I created the QR Code below using a generator I read about in 2d code blog. The QR Code Generator was created by Jason Delport using the Google Chart API. I embedded some text in the code, so if you can read it let me know. I don’t have a phone capable of reading QR codes, so I’m just curious. So leave me a comment and check out the generator!
I‘ve had several questions recently about retail barcode standards in Europe and I thought it might help to take a closer look at EAN-13. EAN (European Article Number) has always been the symbology of choice throughout Europe and recently has spread to the U.S. and Canada. Prior to 2005, any products sold internationally required both a UPC and an EAN barcode, but now EAN-13 is seen worldwide. EAN-13 is much like the UPC-A code widely used throughout the U.S., with a few small differences. EAN-13 uses a numbering system (00-99) to include country information, whereas the numbering system for a UPC-A ranges from 0-9. And of course, EAN-13 has 13 digits compared to the standard 12 digit UPC. There is also a shorter version of EAN-13 for small packages, known as EAN-8. A standard EAN-13 includes the following items:
For more information about EAN-13 or barcode label software that supports it, please contact me at ehodges@barcode.com.
I found these commercials on YouTube the other day and thought they were pretty interesting. They’re from GS1 Colombia and they showcase the benefits of EPC (Electronic Product Code) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in a retail environment. If you read my post about EPC, then you know what it is, how it works and its many benefits, well now you can see it in action. These commercials will help you understand what kind of an impact EPC and RFID can have on your shopping experience. I thought I’d add them in a post for that reason, plus they’re kind of fun.
AIM Global has announced five new barcode symbologies that are headed our way: Datastrip 2D, DotCode, Grid Matrix, Ultracode, and Chinese Sensible (Han Xin) Code. The five new symbols are pictured below, for more information about these new barcodes and their planned uses you can read more at AIM Global.
Datastrip 2D
DotCode 
Grid Matrix
Ultracode
Chinese Sensible
Data Matrix is a high-density 2D barcode symbology that can encode characters, numbers, text and bytes of data. Data Matrix is one of the smallest types of barcodes and is capable of encoding a large amount of data, making it the perfect choice for small item marking applications. Data Matrix is also the symbol of choice for Unique Identification or UID marking because it can encode details such as manufacturer ID, serial number and part number. According to AIM Global (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) specifications, Data Matrix can encode up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters. The symbol is made up of dark and light square data modules and includes a finder pattern on the perimeter to help decode the data.
The newest version of Data Matrix, ECC200, supports advanced error checking and correction algorithms that increase the recognition of damaged barcodes. In fact, the Reed-Solomon algorithm supports the recognition of barcodes that are up to 60% damaged. Most barcode labeling software supports Data Matrix, including NiceLabel and BarTender. Of course in order to read Data Matrix you must use a barcode imager that is capable of reading 2D symbols. For more information about label software that supports Data matrix, or barcode imagers please contact me at ehodges@barcode.com.
