeiting. 3D information is actually contained within 2D barcodes.

Q: WHAT A 3D BARCODE IS NOT.

Q: OK, SO WHAT IS A 3D BARCODE?

A: 3D barcodes are an upgraded version of 2D and are not a replacement. 3D barcodes look like 2D barcodes but differ in the fact that you can feel the bars and squares that are slightly protruding from the barcode. This form of barcode is typically engraved directly onto the surface of a product or onto a type of alloy that is then attached to the product.

3D barcodes are primarily used as an added security measure during the manufacturing of some pharmaceutical products and high-end jewels. This means that most people have not even encountered 3D barcodes.

To get a mathematical perspective of a 3D barcode, consider geometry. A 3D barcode would have data encrypted on a X, Y, and Z axis. 2D barcodes are encrypted on a X and Y axis. 1D barcodes are only encrypted on a X or Y axis. So then, 3D barcodes are encrypted with patterns, shapes, and dots for characters (X and Y axis) and have a raised pattern that can be physically felt (Z axis).

Q: WHAT ARE THE OPERATIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE 2D AND 3D BARCODE?

A: Aside from the normal use of barcodes (identification and tracking of manufactured items), 3D barcodes are typically used to identify goods that had been stolen. It is still unclear if there are any working examples of this method of identification as of the release of this blog post. The idea is that the 3D barcode can automatically alert the owner of the stolen item.

3D barcodes are supposed to be indestructible and are unaffected by color limitations in 2D barcoding. 3D barcode information is virtually impossible to modify once it has been coded during the manufacturing process. The enhanced security, durability, and removal of color limitations are the only operational and functional differences. 3D barcodes are only an upgraded version of 2D barcodes.

Q: WHAT KIND OF LASER SCANNER OR IMAGE READER DO I NEED TO READ A 3D BARCODE?

A: There is limited information as to if there are specific 3D barcode reader manufacturers at this early stage of use of 3D barcode technology. 3D barcodes still have the standard encryption of information contained in a 2D barcode. There are 2D barcode imagers that can read all types of data encryptions from any direction and at long ranges. An example is Honeywell’s Granit 191Xi, an industrial scanner that can read 1D and 2D barcodes, along with the SR61-HP, which includes the company’s fastest scanning engine. 

Keep in mind that 3D barcodes are simply an upgraded version of 2D barcodes for very specific clientele.

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT AND ACCURATE BARCODE OPTION RIGHT NOW?

A: Unless you are manufacturing specific pharmaceuticals or high-end jewels, your company is better off sticking with 2D barcode imagers, which can read both 1D and 2D barcodes. Most companies incorporate both 1D and 2D barcodes into their labels, often at the request of customers or to meet industry-specific labeling standards (aerospace and automotive are examples of industry-specific).

2D barcodes used in manufacturing and supply chain applications has increased, as this scanning technology efficiently scans moving items on conveyor belts without worrying about scanner alignment. 2D barcodes are also ideal for imprinting on small parts that are associated with manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceutical, and medical equipment industries. Most industries are not requesting 3D barcode labeling technology… yet.

We have decades of experience in barcode solutions – from labels and printers, to readers and scanners.

Don’t be lead astray with misinformation about what 3D barcodes are. The most common misconception is that QR codes are 3D, which they are not. And adding different colors does not affect the dimensionality of a barcode, only the color array. Unless you are manufacturing very specific items in pharmaceuticals that are very expensive and highly susceptible to theft, it would be better to remain with 2D technology. 

Haven’t upgraded your barcode technology to 2D yet? Here are some reasons why 2D improves efficiency and saves money in the end.

In the first article of this two-part series, the most common causes of unreadable barcode issues were revealed. This article brings forth solutions to low contrast, quiet zone violations, damage distortion, incorrect symbology, wrong label/ribbon combination, and speed of printing problems.

A barcode label printer must be able to create uniformly light and dark elements across the entirety of a label.

Reflectivity and Contrast

A barcode label printer must be able to create uniformly light and dark elements across the entirety of a label. Any variations in the label substrates, harsh shadows, or reflections caused by lighting can cause a no-read or a mis-read.

This can be solved by using label substrates that aren’t highly reflective and offer enough contrast to the barcode itself. Adjust the printer to ensure the ribbon is evenly applied across the entire barcode label.

Ensure the barcode reading equipment you are using provides adequate lighting for proper reading. Imaging-based scanners for 2D barcodes have a higher tolerance for contrast.

Clean Quiet Zones

Minimize Damage and Distortion

Damage or distortion to a barcode can happen anywhere from printing, manufacturing, during shipping, and at the end user. You cannot always prevent damage from happening, but you can mitigate against it.

Alter the printing method, ribbon, adhesive, and label substrates to something that can better handle operating conditions, shipping, and environmental conditions. Use specific labels that are stronger and more durable for transportation and harsh environments.

There are substrates, print materials and adhesives designed to withstand abrasion, exposure to sunlight, or high levels of moisture without being damaged. ARMOR’s AXR EL thermal transfer ribbon, for example, is specially designed to provide sharp, durable barcodes on electronics and printed circuit boards that are resistant to soldering and cleaning processes used in that industry.

Verify Symbology

Use the Correct Label and Ribbon Combination

Using the correct label and ribbon combination to create a strong imaging for scanning. There are a variety of material, adhesives, and size options for barcode labels. Imprint offers 750 different types of stock labels from industrial leaders – thermal transfer, direct thermal, synthetic, and RFID are just a few of the options. Using the right combination will generate a stronger image that can hold up from begging to end-user.

Thermal barcode ribbons come in wax, wax/resin, and resin materials. Wax ribbon (paper-based material) is the most commonly used material due to its low cost and ease of use. Most applications will be well served by paper-based media unless you are in a rugged or high moisture environment. When using thermal transfer paper media, you will need to use a wax ribbon.

Wax/resin ribbon (polypropylene-based material) is a plastic material that is a great solution for applications that require a more rugged barcode label, as long as it is not being exposed to the outdoors or coming into contact with aggressive chemicals. Polypropylene is water-resistant and will not easily tear. When using thermal transfer polypropylene media, you will need to use a wax/resin ribbon.

Resin ribbon (polyester-based material) is the most rugged of materials you can use and is mostly used for very extreme environments. Applications involving outdoor use, harsh conditions, or exposure to chemicals are typically the environments in mind. When using thermal transfer polyester media, you will need to use a full resin ribbon.

Upgrade Printing Technology

Faster barcode label printing requires upgraded technology that can handle the heat generated by the speed of printing. Print head temperature must be balanced with print speed, but higher temperatures are not an exact compensation for higher print speed, and neither is lower print head temperature and slower print speed. You can always check your balance with a barcode label verifier.

If you can control the format and printing of the label, picket fence printing is the best way to go with faster printing. Printing the barcode in ladder orientation challenges the print head timing to get bar widths precisely right. Picket fence orientation is much easier for a thermal printer to achieve bar width.

Take Control of Your Barcode Labels

Unreadable barcodes do not have to be the bane of your company. You may have been experiencing fines and chargebacks, but you can take fix unreadable barcode issues with any of the solutions provided. Using proper techniques, verification technology, and printing technology will help to minimize unreadable barcode issues.

Faster barcode label printing requires upgraded technology that can handle the heat generated by the speed of printing.

Techniques and technology include ribbon and label substrates, checking specifications and label size, altering printing method, ribbon, adhesive, and label substrates, verifying barcode symbology, using the proper label and ribbon combination, and upgrading your technology for faster printing.

Imprint has the solutions you need to eliminate unreadable barcodes.

Contact Imprint today to discuss which solution is the best for you

Barcodes provide a means of knowing what a product is and where it goes. That is why when a barcode is unreadable for any reason, it decreases your efficiency and can cause chargebacks and lost shipments.

Poor Contrast

A barcode label printer must be able to create uniformly light and dark elements across the entirety of a label. Any variations in the label substrates, harsh shadows, or reflections caused by lighting can cause a no-read or a mis-read.

Messy Quiet Zones

Damage and Distortion

Damage or distortion to a barcode can happen anywhere from printing, manufacturing, during shipping, and at the end user. Even if a product leaves your facility with a pristine barcode label, there is no guarantee that it will remain that way. Barcode labels can get scuffed, torn, become faded, and can be damaged by environmental conditions. Barcode labels can even shrink when exposed to moisture.

Incorrect Symbology

Wrong Label and Ribbon Combination

Poor imaging on barcode labels can cause fatal results in pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. This can result in a stream of fines, lost customers, and possibly even lawsuits.

Printing Too Fast

1D labels are printed like a picket fence (landscape or parallel) or ladder (portrait or perpendicular). Print speed can drastically impact symbol quality especially if the 1D barcode must be ladder oriented. Print speed can also impact the quality of a 2D symbol such as a QR Code or Data Matrix Code.

Do These Problems Sound Familiar?

While there are other things that can cause unreadable barcodes, the main causes include low contrast, quiet zone violations, damage distortion, incorrect symbology, wrong label/ribbon combination, and speed of printing. Most issues can be easily resolved using proper barcode verification and printing technology, and monitoring barcode label specifications.

Prevention is always cheaper than the consequences of losing assets and possibly even customers.

You can also contact us directly to discuss what we can do to find a solution for you.

Connecting an ERP system to a barcode labeling system can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and provide better inventory tracking and visibility.

Give your print operators an intuitive end-user experience. Successfully manage printer errors to keep production moving. Everything you need for ERP labeling with no hidden costs. Imprint Enterprises has helped a multitude of clients to improve their operations with this integration.

Interconnection

Connecting an ERP system to a barcode labeling system can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and provide better inventory tracking and visibility. You can save a substantial amount of money in labor costs when barcode data is automatically gathered and immediately available. There is no more wasted time manually entering data or generating reports.

Your company can better optimize and even reduce stock on hand, reducing inventory and holding costs. A barcode labeling system that is integrated with an ERP system enables a company to take a lean and intelligent approach to inventory management that isn’t possible using manual methods.

Manually entering data is prone to data entry errors and is a slow method given today’s technological advancements in the industry. Barcode label systems improve efficiency and accuracy of data collection and provides faster access to the data needed.

Barcode scanning connected to an ERP system during receiving, stocking, picking, and shipping offers a better and more accurate view of the total inventory. In turn, this data forms the basis of better production, planning, and delivery forecasting. Your sales team can provide customers with the real-time information that your whole company has access to.

Maintain the Current Look and Feel

Intuitive End-User Experience

Give your print operators an intuitive end-user experience with a direct link from the mobile computer to the barcode scanner to the ERP system. This real-time information helps with product lookups, shipment information, and locating inventory in other locations.

You get rich printing functionality with the ability to log, reprint, and select specific object sizing options with an interconnected ERP and barcode labeling system. The information is already in the system so there is no need to have to manually configure anything anymore. Design changes and printer configuration changes are also easy to maintain in this integrated system.

Keep Production Flowing

Maintain the Current Look and Feel

With Imprint Enterprises, there are no hidden costs. We tell you everything you need to integrate a barcode labeling system with you ERP system. Full transparency is key to knowing just how much you will save in the long run.

Benefits to Enhance Your Effectiveness

What are you willing to sacrifice before you stepping up to the competition in a technologically driven age? Interconnecting your ERP system to a barcode labeling system ups your game inside your company while providing exception customer service.

Being able to maintain your system’s look and feel makes it that much easier for employees to have a user-friendly experience. Printing is easier than it has ever been with minimal manual data entry, which also decreases errors. This keeps production moving and inventory known in real-time.

Improve the accuracy, productivity, and efficiency in your company while extending even better service to customers and suppliers.

Contact us today to find out more.

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Barcode producers need to ensure that their codes are readable and certify that they meet industry requirements.

DEFINING BARCODE VERIFICATION AND ISO CERTIFIED BARCODE VERIFIERS

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Barcode verification is a grading process. It assesses the quality of the barcodes and whether they meet industry standards ISO/ANSI standards. Verification helps guide barcode producers through the marking process and certifies the code quality with printed reports. Barcode verification hardware and software needs depend on a variety of factors such as the barcode symbology, size, printer, and marking methods.

A barcode verifier is what helps make sure your barcodes can be read correctly throughout your enterprise and supply chain. A verifier provides critical information addressing a range of circumstances that might impact barcode reads, verification, and ease-of-use like optic scanners or lasers, 1D versus 2D barcodes, range of sweep distances, and more. Barcode verifiers assign an overall grade to a code based on measurements of several parameters.

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These parameters are the factors that affect barcode readers’ ability to identify and decode a code. Verifiers test different parameters for 1D, 2D, and DPM codes based on governing standards like the ISO international standard and provide an official/regulatory caliber verification.   

THE IMPORTANCE OF BARCODE VERIFICATION AND THE BENEFITS TO YOUR BUSINESS

Barcode verifiers check to ensure those you are printing are the highest quality and measure them against ANSI or ISO specifications. Simply put, a barcode verifiers job is to ensure accuracy and repeatability of your barcodes.

BARCODE VERIFICATION PRODUCTS THE COGNEX WAY

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Cognex offers a range of barcode verification technology that ensures the readability and compliance of 1D and 2D barcodes to standard industry guidelines. With proprietary high-resolution imaging and advance algorithms (for analysis), Cognex’ verifiers provide consistent and repeatable results. Cognex barcode verification technology solutions include fixed-mount barcode readers and a range of DataMan Series (150/260, 370, 470, and 475V) verifiers.

The difference between a reader and a verifier is that a reader is designed to read barcodes and may (depending on the software) provide print quality metrics that are useful for process control and improvement. A barcode verifier ensures that the codes are marked correctly and meet industry guidelines rather than an individual producer’s quality requirements. Barcode verifiers are a superior measure of symbol readability. The process of verifying a barcode is vastly different than simply reading a barcode. As such, a barcode verifier is a critical piece to your operation.

While most companies are using an offline, operator-based verifier to spot check codes one at a time, the way forward in barcode verification is with an inline barcode verifier. Handheld verifiers may not verify as accurately.  Real offline verifiers require a PC and are not very user friendly for shop floor verification.  An inline barcode verifier provides automated high-speed verification and quality reporting directly on your line. This prevents product waste and chargebacks. For this kind of job, we would recommend Cognex’s DataMan 475V Series an inline barcode verifier.  The 475V offers immediate feedback and visual diagnostic information which gives operators the ability to identify and correct printing and process control issues as they happen. The 475V auto-generates detailed reports for traceability, code quality, and compliance. The 475V verifies barcodes on high speed lines without skimping on analytics all while still achieving compliant barcode verification results.  Simply put, this inline verifier lends itself to speed, precision, efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of your operations overall.   

Ensure your barcodes are readable and meet industry requirements by finding your barcode verification solution today.

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Researching barcode verifiers will immediately produce overwhelming results and price points. Our staff, with years of experience in barcode technology solutions, can help you narrow your choices and find the best fit for your operation, your business objectives, and your budget.  We partner with industry leaders, like Cognex, to provide the best barcode verifiers available and to customize a solution to fit your unique needs. Contact us.

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AIAG Requirements

The AIAG created standard industries to improve efficiency and accuracy.  A single alphanumeric symbology, called Code 39, was established in 1984.  This symbology included information like part numbers, purchase order numbers, quantity, and other data identifiers.

The barcode labels are essential and can help to manage safety and warnings throughout the supply chain.  One wrong digit misprint can have a huge financial impact on everyone involved in the supply chain.

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Compliance Labeling

​With barcode label symbology having to comply with ANSI MH10.8.1, using a quality barcode label machine to monitor quality control for you can save you time and money.  How are you checking the quality of the barcode labels you print?  By verifying the first few prints, the middle of the prints, and the last few prints?  How many barcode labels are going unchecked?

Integrated Verification Technology

The Honeywell PX940 is an investment that takes the guess work out of barcode label specifications.

Don’t put your business relationship into jeopardy with bad barcode labels.  The PX940 will help you by providing the quality required by AIAG.  With automotive barcode labels needing to be 2D, there is a lot that could go wrong if not properly monitored.

The Honeywell PX940 monitors quality for you, applying ANSI & ISO standard grades to every label, voiding bad ones for you.  This can provide annual cost savings as high as $14,825.

Don’t risk your business relations and contracts.

Let the PX940 do the barcode label work for you.

Contact us today to talk about getting your PX940.

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Verification before shipping can save time, money, and ultimately your business relationships!

A barcode label tells the receiver just what it is that they are receiving.  If the barcode label cannot be read, why would the company accept it?  Would you accept a large shipment not knowing what is in it?

When a shipment is rejected because of defunct labels, the company rejecting the order will often demand the return of their money and tack on fees to that.  You can avoid all that, saving money and wasted manhours dealing with shipment returns over subpar barcode labels.

You need a barcode label machine that has an integrated verification technology to check and grade every label as it is being printed.  Yes, every label.  Finding a top-quality machine that can check every label means that you no longer have to individually verify the scannability of random labels.  Preferably a top of the line barcode label printing machine is a globally certified product and adheres to ISO and ANSI standards.

Avoid misreads and no-reads with compliance labeling, with precision printing up to +/-0.2 mm (0.0079 in).  Consider what it would do for your business and customer relations if you could even send a quality grading report to the customer, assuring them that every barcode label is readable to top standards upon leaving your facility.  What would it take to create happy customers with easy traceability that is above and beyond their industry standards?

LABEL QUALITY = MONEY

On average, there can be 6 incidents per month where customers cannot read the barcode labels on a shipment they received.  The customer will randomly select a label to read.  If the barcode label is bad, the customer can reject the entire shipment, causing you to possibly pay a chargeback and added fees.  With the potential of a chargeback being as much as $200,000, added fees may be up to $3,000 for one delivery.

How much is that affecting your profits?  How many man hours were spent getting that shipment out the door?  How much did it cost you to get the shipment to the customer?  Add to that how much it can cost to correct the problem at the customers end (if they even keep the shipment) and it could cost you the future of that business relationship.

If you are checking the barcode labels at the beginning, middle, and end of printing, you are basically rolling the dice and crossing your fingers.  A proper barcode labeling machine can deliver peace of mind by producing labels that are of top quality, saving you money in the long run.

INTEGRATED VERIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

When the barcode label machine has a touchscreen interface system installed on it, it becomes easier to use.  You can manage the machine individually or through intelligence software to manage more than one at a time, at the same time.  The printing technology can also help to reduce smearing of labels.  These technological advancements provide you with security in knowing that your barcode labels will be of top quality.

Globally Certified

A top-quality barcode labeling machine should be designed with top standards in mind.  It should be globally certified and adhere to ISO and ANSI barcode labeling standards.  You should also be able to modify the grading standard to make it stricter than ISO or ANSI.  This increases your quality of barcode labels.

CREATE HAPPY CUSTOMERS

Each of your clients may have different standards that they want you to adhere to.  Create happy customers and lasting relationships by understanding and easily conforming to their industry standards.  From your facility to theirs, top quality barcode labels allow your customers to easily read what something is and track items for possible recalls.

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare / UDI

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requires a unique device identifier (UDI) on every label that is readable by man and machine, from manufacturing through distribution and on to patient use.  These labels help manage patient safety.

Automotive

The automotive industry typically uses 2D barcode technology for fast and accurate shipping.  These barcodes can also help manage parts to ease the stress of a recall by creating traceability.

THE HONEYWELL PX940 IS MORE THAN JUST A BARCODE LABEL PRINTER… IT IS AN INVESTMENT THAT PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR YEARS TO COME.

Ease your customers minds by sending them reports of the graded labels.Satisfy your customers while saving yourself money in the process.Happy customers mean a healthy revenue.

Let the PX940 do the barcode label work for you.

Contact us today to schedule a demo or to discuss your specific needs.