Bar Coding: Simplified Definition
Barcoding refers to the process of generating barcodes embedded with the necessary information. The barcodes generated may be affixed to products or packages. If necessary, they can also be affixed at a particular place. This allows people or machines to scan the barcode to retrieve the embedded information. The information obtained is used to identify and track products and places. Barcoding is generally used in a range of industries including manufacturing, transportation, inventory management, retail shops, etc.
Bar Coding: Technical Definition
ClickPost defines bar coding as the process of embedding necessary information into a barcode or generating a barcode with the necessary information and affixing it to the necessary product or place, enabling the required personnel or device to scan the barcode to rapidly and accurately collect the embedded information, which can be used to identify and track products or places or merchandise as and when required, and is generally used in manufacturing, transportation, inspection, inventory management, and retail spaces.
1) What are the uses of barcoding?
Barcoding is used to identify or track the product, merchandise, or place it is affixed to. Depending on the need, a barcode can contain a wide range of information, or may even redirect to an external webpage. The embedded information is collected and used as necessary. In certain cases, it may even be possible to update the information present in a barcode. This is generally possible when the barcode redirects to a webpage or other external resource.
2) Can I generate my own barcode?
Yes, you can generate your own barcode. The process to generate your own barcode depends on the software you are using, and on your specific needs.
3) What does QR stand for?
QR code stands for Quick Response code. It is a type of omnidirectional two-dimensional barcode that comprises black squares arranged on a square grid against a white background, with orientation detection patterns embedded into it. It provides greater storage capacity and faster readability compared to standard barcodes. Though it was initially used in the automotive industry, QR codes are now used in all applications where barcodes are used and the advantages of QR codes provide a benefit.
4) What is the difference between barcode and QR code?
The primary difference between a barcode and a QR code is that standard barcodes are generally one-dimensional whereas QR codes are two-dimensional. Standard barcodes are one-dimensional and consist of only lines, which restricts the amount of data that can be embedded. QR codes on the other hand can contain a significantly larger amount of data. Standard barcodes can generally be scanned using inexpensive barcode scanners, whereas QR codes require image-based scanners such as smartphone cameras. This makes scanning QR codes a relatively expensive solution, and due to this industries that do not benefit from the advantages of QR codes have continued to use standard barcodes. Retail shops are a good example of this.
5) How can I scan barcodes?
In the case of standard barcodes, you can scan them using dedicated barcodes scanners. Barcode scanners are generally used in the industries that make use of barcodes, and is one of the fastest ways of scanning barcodes. In case you are using QR codes, or you are an end user scanniong barcodes, you can use dedicated apps or services on your smartphone that will use the onboard camera to scan the barcodes.
6) Do I need to pay for barcodes?
Depending on your specific use case, you may need to purchase a specific identifier for your barcode. If you are using an external service provider to generate and manage barcode, you may need to pay them according your contract with thwm. Purchasing and using an recogized identifier or prefix for your barcode ensures that your barcode is universally useable and does not cause conflicts with other users. In case you do not need your barcodes to be universally useable, it is possible to generate barcodes for free for internal use.