Barcodes are complicated. So is buying the right 1D/2D barcode verifier. Break it down into smaller parts to make a smart choice. Here are ten of those parts:

  • Field of View

    Axicon 15200
    Axicon 15200 1D/2D Barcode Verifier

    Make sure the verifier you are considering has a large enough field of view (FOV). The 1D barcode drives this; they are larger. The long dimension dictates how much FOV is required. Remember the quiet zones!

  • Minimum Aperture

A 2D verifier is a digital camera with a specific resolution. To accurately verify a high density barcode, it must have a small enough aperture for the X dimension of that barcode. Sometimes this is reported as the “minimum X”, sometimes as the “minimum aperture”. However they report it, make sure it will handle the barcodes you need to test. If they don’t report it, look elsewhere.

  • Symbologies

Just because the verifier can test 1D and 2D symbols doesn’t mean it can verify all symbol types. Don’t assume–know what you are getting.

  • ISO Compliance

1D/2D symbol verification uses two different ISO specifications. Make sure the verifier you are considering is compliant to both. It should be stated in clear, simple language in the data sheet.

  • Industry Applications

Different industries structure the data in their barcodes in a specific format. This is different than the ISO specification. ISO addresses the print quality attributes of the barcode, not the data structure. Make sure the 1D/2D verifier you are considering tests and reports on the industry standards that are important to you.

  • Re-certification

Be clear about periodic ISO compliance re-certification of the verifier. Is return-to-factory required? How long does it take? How much does it cost? Are self re-certification test kits available? Beware of verifiers that claim to not need calibration or re-certification.

  • Support

If the sales rep in Albuquerque gives you the best deal, but you are in Zanesville, on-site support will be challenging. Verifiers are technical risk management devices, not commodities. Buy smart for the long haul, not just price.

  • Responsiveness

Ask if there is local support. It might be more regional than local, but that’s still better direct from the manufacturer when you need help.

  • Demo’s and rentals

Can you try before you buy? What if somebody drops the verifier? If you have a big project and need extra equipment, will the dealer help you?

  • Still not sure?

Ask someone with independent experience. Sure the manufacturer or sales rep will recommend their own product. Get a second opinion from a barcode test lab—they make their living and stake their reputation on the performance of their verifiers.

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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