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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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