Machine-readable barcodes are known as barcodes. We are familiar with these codes on goods and books that are read by readers in checkout systems.
Barcode, bar code or strip code are also common terms, but barcodes are also 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 barcodes.
Barcodes consist of so-called ‘modules’, as bar elements, which can be either white or black. In addition, there are often quiet zones in front of and behind the barcodes, i.e. areas that must not be labelled.
Different codes can carry different information. While EAN, GTIN and ISBN codes only contain numbers, letters and characters can also be encoded in Code 39, Code 93 or Code 128 barcodes, so that a name, for example, can be included in the barcode.
Depending on the barcode, there is a comprehensive set of rules to ensure 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 barcode quality. For example, ALDI and Hofer want at least ‘3B’ quality in all barcode testing disciplines on packaging for ALDI. You can also order such a barcode test in our shop.
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