| What is the best barcode
to use? |
The type of barcode to use for a particular situation depends upon:
(1) the implementation; (2) the data-to-encode in the barcode
and (3) how the barcode will be printed. There are several different
types of barcode standards for different purposes - these are called symbologies.
Each type of symbology (or barcode type) is a standard that defines the
printed symbol and how a device such as a barcode scanner reads and decodes
the printed symbol.
If an industry standard was established for the chosen barcode then most
likely there is not a choice in selecting the barcode symbology. Industry
standards are usually established when multiple parties or companies are
involved in the process. Note that the standard is not necessarily the same
as the barcode symbology. Barcode standards define how to use the barcode
symbology in a particular situation. For example, ISBN is a standard for
labeling books and periodicals that uses the EAN-13 symbology. Below is
a list of a few established barcode standards and what they are used for:
| Established Standard: |
For Identification
of: |
Barcode Symbology: |
| UPC-A or UPC-E |
items for sale in the USA and Canada |
UPC/EAN |
| EAN-8 or EAN-13 |
items for sale worldwide |
UPC/EAN |
| ISBN, ISSN & Booklan |
books and periodicals |
EAN-13 with UPC/EAN |
| UCC-128, EAN-128 or SSCC-18 |
shipping cartons |
Code 128 |
| SCC-14 |
shipping cartons |
Interleaved 2 of 5
or Code 128 |
| EAN-14 |
shipping cartons |
Interleaved 2 of 5
or Code 128 |
| SSCC-18 |
shipping cartons |
Code 128 |
| SISAC |
serial numbers for serial publications |
Code 128 |
| SICI Code |
serial numbers for serial publications |
Code 128 |
| POSTNET |
US mail addresses for the US Post Office |
POSTNET |
| USPS Special Services |
US mail return receipts and registered mail |
Interleaved 2 of 5
or Code 128 |
| MICR |
bank checks |
MICR E-13B or CMC-7 |
| LOGMARS |
United States Department of Defense standard |
Code 39 |
Before selecting a symbology to use, check to determine if there is an
established standard for the industry by contacting the respective industry
standard board for the correct symbology choice.
View the Barcoding for Beginners
presentation for assistance in selecting the right barcode
- (PDF version)
| Proprietary Implementations: |
 If it has been determined that there is not a standard for the chosen
implementation, there are several symbologies to choose from. It is assumed
that a decision has been made as to how the barcodes will be printed. However,
if the decision has not been made, review the
products available
for printing section first, then refer to the document titled
"what data is
encoded in various barcodes" to choose the barcode type.
|
