SYMBOLOGIES- Bar Coding Structural Rules

DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS SYMBOLOGIES

Discrete data can only take certain values. For example, the number of students in a
class can only be a whole number (you can't have half a student!). Continuous data can
take any value within a range. For example, a person's height can be any value
between their minimum and maximum possible height
●​ DISCRETE SYMBOLOGY
- start with a bar and end with a bar, and they have space between each
character
- Can be encoded independently as a distinct pattern of bars and spaces
Each character can be decoded without needing to read the other characters in
the barcode
- each character stands alone

●​ CONTINUOUS SYMBOLOGY
- start with a bar but end with a space, and have no gap between one character
and another
- requires that every character on a single barcode be read together, the barcode
is invalid if they are separated
- each character on a single barcode can be read together
DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS DIFFERENCES

Data Encoding Capability

●​ Discrete barcodes are used to encode small amounts of data, such as product
prices, names, codes or serial numbers
●​ Continuous barcodes can encode more information about the product.
Continuous barcodes have a greater encoding capability and can store more
complex pieces of data, such as expiry dates or batch number

Discrete vs Continuous Barcodes Which is Better?

●​ Discrete barcodes continue to be used mainly for internal operations in libraries,

healthcare facilities, and warehouses. Continuous barcodes are often found at
retail stores, wholesale markets, postal departments, logistics companies,
healthcare and other industries.
●​ In short, If you’re looking for a reliable solution to encode simple information, go
with a discrete barcode. If you need something capable of storing more detailed
information, use continuous barcodes.
●​ In summary, both discrete and continuous barcodes have their uses and
advantages. When choosing between discrete and continuous barcodes, it is
essential to consider the size of data you need to store, the scanning and
readability requirements, and the application and use of the barcode
UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODE

-​ Guard pattern is like a start/stop character

●​ Left Hand Guard Bars Patter (BWB) – Starting reference point for the scanning
devices
●​ Tall Center Bar – A middle reference point for the scanning devices
●​ Right Hand Guard Bars – Ending reference point of the scanning devices
●​ Number System Character – Identifies the type of manufacturer or how the
barcode will be used
●​ Manufacturer ID Number / Manufacturer’s Code – The number is composed of
the Number System Character and a five digit manufacturer’s code
●​ Product code/Item Number – Five unique numbers to each product
●​ Item Number – Five unique numbers to each product
●​ Modulo Check Character / Check Digit – This digit is derived from a
mathematical formula based on the unique set of numbers in each barcode that
helps ensure the accuracy of the data scan. Used to verify that the barcode has
been scanned correctly

The Universal Product Code (UPC)

-​ is a widely used barcode symbology designed for tracking trade items in retail
environments. It consists of a unique 12-digit number. This system allows for
efficient identification and management of products during sales transactions
and inventory processes

Imagine you're running a store, and you need to keep track of all your items. That's
where the Universal Product Code (UPC) comes in. It's like a product's social security
number, a unique code that helps you manage your inventory

●​ When you scan a UPC, providing instant information about the item, quantity,
and location in a store or warehouse
●​ Scanning UPCs ensures accuracy during checkout, stock control, and
forecasting, reducing errors associated with manual data entry, much faster than
manual processes
Types of UPC Codes
UPC-A:
●​ The most common type, consisting of 12 digits
●​ Used primarily and widely recognized for retail products at the point of sale
UPC-E:
●​ consisting of 8 digits.
●​ UPC-E is a condensed version of UPC-A, designed for use on smaller packages
where space is limited, such as cosmetics or cigarettes

In summary, both UPC-A and UPC-E play crucial roles in product identification and
management within the retail sector
Code 39
is a type of barcode symbology that is widely used for encoding alphanumeric data.

Code 39 is sometimes referred to as “3 of 9 Code” because three of the nine elements

(bar and spaces) making up a code 39 character are wide and the other six are narrow

1.​ Uppercase Letters: You can use all the uppercase letters from A to Z
2.​ Numbers: You can use all the numbers from 0 to 9
3.​ Special Characters: Code 39 includes these special characters: -, ., *, $, /, +, %, and a
space
●​ The asterisk (*) is used for the start and the end of the barcode
4.​ Discrete Symbology: Code 39 is a "discrete" symbology, which means that each
character in the barcode is separate and distinct. There's a space between each
character
5.​ Concatenation: Code 39 allows multiple barcodes to be read as one message. This
means you can scan several barcodes in a row, and the scanner will treat them as a
single piece of information.
6.​ Printable with many technologies: Code 39 is versatile when it comes to printing. You
can print Code 39 barcodes using various types of printers
7.​ No Check Digit:
●​ Unlike some other barcode types, Code 39 does not require a check digit. This
means there’s no additional digit to verify the accuracy of the data

IMPORTANCE OF CODE 39 IN IMC

●​ Product Identification: Code 39 is used to uniquely identify products, making it easier for
businesses to manage inventory and sales.
●​ Logistics and Tracking: It is commonly used in logistics systems, particularly by military
agencies for tracking supplies and equipment.
●​ Versatile Applications: Due to its ability to encode both letters and numbers, it is used in
various industries including automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing
Code 128 is a high-density barcode symbology. Developed in 1981 by Computer
Identics Corporation, it's known for its efficiency and reliability

1.​ Full ASCII Encoding with Start Codes: Code 128 uses three different "start
codes" (Code Set A, B, and C). These codes allow it to represent all 128 ASCII (
American Standard Code for Information Interchange) characters without
complex workarounds. This means you can use:
●​ Uppercase letters (A-Z)
●​ Lowercase letters (a-z)
●​ Numbers (0-9)
●​ Special characters (like punctuation marks and symbols)
●​ Control codes (like tab, enter, etc.)
2.​ High Data Density and Compact Size: Code 128 is a "high-density" symbology.
This means it can pack a lot of information into a small space. It's also a
continuous symbology, so no label space is wasted. It requires only six elements
to encode information, compared to other codes that may require nine. This is
especially useful for messages of six or more characters.
3.​ High Readability and Message Integrity: Tests have shown that Code 128 is
easy to scan and very reliable. It includes a check digit that ensures that the
barcode is read correctly and helps in error detection.
4.​ Concatenation: Like Code 39, Code 128 allows for concatenation. This means
you can link multiple barcodes together and read them as a single message.
This comes in handy when you need to encode a lot of information across
multiple labels.
●​ They help identify items and track them automatically, making inventory control and
supplier management more efficient. They are used in supply chain management to
identify products and track their movement from one location to another
●​ Code 128 barcodes are utilized across a variety of industries, including retail, logistics,
healthcare, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and warehousing
Which symbology is right for your organization?
-​ Each symbology has its strengths and weaknesses. A starting point in reviewing
appropriate symbologies actually begins with your own industry. Has your
industry selected a particular type of symbology?
-​ The reason to start with a symbology accepted by your industry is that direct
application software and hardware will have been written or created for the
specific requirements of your business
-​ If no symbology dominates your industry, then the real questions become, what
do you want the system to do for you? How large is your budget?
-​ When choosing right symbology for your organization, it is essential to consider
the size of data you need to store, the scanning and readability requirements,
and the application and use of the barcode

1. Data Type and Amount:

●​ Numeric Only: If you only need to encode numeric digits, UPC (Universal Product
Code) is a common choice for retail product labeling. UPC encodes a 12-digit
numeric-only number
●​ Alphanumeric: For encoding both alpha and numeric characters, Code 128 is a
flexible option
2. Space Availability:
●​ High Density: Code 128 is one of the densest linear symbologies, allowing you to
store more information in less space
●​ Smaller Packages: If space is limited, consider Code 128. Code 39 and Code 128
are common when space is available
3. Compatibility:
●​ Software, Scanners, and Printers: Ensure that the symbology you choose works
with your existing software, barcode scanners, and printers
●​ Multiple Symbologies: Barcode scanners can recognize and decode multiple
barcode formats, so the same symbology isn't required for all items
barcode applications

Barcodes are used to quickly and accurately identify items and track information about
them. :
●​ Speed up processes Barcodes eliminate manual entry of product information,
reducing errors and making it faster to ring up items at a store or track inventory
in a warehouse.
●​ Track inventory Companies need to know not just their current inventory levels,
but the location of those products, at all times. Barcodes help track the flow of
goods from producers to warehouses and other locations
●​ Reduce errors Barcodes and barcode scanners enable organizations to count
and track assets more quickly and accurately and virtually eliminate human error.
●​ Mobile payments Barcode readers are being used to scan payment barcodes
using a camera.
●​ Ticket verification To reduce fraud and long lines, tickets can be barcoded3.
●​ Patient Safety Barcodes are widely used in healthcare and hospital settings,
ranging from patient identification (to access patient data, including medical
history, drug allergies, etc.) to creating SOAP notes with barcodes to medication
management
Essentially, barcodes help businesses keep track of essential details like manufacturer,
description, quantity, time, and date. Instead of writing this information down or typing it
in, you just scan the barcode. This saves time, reduces mistakes, and makes managing
inventory and sales much easier