Challenge: A frequent issue is low contrast between the dark bars and light spaces of a barcode.

• • For example, using colors like red bars on a white background can make the barcode invisible to scanners, as many scanners use red light to read the code. If the colors blend too much, the scanner won’t be able to pick up the barcode.

Solution: Use high-contrast color combinations such as black bars on a white background. Avoid colors close to red for the bars, as they can reflect the scanner’s light, making the barcode unreadable.

• • Regularly check your barcodes with verifiers to ensure they meet the required contrast levels before printing large batches.

Challenge: Barcodes that are printed poorly, with smudges, streaks, or uneven bar widths, can cause scanning problems. 

• • For instance, a barcode printed with streaks might pass a visual check but fail when scanned because the scanner sees these streaks as additional bars.

Solution: Invest in high-quality printers and regularly maintain them to avoid print issues. Verifiers from Axicon are used to check the print quality of your barcodes before they go into production. 

• • For example, companies that produce labels for frozen foods often face issues with print quality due to low temperatures affecting the ink. Ensuring the printer settings are optimized for the environment can prevent these issues.

Challenge: If a barcode is too small or placed on a curved or uneven surface, it can be difficult for scanners to read. 

• • For example, a small barcode on a rounded bottle might not scan properly, causing delays at the checkout or in inventory management.

Solution: Follow guidelines for the correct size and placement of barcodes. For flat surfaces, ensure the barcode is large enough to be easily scanned. If the barcode is on a curved surface, like a bottle, consider switching the orientation of the barcode from “Picket Fence” (bars running horizontally) to “Ladder” (bars running vertically) to make scanning easier.

• • Additionally, you could use 2D barcodes, such as QR codes or Data Matrix codes, which handle curved surfaces better. Testing barcodes under real conditions will help identify and solve potential issues early.

Challenge: External factors like lighting, humidity, or temperature can affect how well a barcode scans. 

• • For example, barcodes on glossy or reflective packaging can create glare under store lights, making them hard to scan. A real-world instance is when a cosmetics company had to reprint thousands of products because the shiny labels on their bottles caused scanning errors at checkout.

Solution: Choose materials and finishes that suit the environment in which the barcode will be scanned. Matte finishes are generally better than glossy ones because they don’t reflect light as much. 

• • Always test barcodes under the lighting and conditions they’ll be used in to ensure they’re readable.

Challenge: Barcodes must adhere to standards set by organizations such as GS1 and ISO to ensure readability. These standards are designed to ensure that barcodes can be properly scanned, but if they are not followed, the barcode may not scan correctly, leading to delayed shipments, penalties, or returned products.

Solution: Stay updated on the latest barcode standards and use verifiers that help ensure compliance. Intermax Barcode Verification, for instance, provides verification services that align with industry requirements, ensuring that your barcodes are up to code. 

• • Regular training for your team on these standards can also help keep everyone on the same page.

Challenge: Not all scanners can read every type of barcode, and compatibility issues can arise. 

• • For example, older laser scanners cannot read 2D barcodes like QR codes or Data Matrix codes, leading to potential scanning errors.

Solution: Make sure that the barcode type matches the scanners used in your operations. Imaging scanners are best for 2D barcodes, while laser scanners work well for 1D barcodes. 

• • Regularly updating your scanning equipment and testing your barcodes with your specific scanners can help avoid these issues.