Barcode Symbologies: 1d barcode vs. 2d barcode

1D and 2D Bar codes

Barcode certainly simplified identifying, tracking, and controlling of assets, equipment and processes beginning in the early 80s. In short, barcode was a technology that revolutionized data capture.  In the “early days” selecting barcode symbologies was not extremely complex; there were just a few choices.

Code 39 was developed by Intermec in 1974 and became the de facto standard for non-retail barcode applications. It is an alpha numeric symbology plus seven major characters, so a total of 43 characters, and is a versatile symbology that gained tremendous momentum in the 80s. However, today not only are there linear symbologies, or 1-D (i.e. Code 39, Code 128, Code I2 of 5, etc.), but also 2-D symbologies such as Datamatrix and QR so is Code 39 still the best choice? I believe the answer is no. Does this mean Code 39 is not a good choice? Not at all; there are just other options which may be better suited for a given application.

Barcode Symbologies: Code 128 and Code 39

For example, if a 1-D symbology is preferred, consider Code 128 which has a full set of ASCII characters available and a built-in check character for data integrity. A check character is simply an algorithm which ensures the data set will not be misread, for example if bars or spaces are damaged. Code 39 doesn’t have a built-in check character. Although one can be added in Code 39, our experience is very few customers understand using a MOD43 check character in conjunction with Code 39. Furthermore, if numeric-only characters are needed, using Subset C (or Code C) of Code 128, numeric pairs can be stacked so a much shorter bar code may be used; thus, a more economical size or one that may have a better fit. 

So while Code 39 has been an extremely popular 1-D symbology for the past three decades, Code 128 can offer some great advantages, namely:

• Greater number of characters available (full ASCII set)

• Subset C (or Code C) stacked numeric pairs for a shorter bar code

• Built-in check character for data integrity

In the past several years, two dimensional symbologies have gained popularity due to the amount of data which can be programmed into a small area. For example, with the Dept. of Defense IUID specification of global asset tracking where issuing agency and serial number; or issuing agency, part number and serial number must be concatenated, this may result in a lengthy string of characters. So, a data matrix symbol which also has built in redundancy provides an efficient-sized bar code and makes perfect sense. Keep in mind that imagers marketed today are capable of reading both 1-D and 2-D codes, once again providing the flexibility of using multiple symbologies.

QR (quick response) codes were designed and introduced with the consumer in mind…read a QR code on an item and learn more about the respective item, which is pretty cool. This also provides the consumer with instant information. However, QR codes go beyond POS or retail with smartphone apps (iPhone and Android) you can now track and control assets without having a separate reading device!

In summary, the world of barcode has progressed significantly providing more efficient options, better designed to meet your expectations so don’t automatically think Code 39 is the best or the only choice…consider Code 128 or the 2-D options.

If you still have questions about barcode symbologies that you would like to answer, please contact [email protected] for your asset tracking needs.

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