How to use Barcode verifiers

How To Use Barcode Verifiers

Mistaking barcode verifiers for barcode scanners? Let’s clear up that misconception. While both are invaluable tools, they serve distinct purposes in the world of barcoding.

DONT TRUST YOUR BARCODE JUST BECAUSE IT SCANS WITH A READER!

Keep reading to learn more about barcode verifiers and why they are such a necessary part of your industry.

What Is A Barcode Reading Error?

Ever stumbled upon a barcode that just wouldn’t scan? It might be suffering from a barcode reading error.

Main Types of Barcode Errors:

  1. Poor Image Quality: Sometimes visibly noticeable, but not always. While some errors are obvious to the naked eye, others are more elusive.
  2. Flawed Data Quality: A barcode that might look good in your eyes, might still have internal data problems.
  3. Insufficient Quiet Zones: The silent spaces around barcodes, crucial for accurate reading.
  4. Bar Gain Issues: When bars of the code deviate from standard widths.
  5. Contrast Problems: Low differentiation between bars and spaces can cause read failures.
But Why Is This Important?

Barcode verifiers compare a barcode quality, data, and structure with international and industry standards. Depending on the state of these qualities, the barcode is given either a passing or failing grade.

  • Quality Assurance: Verifiers can highlight discrepancies in barcodes against industry standards.
  • Error Rectification: With insights from verifiers, operators can pinpoint defects and optimize the printing process for error-free barcodes.
  • Industry Compliance: For businesses, ensuring barcodes pass muster isn’t optional; it’s vital for smooth operations.

How Does A Barcode Verifier Help?

Ever wondered how crucial a barcode verifier is? Dive into the world of barcode assurance and discover the pivotal role these tools play in sustaining business efficiency.

Here’s Why Barcode Verifiers Are Essential:

  1. Quality Assurance: Avoid manufacturing glitches, unforeseen delays, and production halts that stem from unreadable barcodes.
  2. Cost-Effective: Boost your ROI by sidestepping costly mistakes and maintaining stringent quality control.
  3. Insightful Feedback: Use real-time feedback to master the barcode creation process, ensuring every code is clear and readable throughout the supply chain.
  4. ISO Standards Compliance: Many industries hinge on ISO barcode standards. Verifiers are the gold standard for barcode quality assurance.
  5. First-Time Right: Ensure each barcode scans perfectly, preventing no-reads or slip-ups, which might lead to hefty penalties.
  6. Zero Manual Errors: Manually entering barcode data? It’s a recipe for error. Verifiers ensure precision, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.

If you don’t test your codes with a barcode verifier, their failure to read may require you to input the barcode data manually. This opens up the process to human error. Barcode verifiers make sure none of these mistakes occurs. It keeps the quality control high and improves customer satisfaction.

Why Can’t A Barcode Scanner Do The Same Thing?

Ever thought that a barcode scanner and a barcode verifier serve the same purpose? It’s a common misconception! While both tools interact with barcodes, their functions are vastly different.

Barcode Scanner vs. Barcode Verifier: Know the Difference!
  • Reading vs. Evaluating: A scanner captures the data from a barcode. However, just because it can read it, doesn’t mean the barcode meets quality standards. That’s where verifiers step in! a verifier can decode, measure, and check the format of a barcode, a scanner can only read them.
  • Quality Assessment: Scanners don’t gauge barcode quality. On the flip side, verifiers not only read but identify defects and ensure your barcodes adhere to international and industry benchmarks.
So, before you make the decision, understand what you’re looking for: reading capability or quality assurance? For businesses eyeing accuracy and consistency, it’s clear – the barcode verifier is your go-to tool!

How To Choose A Barcode Verifier?

Selecting a barcode verifier isn’t just a matter of “one-size-fits-all.”

There are many components that affect how a barcode verifier reads the codes. Barcodes come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, so you have to pick a verifier that has the right lighting, optics, field of view, shape, and substrate for your codes.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, this can be difficult to do.

For information on all things related to Barcode Verification please feel free to check out our special Barcode Verification Website – HERE

Let’s take a look at four questions that can help you find the best barcode verifier for your industry needs.
1. What Size Are The Barcodes?
Choosing the right size for your Barcode Verifier
  1. X-Dimension: Your verifier’s x-dimension should ideally be smaller than, or at least equal to, your smallest module print.
  2. Camera Resolution: This sizing ensures optimal camera resolution to catch even the narrowest bar widths.

But this sounds a bit backward. Shouldn’t the size of your verifier be based on the largest module print?

  • Size Matters, But Not How You Think: While it might seem logical to base the verifier’s size on the largest module print, that’s not the case.
  • Field of View: The verifier’s ability to see, or its field of view, is influenced by the width of your largest barcode. It should encapsulate the entire code, including the all-important “quiet zone” – the untouched space surrounding your barcode.

For a deep dive into the importance of the barcode sizing read more here.

2. What Material Are They Printed On?

Ever wonder why barcodes printed on different materials look diverse when being verified? It boils down to lighting. The codes will look different to your verifier depending on the kind of material you print them on, materials reflect light differently, which impacts how a verifier reads the codes.

Key Considerations:

  1. Material Impact: The kind of material you print your barcodes on plays a pivotal role in its visibility to verifiers.
  2. 1-D & 2-D Codes: For these, a 45° lighting angle is ideal. It allows sufficient light reflection into the camera, ensuring the code is readable.
  3. Direct Part Marks (DPM): DPMs, especially on textured, curved, or glossy surfaces, require more specific lighting—either 30°, 90°, or dome lighting to be precise.
3. How Are They Shaped?

Ever wondered why the positioning of a barcode matters so much? The shape and location of barcodes can sometimes throw a wrench in the verification process.

  1. Inconvenient Locations: Barcodes aren’t always placed in easy-to-scan areas.
  2. Verifier’s Vantage Point: The design of some verifiers, especially those on stands, might not easily accommodate awkwardly placed barcodes.
  3. Software to the Rescue: Modern verifier software allows users to pinpoint the exact region for the camera to analyze. This adaptability ensures even those tricky-to-reach barcodes don’t go unnoticed.
  4. An Important Reminder: If your verifier struggles with a barcode, it’s likely a scanner might face challenges too.
4. What Kind Of Features Does It Have?
When diving into the world of barcode verifiers, features matter! But what features should you be on the lookout for?
  1. Diagnostic Abilities: Ensure your verifier can spot issues with barcode printing.
  2. Comprehensive Reporting: A top-notch verifier crafts detailed reports highlighting the issues.
  3. Standard Compliance: It’s not just about reading; it’s about measuring up! Your verifier should grade barcodes against industry and global standards.

Why Does It Matter?

Understanding and addressing barcode issues is crucial for effective supply chain management. By choosing a verifier equipped with these essential features, you ensure barcode accuracy, which can translate to smoother operations and satisfied customers.

How To Use Barcode Verifiers?

Barcode verifiers are used in a similar way to barcode scanners. They are easy to use, but they give you a lot more information. They provide strong quality control and can help you avoid chargebacks from other retailers.

  1. Ease of Use: Barcode verifiers operate similarly to scanners, but pack a punch with added features.
  2. Rich Data: While a scanner reads, a verifier informs! Dive deep into the quality, integrity, and potential issues of each barcode.
  3. Quality Control: Navigate the industry with confidence. With verifiers, maintain a high standard, reduce errors, and dodge those costly chargebacks from retailers.

Yet to Invest in a Verifier? Don’t get left behind! Make it your priority to incorporate this powerful tool for unparalleled quality assurance.

? Dive In: Check out our top-of-the-line ISO Verifiers to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Thinking of an Upgrade? Discover a wealth of options and insights at our dedicated Barcode Verification Website.

 

for more information, contact intermax today! cta button

Barcode Verifier Recertification by Intermax
Barcode Verification training by Intermax
Previous Post
8 Reasons You Need To Be Using Barcode Technology
Next Post
NEW INDUSTRIAL SCANNER SHOCKS THE MARKET