Verifier Conformance Service
Barcodes are everywhere and used in critical applications. Barcodes keep manufacturing systems operating. They maintain unbroken supply chains; they secure access to aircraft, sporting and entertainment venues and perform myriad other essential functions. Global standards are the basis for making sure barcodes work right. Compliant verification devices do the important ground-level work of checking and grading barcodes.
Barcode verifiers compliant to global standards protect users from potential liabilities, sometimes known as chargebacks. Compliant barcode verifiers signal poorly printed or incorrectly structured barcodes. Using a scanner or a non-compliant verifier does not provide any such protection.
Verifiers comply with Global Standards
Think of compliance as a moment in time. The compliance standards address the known, measurable variables that contribute to (or detract from) successful barcode scanning. Scanning is based on reflectivity—specifically the reflective differences between the barcode and its background or substrate. Scanning occurs in the fraction of a second.
A compliant barcode verifier eliminates ambient light influence and scans the barcode from a fixed distance and angle. The light source, in the prescribed spectral range, bounces red spectrum light off the barcode at a precise angle. The optical train collects the reflected light in two values: the high reflectance or RMax value from the background and the low reflectance or RMin value from the barcode itself. A new, compliant verifier does this within a specified tolerance or margin of error.
Verifiers Require Maintenance
Things change over time. Dusty or dirty environment regrade the reflectance values entering the verifier’s optical path. Dust coating on mirrors, lenses and sensors influences scanning performance. Rough handling or accidents cracks mirrors, misaligns sensors and dislodges filters. Wear and tear effects scanners and verifiers. Poorly performing scanners are a prime example of how a verifier can protect a vendor from chargebacks—but the verifier must be accurate.
Annual verifier maintenance and conformance testing confirms verifier accuracy. Routine maintenance includes:
- general exterior cleaning and inspection for damage
- testing for LED fade and unevenness
- accuracy of X dimension and aperture
- updating firmware
- interior cleaning and inspection of optical system
Repairs and parts replacements can include:
- adjustment of misaligned optics
- trigger switches replacement
- update LEDs
- replacement of communications/power cables
A factory trained and certified facility returns a clean, inspected and re-certified verifier, ready for another year of protection against chargebacks, unhappy trading partners and the avoidable stress of questionable barcodes.
Comments are welcome. Contact us here.
John helps companies resolve current barcode problems and avoid future barcode problems to stabilize and secure their supply chain and strengthen their trading partner relationships.
