Bar code
certainly simplified identifying, tracking, and controlling of assets,
equipment and processes beginning in the early 80’s. In short, bar code was a
technology that revolutionized data capture! In the “early days” selecting a
bar code symbology was not extremely complex; there were just a few choices.
Code 39 was developed by Intermec in 1974 and became the de facto standard for
non-retail bar code applications. It is an alpha numeric symbology plus seven
major characters, so a total of 43 characters, and is a versatile symbology
that gained tremendous momentum in the 80’s. However, today not only are there
linear symbologies, or 1-D (i.e. Code
39, Code 128, Code I2 of 5, etc.), but also 2-D symbologies such as data matrix
and QR so is Code 39 still the best choice? I believe the answer is no. Does
this mean Code 39 is not a good choice? Not at all; there are just other
options which may be better suited for a given application.
For example,
if a 1-D symbology is preferred, consider Code 128 which has a full set of
ASCII characters available and a built-in check character for data integrity. A
check character is simply an algorithm which ensures the data set will not be
misread, for example if bars or spaces are damaged. Code 39 doesn’t have a
built-in check character. Although one can be added in Code 39, our experience
is very few customers understand using a MOD43 check character in conjunction
with Code 39. Furthermore, if numeric-only characters are needed, using Subset
C (or Code C) of Code 128, numeric pairs can be stacked so a much shorter
barcode may be used; thus, a more economical size or one that may have a better
fit.
So while Code 39 has been an extremely popular 1-D symbology for the past
three decades, Code 128 can offer some great advantages, namely:
• Greater number of characters available (full ASCII set)
• Subset C (or Code C) stacked numeric pairs for a shorter bar code
• Built-in check character for data integrity
In the past
several years, two dimensional symbologies have gained popularity due to the
amount of data which can be programmed into a small area. For example, with the
Dept. of Defense IUID specification of global asset tracking where issuing
agency and serial number; or issuing agency, part number and serial number must
be concatenated, this may result in a lengthy string of characters. So, a data
matrix symbol which also has built in redundancy provides an efficient-sized barcode
and makes perfect sense. Keep in mind that imagers marketed today are capable
of reading both 1-D and 2-D codes, once again providing the flexibility of
using multiple symbologies.
QR (quick
response) codes were designed and introduced with the consumer in mind…read a QR
code on an item and learn more about the respective item, which is pretty cool.
This also provides the consumer with instant information. However, QR codes go
beyond POS or retail with smartphone apps (iPhone and Android) you can now
track and control assets without having a separate reading device!
In summary,
the world of barcode has progressed significantly providing more efficient
options, better designed to meet your expectations so don’t automatically think
Code 39 is the best or the only choice…consider Code 128 or the 2-D options.