Barcodes Are: Definition, History, Characters, and Types

To make it easier for someone to identify goods, usually using a barcode. Therefore, on the back of a product there are usually lines accompanied by numbers. Then, what exactly is meant by a barcode? Find the answer here, Sinaumed’s.

Definition of Barcodes

Barcode is a unique identification system consisting of horizontal and spaced lines that have different lengths and spacing. Barcodes can be read by scanners or cameras, and can be used to identify data precisely and quickly.

Barcodes were first created by Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland in 1948. They managed to find a way to convert text information into machine-readable lines and spaces. At first, barcodes were only used to identify products in grocery stores, but along with technological developments, barcodes began to be used to identify products in various fields.

Currently, there are several types of barcodes that can be used, including Barcode EAN-13, Barcode UPC-A, Barcode Code 39, Barcode QR Code, Barcode Code 128, Barcode Datamatrix, Barcode PDF417, and Barcode MaxiCode. Each type of barcode has advantages and disadvantages, so it must be selected according to needs.

Using barcodes has several advantages, including increasing efficiency and accuracy in store services, facilitating product search, and being able to store more complete information about products. However, there are also some disadvantages of using barcodes, such as the costs that must be incurred to purchase the required equipment and software, as well as the difficulty in reading barcodes that read blurry or damaged.

Even so, the use of barcodes is still considered an effective way of identifying products in stores. With barcodes, product search and service processes can be carried out more quickly and accurately, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and the smooth running of business in stores.

History of Barcodes

The history of barcodes begins in 1948, when Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland managed to find a way to convert text information into machine-readable lines and spaces. This discovery is very useful in increasing efficiency and accuracy in servicing in grocery stores.

After the invention of the barcode, Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland continued to develop barcode technology to increase its storage capacity and reading speed. In 1952, they founded a company called International Business Machines (IBM) to sell barcode equipment and software to grocery stores around the world.

In 1973, the UPC-A (Universal Product Code) became the first barcoding standard used in the United States. UPC-A can hold up to 12 alphanumeric characters, and is typically used to identify small products such as snacks or drinks.

In the 1980s, barcode technology began to develop rapidly, and several types of barcodes were found, including Barcode EAN-13, Barcode Code 39, Barcode QR Code, Barcode Code 128, Barcode Datamatrix, Barcode PDF417, and Barcode MaxiCode. Each type of barcode has advantages and disadvantages, so it must be selected according to needs.

Currently, the use of barcodes is still considered as an effective way of identifying products in stores. With barcodes, product search and service processes can be carried out more quickly and accurately, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and the smooth running of business in stores.

Figure Inventor Barcode

Barcode inventors are Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland. Bernard Silver was born on June 28, 1922 in New York City, United States. He is a scientist and engineer known for his inventions in the field of information technology.

After graduating from Columbia University in 1943, Bernard Silver worked as an engineer for the National Defense Research Committee during World War II. After the war, he joined the Drexel Institute of Technology in Philadelphia as an assistant professor of mathematics.

At Drexel, Bernard Silver met Norman Woodland, a mathematics student who was looking for ideas for his thesis. Together, Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland developed the idea of ​​converting text information into machine-readable lines and spaces.

In 1948, Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland managed to find a way to create barcodes. They use ultraviolet light to measure the distance between lines and spaces on a barcode, so it can be read by a scanner. Their invention is very useful in increasing the efficiency and accuracy of service in grocery stores.

After inventing the barcode, Bernard Silver and Norman Woodland continued to develop barcode technology to increase its storage capacity and reading speed. In 1952, they founded a company called International Business Machines (IBM) to sell barcode equipment and software to grocery stores around the world.

Bernard Silver died on May 24, 1963 in Philadelphia, United States. He is known as one of the inventors of barcodes that contributed to increasing efficiency and accuracy in services at grocery stores.

Barcode Types

1. Barcode EAN-13

The EAN-13 barcode is the most commonly used barcode type in the world. This barcode consists of 13 digit numbers that can be read by a scanner or camera. The EAN-13 barcode is usually used to identify products in supermarkets.

Barcode EAN-13 (European Article Number) is a type of barcode that can contain up to 13 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have more complete information.

The EAN-13 barcode uses symbols that can be read by a scanner or camera. These symbols consist of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

EAN-13 barcodes can be generated using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the EAN-13 barcode can be printed and affixed to the products to be sold. When the product is checked at the cashier, the scanner will read the existing EAN-13 barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

The EAN-13 barcode is very useful in identifying products that have more complete information. With the EAN-13 barcode, these products can be identified precisely and quickly, thereby helping to improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

2. Barcode UPC-A

The UPC-A barcode is a type of barcode that is similar to the EAN-13 barcode, except that this barcode consists of 12 digit numbers. The UPC-A barcode is typically used to identify products in the United States.

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The UPC-A barcode is a type of barcode that is similar to the EAN-13 barcode, except that this barcode consists of 12 digit numbers. The UPC-A barcode is typically used to identify products in the United States.

UPC-A barcodes use symbols that can be read by scanners or cameras. These symbols consist of horizontal lines and spaces that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

UPC-A barcodes can be generated using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the UPC-A barcode can be printed and affixed to the product to be sold. When the product is checked at the checkout, the scanner will read the existing UPC-A barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

UPC-A barcodes are very useful in organizing and managing product data in stores in the United States more efficiently and accurately. The UPC-A barcode can also help improve the quality of service in stores, so consumers can feel more satisfied and comfortable.

3. Barcode Code 39 

Barcode Code 39 is a type of barcode that can contain up to 39 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have long names.

Barcode Code 39 is a type of barcode that can contain up to 39 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have long names.

Barcode Code 39 uses symbols that can be read by scanners or cameras. These symbols consist of horizontal lines and spaces that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

Barcode Code 39 can be made using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the Code 39 barcode can be printed and affixed to the product to be sold. When the product is checked at the cashier, the scanner will read the existing Code 39 barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and others.

Barcode Code 39 is very useful in identifying products with long names. With the Code 39 barcode, these products can be identified precisely and quickly, so that they can help improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

4. QR code barcodes

Barcode QR Code is a type of barcode that can contain up to 4000 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have more complete information.

Barcode QR Code is a type of barcode that can contain up to 4000 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have more complete information.

Barcode QR Code uses symbols that can be read by a scanner or camera. These symbols consist of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

Barcode QR Code can be made using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the QR Code barcode can be printed and affixed to the product to be sold. When the product is checked at the cashier, the scanner will read the existing QR Code barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

Barcode QR Code is very useful in identifying products that have more complete information. With the QR Code barcode, these products can be identified precisely and quickly, so that they can help improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

5. Barcode Code 128

Barcode Code 128 is a type of barcode that can contain up to 110 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have very complete information.

Barcode Code 128 is a type of barcode that can contain up to 107 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have more detailed information.

Barcode Code 128 uses symbols that can be read by scanners or cameras. These symbols consist of horizontal lines and spaces that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

Barcode Code 128 can be made using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the Code 128 barcode can be printed and affixed to the product to be sold. When the product is checked at the cashier, the scanner will read the existing Code 128 barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

Barcode Code 128 is very useful in identifying products that have more detailed information. With the Code 128 barcode, these products can be identified quickly and precisely, so that they can help improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

6. Barcode Datamatrix

Datamatrix barcode is a type of barcode that can accommodate up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have very sensitive information.

Datamatrix barcode is a type of barcode that can hold up to 2335 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have very complete information.

Datamatrix barcodes use symbols that can be read by scanners or cameras. These symbols consist of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

Datamatrix barcodes can be made using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, Datamatrix barcodes can be printed and affixed to the products to be sold. When the product is checked at the cashier, the scanner will read the existing Datamatrix barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

Barcode Datamatrix is ​​very useful in identifying products that have very complete information. With Datamatrix barcodes, these products can be identified precisely and quickly, thereby helping to improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

7. Barcode PDF417

Barcode PDF417 is a type of barcode that can contain up to 1,800 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have very important information.

Barcode PDF417 is a barcode type that can hold up to 1890 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have quite a lot of information.

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PDF417 barcodes use symbols that can be read by scanners or cameras. These symbols consist of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

PDF417 barcodes can be created using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the PDF417 barcode can be printed and affixed to the products to be sold. When the product is checked at the cashier, the scanner will read the existing PDF417 barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

Barcode PDF417 is very useful in identifying products that have quite a lot of information. With the PDF417 barcode, these products can be identified precisely and quickly, thereby helping to improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

8. Barcode MaxiCode

Barcode MaxiCode is a type of barcode that can contain up to 93 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have highly confidential information.

Barcode MaxiCode is a type of barcode that can contain up to 93 alphanumeric characters. This barcode is usually used to identify products that have complex information.

Barcode MaxiCode uses symbols that can be read by scanners or cameras. These symbols consist of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines that have different lengths and spacing. Each symbol has a different meaning, so it can be used to identify data correctly.

MaxiCode barcodes can be made using special software available on the internet or can be purchased at stores that sell computer equipment. Once created, the MaxiCode barcode can be printed and affixed to the product to be sold. When the product is checked at the checkout, the scanner will read the existing MaxiCode barcode and display information related to the product, such as price, description, and so on.

Barcode MaxiCode is very useful in identifying products that have complex information. With the MaxiCode barcode, these products can be identified precisely and quickly, thereby helping to improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.

Barcodes function

The function of the barcode is to identify data accurately and quickly. Barcodes can be read by scanners or cameras, and are usually used to identify products in stores.

By using a barcode, the search process and product service can be done more quickly and accurately. Barcodes can also store more complete information about products, so that they can help increase customer satisfaction and smooth business in stores.

In addition, barcodes can also be used to identify data in other fields, such as logistics, health, education, and others. With barcodes, data processing and monitoring can be done more quickly and accurately, so that it can help increase efficiency and productivity in this field.

Some of the functions of the barcode are as follows:

  1. Identify products in the store precisely and quickly. With barcodes, products can be identified easily, thereby helping to improve efficiency and accuracy in store services.
  2. Store more complete information about the product. Barcodes can store more complete information about products, such as prices, descriptions, categories, and so on. With more complete information, services in stores can be done better and more precisely.
  3. Facilitate product search. With barcodes, the product search process can be done quickly and accurately. Scanners or cameras can read barcodes on products, so they can display information related to these products.
  4. Reducing the possibility of errors in service in the store. With barcodes, the service process in stores can be carried out more accurately and precisely, thereby reducing the possibility of errors in service.
  5. Identify data in other fields. Barcodes can also be used to identify data in other fields, such as logistics, health, education, and others. With barcodes, data processing and monitoring can be done more quickly and accurately, so that it can help increase efficiency and productivity in this field.

Benefits of Barcodes

Some of the benefits of barcodes are as follows:

  1. Increase efficiency and accuracy in store services. By using barcodes, the search process and product service can be carried out more quickly and accurately, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and the smooth running of business in stores.
  2. Facilitate product search. Barcodes can help in finding the desired product quickly and accurately. Scanners or cameras can read barcodes on products, so they can display information related to these products.
  3. Store more complete information about the product. Barcodes can store more complete information about products, such as prices, descriptions, categories, and so on. With more complete information, services in stores can be done better and more precisely.
  4. Reducing the possibility of errors in service in the store. With barcodes, the service process in stores can be carried out more accurately and precisely, thereby reducing the possibility of errors in service.
  5. Identify data in other fields. Barcodes can also be used to identify data in other fields, such as logistics, health, education, and others. With barcodes, data processing and monitoring can be done more quickly and accurately, so that it can help increase efficiency and productivity in this field.

Conclusion

Barcode is a marking system that uses a machine-readable pattern of horizontal stripes to identify certain information. Barcodes are commonly found on products sold in stores and can assist with shipping, stock keeping, and payment processes. Barcodes also make it possible to read information quickly and accurately. Based on this, of course this Barcode is very useful for human life today, Sinaumed’s friends! Surely you also feel the benefits right.

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author : Mutual

Reference:

  • https://www.aturtoko.id/en/blog/technology/arti-barcode-pengertian-tipe-dan-fungsinya-pada-product