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What is a Bar Code?
According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:
Main Entry: bar code
Function: noun
: a code consisting of a group of printed and variously patterned bars
and spaces and sometimes numerals that is designed to be scanned and read into
computer
memory as identification for the object it labels
We can also add that a bar code label is the most important
component
in
an alpha-numeric data entry system, replacing other data entry approaches
such
as manual
keyboard entry.
Alphabetic characters and numbers are directly entered into a computer by using
a bar code label scanning tool, much like those used in a supermarket checkout
counter.
Once scanned, the data is transmitted through the decoding scanner tool and relayed
back to the appropriate
application. A bar code label usually consists of a
combination of thick bars and thin bars
(binary level),
or a combination of varying width bars and gaps
between
the
bars
(multi-level).
(See Bar Code Label Types for more information)
Why Bar Code Labels?
Bar codes are read at ultra high-speeds and depending on the scanning
tool used, potentially thousands
of
items can be scanned and processed with in seconds. In
addition,
bar code labels
offer
a level of consistency that is unmatched through manual data entry approaches.
As a fail-safe, many bar code labels have a checkdigit
encoded with it's architecture, which prevents data from being misread by the
scanning
tool.
Data that does not pass the checkdigit test
will not be entered
into the computer.
Automatic Recognition
Automatic Recognition refers to entry of data without the use of a keyboard or
other manual means.
Several automatic recognition methods exist, such as:
- Magnetic Automatic Recognition (bank card, credit card)
- RF-ID (remote radio-wave query)
However, the bar code label offers the ability to be mass produced, are cheaper
than other approaches and are an efficient method of automatic recognition data
entry.
Helping
to further
popularize the
use of bar code labels is the fact that they are available to everyone,
its patents are licence-free, and it's usage has become a world-wide standard.
The Product Bar Code
The use of bar Codes on products came in to existence due to two key factors.
The
creation
of
computers and the demand on major retailers to find a solution to the ever-growing
drain of
time
and
expense caused by large line ups.
In 1967, The Kroger Company, a major large scale chain retailer in the U.S., developed
the first barcode-oriented entry system.
The Introduction of UPC and EAN
A nationally-standardized rule was created and helped to spread
bar code technology across the U.S. In 1973, with the help of
the
American
Food
Chain
Association,
the Universal
Product Code (UPC)
was born.
This meant that each product would be assigned a unique
UPC.
In 1977, Europe established the European Article
Number (EAN), the common product
code for
European countries. EAN member countries
are listed in the flag page.
Computer improvements and the
spread of the common product code, resulted
in
the development of Point Of Sale technology.
POS made it possible to manage sales at the
register,
to record sale information, for purchasing
&
selling
strategies,
trend analysis,
inventory and stock management, and more. POS has become and indespensible
tool for retailers, large and small.
Universal Product Code
The Universal Product Code allocates unique numbers to every product.
Universal Product Code consists of
This unique number is then printed or
affixed on to the product (generally with a bar code label) and is later scanned
when
data
entry is required.
How Mass Merchandisers Use Bar coding Technology
Source-marked product
Source marking is generally
the printing or attaching of bar codes
onto mass-produced merchandises
at the moment of production.
Mass merchandisers first receive goods packed in carton cases or similar.
Standard Logistics Symbol (ITF) barcodes
are
printed on these cases indicating the item codes, quantity
of
contents, time, shipping Company, the cost price, payment
information, etc. This information is automatically entered into a computer
terminal.
The selling price is then determined for the specific product and is entered
into the terminal. The price can be changed at anytime by the retailer.
This type of product is called "PLU" product
because
its Price is Looked Up
on the computer at the cash register.
In store-marked products
In store-marked products include
meats, vegetables and fish. Bar code labels are affixed to these products by
the
retailer because these products are fresh food products.
This is done because these products are ussually weighed, packaged and marked
in store.
The price of these products is calculated as the unit price per 100 grams.
The weighing machine calculates the price of each package in accordance with
its weight and prints a barcode label that is representative of that product.
An In store-marked bar code
is passable only in the store that it's purchased in, or within the specific
logistics
route.
Products like this are called "NON-PLU" products
because their prices aren't looked up by the computer but are instead obtained
directly from the barcode label.
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