Barcode

Barcodes are machine-readable codes. We are familiar with these codes on goods and books that are read by scanners in POS systems.

Bar codes are often referred to as EAN and GTIN, i.e. European Article Number and Global Trade Identification Number, although these are only two variants of possible bar codes.

Barcodes consist of so-called “modules”, as bar elements, which can be either white or black. In addition, there are often empty zones in front of and behind the barcodes, i.e. areas that must not be inscribed.

Different codes can carry different information. If the EAN, GTIN and ISBN codes are only numbers, Code 39, Code 93 or Code 128 barcodes can also contain letters and characters, and thus, for example, a designation can be inserted into the barcode.

Depending on the barcode, there is a comprehensive set of rules that ensures that barcodes can be read optimally. For example, it is important not to fall below or exceed certain sizes and to define minimum heights for the codes.

Discounters, for example, require proof of a certain quality of the barcode. For example, ALDI and Hofer want to have at least a “3B” quality in all test disciplines of the barcode on packaging for ALDI. You can also order such a barcode test in our shop.