What is barcode?
At its core, a barcode is like a visual puzzle, composed of vertical black lines in different thicknesses and heights, interspersed with white spaces and numbers. This unique arrangement works together to distinguish particular products and unveil their associated details. When connected to scanners, computers can interpret these codes, utilizing the distinct pattern of bars, spaces, and numbers to fetch the relevant data for the respective product.
How barcode works?
The thickness of the black bars essentially corresponds to binary code, with each width representing either 0 or 1. The arrangement of these bars then forms a sequence representing numbers from 0 to 9. When a computer is linked to the scanner, it holds all the necessary information to decode the unique combination of bars and spaces. Through addition, multiplication, or division of these numbers, the computer identifies the specific product, displaying the result on the screen.
In a warehouse scenario, barcodes can encode details such as an item's size, color, and other attributes, along with its location. This comprehensive information provides the company with a thorough overview of the current inventory, enabling quick order fulfillment and efficient physical inventory counts. In a retail environment, barcodes may include information like the product name and price, aiding associates during customer checkouts. Organizations leverage barcodes to trace goods throughout their entire life cycle, from manufacturing and distribution to purchase and even through service and repair phases.
Different types of Barcode
QR Code (Quick Response Code):
Type: Two-dimensional (2D)
Appearance: Square with black and white dots arranged in a grid
Information: Stores large amounts of data, including text, URLs, and contact information
Uses: Widely used for marketing, sharing website links, and product authentication
ISBN (International Standard Book Number):
Type: Technically, not a barcode, but a unique identifier encoded in a barcode format (often Code 128)
Appearance: Varies depending on the encoding format
Information: Identifies a specific book edition uniquely
Uses: Used in libraries, bookstores, and publishing industries
UPC (Universal Product Code):
Type: One-dimensional (1D)
Appearance: Vertical bars of varying widths
Information: Encodes product information like product identifier, manufacturer, and sometimes the price
Uses: Primarily used in the retail industry for product identification and scanning at checkout