There are two kinds of barcode mysteries. Both are bad. one is worse.

BAD

One kind of bad barcode is the one that does not scan at all.

Like the crossword puzzle in the airline magazine, the answers are at the end. Can you figure it out without cheating?

Example A

Here is an example:

 

 

Hint: if you know Datamatrix symbol structure, it is obvious. No, the problem is not the defect in the bottom of the L track.

 

 

 

Here are two more barcodes that simply do not scan. Neither of these UPC symbols scan and they both have the same problem. Why? Hint: it is not because the check digit is wrong.

Example B
Example C

 

Barcodes that fail to scan are arguably the better problem to have. How can that be? The explanation makes a lot of sense if you think about it. A barcode that simply fails to scan is a problem you know about. Immediately. If you are going to have a barcode problem, that is the best kind of problem to have.

 

Even better if you do not have a barcode problem. We can help you detect them, fix them and prevent them to begin with.

 

WORSE

Example D

This is the very worst kind of barcode problem. This barcode scans perfectly, but it has a problem—a devastating problem. Can you identify what that problem is?

Hint: You do not need access to the lookup database to discover the problem.

Scan it with your smartphone—the problem is obvious.

EXPLANATIONS

Example A has all the apparent attributes of a proper Datamatrix symbol–except for the square in the top-right of the clock track. That should always be a space or light-reflectance value. The presence of that dark square indicates that this is not an ECC200 compliant version of Datamatrix which is  virtually all currently-acceptable versions of Datamatrix. You may find a few in closed-loop applications but they will never appear in GS1, HIBC or other open-loop supply chains.

Example B and C share the same problem.

Version A UPC symbols encode 12 digits using two bars for each, that’s 24 bars. The left, center and right guard patters add two bars each–that’s a total of 30 bars.

Each of these UPC symbols are missing one bar on the right side.

How did this happen? A big and expensive mistake in pre-press. The printing looks perfect but these barcodes will never scan.

Example D is the worst problem you could ever have. It scans perfectly. That reassuring, comforting “beep” from the scanner fools you into thinking all is well. It is definitely not well and y u may not discover it until a lot of damage is done.

The readable characters under the barcode do not match the encoded data extracted from the barcode by the scanner. When this barcode was scanned in retail, the inventory was debited with the wrong product, over and over again. Then the supplier replenished the wrong item over and over and the popular item, the one the customer preferred and bought, was not replenished and disappeared from the shelf.

Got barcode problems? We can help you solve them and build them out of your process so they never recur. Contact us here.

We offer barcode quality training (online and on site), barcode testing services and process planning and control assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3db Barcode Testimonial

Our company (an advanced software company) recently worked with Barcode Test to source a barcode verifier.  Not long ago, we were awarded a contract requiring products to be marked with IUIDs in accordance with MIL-STD-130.  For that standard, marking labels must pass a verification test that evaluates many variables (contrast, size, clarity, syntax, modularity, and more).  After a thorough search, we reduced our options to a select few.

In our search for a verifier, the Axicon line caught our attention.  Barcode Test is our regional reseller for this product.   From the beginning, they were very prompt with their responses.  We ended up having a quick call with John Nachtrieb to go over our needs.  John was extremely easy to work with and provided a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable on the matter and was quick to offer up a demo unit (free of charge).

Upon receiving the demo verifier and testing it, a few questions arose.  John joined a call with us and answered all our questions.  Ultimately, the Axicon verifier wasn’t the best fit for us, so we shipped the demo back.  John was completely understanding.  A few weeks later, Barcode Test reached back out with another possible verifier for us to try.  While they didn’t sell that brand, they just wanted to help us find the best option that met our needs. They even offered to send us the unit that they have in-house to see if it worked to our liking. 

Barcode Test is truly a great company to work with.  Their service and willingness to help the customer are far beyond what you typically get from other companies.  They are experts in barcode quality assurance and seem willing to help in any way they can (even if that means not getting a sale and recommending another option that better fits the customer’s needs).  If anyone is in the market for barcode verification/scanning services or products, I would highly recommend giving Barcode Test a call.

Regards,

Production Manager