Barcoding Basics
Barcodes have been around for decades.  Before you begin to implement barcoding at your organization, here are a few things you should know about barcodes.

What is a barcode?
Barcodes are optical machine readable representations of data.   Attached to an object it displays data about the object.
 
What is the history of a barcode?
Barcodes date back to 1949 when their original use was to track railroad cars but eventually moved to supermarket systems as their primary use.
 
Barcodes were originally represented by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines and were referred to as one dimensional (1D).  Later, barcodes evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons, and other geometric patterns.  These representations are referred to as two dimensional (2D).  
 
What are the different types of barcodes?
Depending upon the use, one of several different types of numeric or alphanumeric barcodes can be selected:
  • Code 39.  This linear barcode is traditionally used for inventory tracking and other coding purposes.  Code 39 is of a variable length and can fit any type of application.  This type of barcode encodes digits zero through 9, including uppercase letters A through Z, and a few special characters.  Four Rivers uses a Code 39 in its asset tagging and data entry applications.    
  • Code 128.  This linear barcode is traditionally used by shipping and packaging industries.   Designed to be very compact, it uses the least amount of space and is perfect for containing a large amount of information.  The Code 128 barcode can use 128 ASCII characters.
  • Int 2 of 5 (Interleaved 2 of 5).  This linear barcode is mainly used for film and cartons.  The data contained on the barcode represents the manufacturer.
  • PostNET. The PostNET barcodes is used for zipcodes by the United States Postal Services. 
  • PDF417. This is a two dimensional barcode for portable data files which store secure amounts of data such as signatures, fingerprints, and photographs.
  • Data Matrix Code.  This two dimensional barcode arranges black and white modules in a square or rectangle.  Traditionally it is used to mark small items that are too small for one dimensional barcodes and can usually be read with a cell phone.  
  • Aztec code.  This two dimensional barcode is a bulls eye pattern on a square grid.  Traditionally seen on boarding pass and railway tickets it is now being seen in the healthcare industry.

What types of labels should be used for barcodes?

Barcodes can be printed on rolls, sheets, or individual pieces.  Select a barcode label that is durable and is easy to adhere.  If the assets are located outside, one should conside an all-weather type label.  Be sure that the label selected is within the requirements of your barcode reader. 
 
 

Four Rivers provides basic barcoding information.