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Simply stated, verification is the bridge between
bar code printing and scanning. Verifiers can decode a symbol, measure key
characteristics and grade the quality of the printed symbol to ensure that a bar
code is in-spec -- and that it will read every time.
What type of guidelines will you use to verify
your bar codes?
There are several ways to measure, grade and report bar code scannability and
print quality:
- Traditional guidelines measure bar and space dimensions,
print contrast and encodation.
- ANSI guidelines measure edge determination, minimum
reflectance, symbol contrast, minimum edge contrast, modulation, defects,
decode and decodability.
- Scannability Trend Index (STI) provides a report on print
quality and scannability. The diagnostic data can help you decide if a
symbol can be used in your system and, if necessary, can help you correct
printing problems.
When specifying verification equipment, remember
that a nonreadable bar code is not just an inconvenience. It's a potentially
costly expense, particularly if you're printing labels for compliance
applications. Many corporations -- including several of the largest retailers,
automakers, utilities and electronics manufacturers -- levy significant fines on
suppliers for out- of-spec or unscannable bar codes. A verifier that offers both
Traditional and ANSI guidelines can be used to make sure you'll meet compliance
standards with every label you print.
Will you require portable, desktop or on-line
verification?
- Portable and desktop units can be pen-based or non-contact
laser scanner based and are designed for hand-held operation. They can be
used to verify symbols as they are printed or to verify bar codes that have
already been applied. Although pen-based verifiers can be used for a variety
of applications, non-contact laser units are preferred when verifying
symbols on rough, curved and other irregularly-shaped surfaces.
- On-line verifiers automatically verify every bar code you
print to guarantee 100% accountability. Mounted on the front of or within a
printer, an on-line unit will examine every symbol as it is printed and stop
printer operation or trigger an alarm if a bar code is unscannable or
out-of-spec.
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