The total cost of ownership of a barcode verifier varies, but the right verifier can pay for itself over time.  Minor compromises in selecting the right verifier can increase risk. The wrong device and compromises in care and use can significantly increase the cost of ownership.

Small Compromises in the Purchase Decision

PSC Quick Check 150

A purchase decision based solely on cost is an obvious compromise. The rationalization that “…it is better than nothing…” could be exactly wrong. A verifier that is not ISO compliant will not test a barcode completely and accurately. A marginal attribute may not be reported, or be reported inaccurately. What you think is a good barcode may not be acceptable to your customer. Wand-based verifiers are inaccurate and non-repeatable. Which verification report is accurate, the one with the better grade? The one with the poorer grade? Neither? A used verifier—even an expensive one—bought from an auction site may not be worth the great price if it is out of specification and no longer ISO compliant. Some older verifiers do not have the ability to test for data structure such as GS1, UDI, HIBC or other industry standards.

Small Compromises in Usage

A common mistake is to consider a verifier to be nothing more than a scanner; scanners require no maintenance but verifiers need regular reflectance recalibration. Verifiers should be re-tested for ISO conformance annually. Deferring these basic maintenance steps can increase the risk of chargebacks.

Another silent form of compromise is when your customer’s barcode quality requirements are vague, optional or altogether unstated. This can lull a supplier into believing that barcode quality is not important, and poorly performing barcodes bear no consequences. What seems like the perfect customer is actually the perfect storm that probably will eventually strike. There is no justifiable reason for being unprepared. More to the point, as a vendor, this scenario offers a valuable opportunity to proactively educate and nurture that customer, for two very important reasons:

  • If you don’t somebody else will
  • a bad barcode will abruptly end the dream and the dissatisfied customer will seek blame and compensation
  • a proactive supplier can earn loyalty and justify a realistic level of additional compensation

Reliability has Value

Axicon 15500

Reliability has value. Although it is the owner of the package who bears first-line responsibility for a bad barcode, bad news infects the entire supply chain. Create a conversation that champions reliability, starting with yourself: you hold yourself accountable for the quality of the barcodes you supply (or buy, or use, or receive). State your barcode quality expectations clearly and simply: “We require (or create, or supply) ISO compliant barcodes at a C or better grade level.” Trust…and verify: require a verification report to accompany every order (or shipment, or invoice) bearing your barcodes.

Little compromises can sabotage the future reliability of your system and your trading relationships.

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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