The Evolution of Barcode Symbologies: Why Code 39 May Not Be Your Best Choice Anymore
Since the early 1980s, barcodes have revolutionized how businesses identify, track, and manage assets, equipment, and processes. They’ve transformed data capture by enabling faster and more accurate inventory management, asset tracking, and process control.
Back then, selecting a barcode symbology wasn’t complicated—only a handful of options existed. One of the earliest and most widely adopted was Code 39, developed in 1974 by Intermec. It became the go-to barcode for non-retail applications due to its simplicity and alphanumeric support. However, with the emergence of more advanced symbologies and increasing application demands, Code 39 may no longer be the best choice for many businesses.
Let’s explore how barcode technology has evolved and why newer symbologies—especially 2D barcodes—are often the better option today.
Understanding Barcode Symbologies: The Basics
A barcode symbology is essentially the “language” a barcode uses to represent data. It defines the structure, character set, encoding rules, and check characters. Think of symbologies like different spoken languages—each one communicates the same type of message in a different way.
Barcodes fall into two primary categories:
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1D (Linear) Barcodes: Data is encoded in a series of vertical bars and spaces.
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2D (Matrix) Barcodes: Data is stored both vertically and horizontally, allowing for much more information in a smaller space.
Comparing 1D Barcode Symbologies: Code 39 vs. Code 128
Code 39: The Legacy Option
Code 39 is one of the oldest and most widely used 1D barcode symbologies. It supports 43 characters, including alphanumeric characters and a few special symbols, making it relatively simple to encode and decode. Its straightforward structure contributed to its popularity, especially in earlier systems. However, one of its limitations is the lack of a built-in check character. While an optional MOD43 check digit can be added for error checking, it is rarely used in practice, leaving room for potential data integrity issues. Additionally, Code 39 is not space-efficient, as it requires more physical space to encode data compared to newer symbologies. Despite these limitations, it remains in use, particularly in legacy applications.
Code 128: The Modern 1D Alternative
In contrast, Code 128 is a more advanced 1D symbology that supports the full ASCII character set, allowing it to encode all 128 characters. This makes it far more versatile and suitable for complex data encoding. A significant advantage of Code 128 is its built-in check character, which enhances data reliability by helping to detect errors during scanning. It also offers a compact format, especially when using Subset C (or Code C), which efficiently compresses numeric data by pairing digits. These features make Code 128 ideal for applications where space is limited and data accuracy is critical.
Why Code 128 is Superior
Overall, Code 128 provides several advantages over Code 39. It allows for higher data density, enabling more information to be encoded in a smaller space. The inclusion of a built-in check character improves reliability by reducing the chance of read errors. Additionally, its support for a broader and more complex character set makes it well-suited for modern applications with evolving data requirements. For most current use cases, Code 128 is the more efficient and reliable choice.
The Shift Toward 2D Barcodes: DataMatrix & QR Codes
Why 2D Barcodes?
As business needs evolved, so did the demand for barcodes that could hold more data in less space. Enter 2D barcodes, which encode data in two dimensions—up and down, left and right—enabling hundreds of characters to be stored in a space that would only fit a few in a 1D barcode.
DataMatrix
DataMatrix is a two-dimensional barcode symbology known for its ability to store large amounts of data in a compact space. It is the standard for Department of Defense (DoD) UID (Unique Item Identification) compliance due to its ability to encode complex data with high reliability. Supporting the full ASCII character set, DataMatrix offers flexibility in the types of information it can store. One of its most valuable features is built-in redundancy, which allows the code to be accurately read even if part of it is damaged or obscured. This makes it especially well-suited for high-density applications in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and medical devices, where space is limited but data accuracy is critical.
QR Code
QR (Quick Response) codes are another type of 2D symbology, initially developed for automotive part tracking but now widely used across many industries. Their most notable feature is that they can be easily scanned by any smartphone or camera-enabled device, eliminating the need for specialized scanners. This accessibility has made QR codes particularly popular in marketing applications, where they often link to web pages, promotional materials, or digital forms. QR codes also include built-in redundancy, ensuring they remain scannable even if partially damaged. Their widespread recognition and ease of use have made them a consumer-friendly, cost-effective solution for both business and retail environments.
1D vs. 2D Barcodes: Pros and Cons
Choosing the Right Barcode for Your Application
How to Choose Between 1D and 2D Barcodes
Selecting the right type of barcode for your application depends on several important factors. Each project has unique requirements, and understanding these will help determine whether a 1D or 2D barcode is the better fit.
1. How Much Data Do You Need to Encode?
Start by considering the volume and complexity of the data you need to store in your barcode.
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If you only need to encode basic information, such as part numbers, inventory IDs, or short serial numbers, a 1D barcode—like Code 128—may be more than adequate. These barcodes are simple to generate, widely supported, and can handle moderate data needs.
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However, if your application involves long strings of information, such as product specifications, manufacturing data, or serialized metadata that must travel with the item throughout its lifecycle, a 2D barcode is the better choice. Symbologies like DataMatrix or QR Code can hold hundreds or even thousands of characters in a compact space, enabling more robust data encoding.
2. What Scanning Equipment Do You Have?
Your existing hardware infrastructure plays a critical role in barcode selection.
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If your environment uses traditional laser or linear CCD barcode scanners, you may be limited to reading 1D barcodes only. These scanners are common in warehouse and manufacturing settings where linear barcodes have long been the standard.
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If you use 2D imagers, smartphones, or tablets, then you have the flexibility to scan both 1D and 2D barcodes. These modern devices can decode more complex symbols and provide a seamless user experience for applications like asset tracking, field service, or consumer engagement.
Investing in compatible scanning equipment may be necessary if your application requires the functionality of 2D barcodes but your current technology is limited.
3. How Much Space Is Available on the Label or Asset?
Label real estate is a practical limitation that directly impacts your barcode choice.
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1D barcodes require more horizontal space to encode data, especially if you’re using something like Code 39, which is relatively inefficient. If your labels or asset tags have plenty of space, this may not be an issue.
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In contrast, 2D barcodes are designed for space efficiency. They can compress a large volume of data into a small square or rectangular footprint. This is particularly useful for small products, circuit boards, surgical tools, or other items with limited labeling space.
4. Is Data Redundancy Important to You?
Consider the environment in which your barcode will be used and how important error resistance is.
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1D barcodes typically do not have built-in error correction. While some formats (like Code 128) include a check character to detect errors, they cannot recover damaged data.
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2D barcodes include built-in redundancy and error correction, meaning they can often still be read accurately even if part of the symbol is damaged, dirty, or missing. This feature is vital in harsh or unpredictable environments, such as industrial facilities, outdoor applications, or military use.
5. Will Customers or Consumers Interact with the Barcode?
The end-user experience can influence your decision, especially for public-facing applications.
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QR codes are ideal when your barcode will be accessed by customers, patients, or field employees using mobile devices. They’re familiar, easy to scan, and versatile—whether linking to websites, forms, or product details.
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For internal-use-only barcodes (e.g., warehouse tracking, shipping, or internal manufacturing), a 1D barcode may be simpler and more cost-effective.
In customer-facing applications, QR codes offer a level of interactivity and convenience that traditional barcodes can’t match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
1D barcodes store data in a linear fashion (left to right), while 2D barcodes store data both vertically and horizontally, allowing for significantly more data in less space.
Is Code 39 still a good option?
It depends. While it’s simple and widely supported, Code 39 is inefficient in terms of space and lacks built-in error checking. In most modern applications, Code 128 or 2D symbologies offer better performance.
Can smartphones scan 1D barcodes?
Most smartphones can scan 2D barcodes (like QR codes) but may not natively support 1D barcodes unless used with a dedicated app.
Are 2D barcodes more expensive to implement?
They may require more advanced scanners or imaging equipment, but many businesses already use devices (like smartphones or tablets) that can scan them. Costs are generally offset by the additional functionality and data capacity.
Can I use both 1D and 2D barcodes in the same system?
Yes. Many modern scanners can read both types, and businesses often use them in tandem depending on the application.
Which barcode should I use for asset tracking?
For basic inventory tracking, Code 128 may be sufficient. For advanced asset tracking with detailed data, DataMatrix or QR codes are typically better choices.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between 1D and 2D barcodes isn’t about which is “better,” but rather about which best suits your operational goals, technology capabilities, and application needs. Evaluating your specific use case against these five key questions can help you make an informed, cost-effective decision that enhances your data capture strategy.
If you’re unsure which barcode type is right for your application, contact the experts at Metalcraft—we’re here to help you design the right solution for your needs.
About the Author: Marianne Alvarado
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