Page 26 - Logistics News - May 2021

B A R C ODE S

Different types of barcodes
Barcodes and QR codes really fall under two general classes:
one-dimensional (1D or linear) and two-dimensional
(2D). They are used in different types of applications
and, in some cases, are scanned using different types of
technology. The difference between 1D and 2D barcode
scanning is in the layout and amount of data that can be
stored in each, but both can be used effectively in a variety
of automatic identification applications.

Linear or 1D barcodes, like UPC code on consumer
goods, use a series of variable-width lines and spaces to
encode data, which most consumers think of as ‘barcode’.
the machine lacked a minicomputer that could process Scanners read 1D barcodes horizontally. 1D laser barcode
information. Woodland stopped working on the barcode scanners are the most common, typically handheld,
project after running into limitations and it wasn’t picked wearable or fixed form factors.
up again until 1966 by Kroger. The chain knew it needed to
become more technologically efficient in order to grow, so it 2D barcodes, like Data Matrix, QR Code or PDF417,
began advertising for help in creating a new scanning system. use patterns of squares, hexagons, dots and other shapes
to encode data. Because of their structure, 2D barcodes can
Kroger tapped the Radio Corporation of America, hold more data than 1D (up to 2,000 characters), while still
which used Woodland’s original bullseye-styled barcode. appearing physically smaller. The data is encoded based
Initially, there were concerns that the new tech would turn on both the vertical and horizontal arrangement of the
off customers who might view its laser technology through pattern, thus it is read in two dimensions. These codes can
a popular culture lens as being akin to death rays, a la sci-fi also contain images, website addresses, voice and other
movies and television shows. Still, testing went forward in types of binary data.
1973 at a Cincinnati Kroger, and it was a certified hit. While
printing the bullseye barcodes proved difficult, the outcome The future of barcodes
was exactly what supermarket managers were expecting – While still highly prevalent, as scanner technology
higher sales and quicker shopping experiences. continues to evolve, there will be less need and demand
for 1D barcodes over time, which can only hold up to 85
The barcode gains popularity characters. In contrast, 2D barcodes can store over 7,000
The success with the supermarket barcode was just the characters, allowing you to transmit almost two paragraphs
beginning. Soon there was interest across other consumer of information. With 2D barcodes, businesses can convey
industries. Some of the biggest success stories come from much more complex information, like expiration dates and
billion-dollar big box businesses like Walmart and Target. For serial numbers, all without additional scanning.
those two, the barcode became essential, particularly as they
grew into the behemoths they are now. The barcode allows In the immediate future, you’ll see both technologies
these businesses to keep a better record of what’s available utilised in conjunction with better scanning devices,
on the floor, what items are in transit to their warehouses like self-scanning tunnels that can scan an item’s code
and even the delivery of products to consumers. regardless of how it passes through the device. The second
phase will be in ‘image barcodes’, which will be able to scan
Now many restaurants feature a square-shaped, an item based on its logo and appearance.
L O GI S T I CS NEWS in place of a traditional menu to minimise contact. The convergence of smartphone technology, radio tags or
pixel-patterned QR code on your table for mobile scanning
In the next few years, we’ll continue to see a massive
introduction of QR codes proved that product information
didn’t need to be limited to straight lines as a traditional
packages with unseen barcodes, all designed to give
consumers an unprecedented level of product information
barcode, but it could also be embedded into various sizes
and shapes on a label.

24 M A Y 2021 and control, anytime, anywhere. •
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