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| Miles Green |
Where do I get a barcode for my retail product?
We get asked this question every day. We have an information sheet you can download. Click here to retrieve it.
Where do I get a barcode number for my book?
Contact the National Library of New Zealand on 04-474-3074.
I have a barcode number - I need a barcode image, how do I get one?
We create thousands of barcode images for customers each year. You provide an 8,12,13 or 14 digit number (that you get from GS1 or the National Library) and we email you back an image in the graphics format you want (JPEG, GIF, TIFF or EPS). Each barcode image costs $30 unless you order more than ten, orders of ten or more please ring for a quote.. Once you have your image, you send that to the company doing your printing. We will email your image(s) as soon as we receive your payment. Expect to get a reply with an invoice within 24 hours of submitting your numbers. Interested? Click here and fill in the online form.
What is Keyboard Wedge?
Keyboard Wedge is an idea used by all desktop barcode readers. It works by taking the data from the barcode and putting it into the computer as if it were typed in via the keyboard. The barcode reader cable is plugged in either through the USB socket or via the keyboard socket. The result is a situation where you scan a barcode with numbers in it and the numbers appear where the cursor is on your screen. If you are typing into Microsoft Excel, your numbers will appear in the cell you are working in. Likewise, if you're using Microsoft Word the barcode data will appear where your cursor is. Keyboard wedge eliminates the need for software - simply plug the barcode scanner in and it works!
Can I have numbers and letters in my barcode?
Yes - there are dozens of different barcode styles (symbologies) each with different characteristics - some are smaller, some are able to encode letters and numbers, some are able to encode non printing characters like the F1-12 function keys and some have high degrees of 'security'. Depending on the symbology determines if you can use numbers and letters. The EAN13 barcode on retail products encode only numbers.
There are lots of different types of barcodes, which barcode is best?
We usually suggest people use a code called Code128. It's compact and it has built in 'security' (i.e. it checks itself). However, if you're putting barcodes onto retail items, you don't have any choice - it has to be an EAN13.
Can I use any barcode for use within my organisation only?
There is no limit to the type of barcode or format of data you can use in your own organisation. There may be a limit regarding the width of the code. The more characters you encode the wider the barcode becomes. If the code is too wide the reader won't be able to 'see' the edges and therefore can't read it. For example, if you're using a barcode to track a job around a factory - you can use any barcode you want. If you're sending barcodes into the retail or distribution chain there are limitations. If you produce a traded product i.e. a can of drink, you need to register with GS1 and pay for a barcode number.
A company is offering to sell me a single EAN number. Is this legal?
GS1, the international organisation that coordinates barcodes, licences you the barcode on the condition you don't sub-let it. Legally speaking you can't buy a product barcode from anyone other than GS1.
What are 2D barcodes?
2D are the 2nd generation of barcode. They can contain much more data than standard codes. They can also be set up with a high level of security - so if the code is damaged it can still be read. The concept behind them is that the data is carried in the code rather than on a separate database. For example, with ID cards printed with 2D codes, you are able to encode details about the cardholder that can be read anywhere without the need for communications back to a host computer. Most barcode printers can produce 2D codes (although small codes need high resolution printers). Check if your label design software can design them.
2D barcodes come in two different types:
Matrix style 2D codes
| A matrix style 2D code is very efficient and if it's recording only a few characters it can be very small. Perfect for Printed Circuit boards or small components. Codes in this family include: 3-DI
ArrayTag, Aztec Code, Small Aztec Code, bCODE, Bullseye, Datamatrix, Datastrip Code, Dot Code A, MaxiCode mCode, MiniCode, PDMark, QR Code, Semacode, SmartCode, Snowflake, ShotCode, SuperCode, Trillcode, UltraCode, VeriCode and WaterCode. Many are designed to be read by mobilephones and not barcode readers. The problem with these codes is that they need special reading technology - more like cameras than barcode readers. This reading technology is called area imaging. Area imagers tend to be more expensive than standard readers. |
'Stacked linear' barcode
| The 'Stacked Linear' barcode is really just a series of standard 'linear' barcodes (the type of barcode you would find printed on groceries) printed on top of one another. They still contain a lot of data and offer high levels of security but aren't as efficient as matrix codes. The names of these codes include PDF417, Codablock, Code 16K, Code 49, PDF417 and Micro PDF417.
The advantage of these barcodes is that the cost of readers is lower, because they are simply just a standard barcode reader with memory. The scanner reads the first line, stores it, reads the next lines and then outputs it as one long string of text. |
What is Datalogic's Greenspot feature?
Datalogic, one of the world's largest makers of barcode scanners, has a feature built into many of their desktop scanners that displays a green light on the barcode in front of you when you've successful scanned it. Not all users can hear the beep of the barcode scanner (because it's noisy or they've turned off the confirmation beep). With Greenspot you get confirmation of a good read without looking elsewhere (i.e. at the top of the scanner).
What is an IP (ingress protection) rating?
An IP (Ingress Protection) number is used to show how well protected electronic equipment is from it's environment. These ratings are determined by specific tests. The IP (Ingress Protection) number is a two digit number, the first number being the protection against solid objects (usually dust) and the second is it's protection from liquids. The higher the number the better the protection. Barcode products tend to be protected against dust and against water sprayed from all directions and against low pressure jets of water from all directions. Call us if you need more information about IP Ratings.
