Barcode reading errors can cause many issues within a company. Find out how a barcode verifier can eliminate them issues!

1. How to resolve barcode reading
errors with a barcode verifier

2. There are two main reasons why a barcode would have a reading error and
that is due to poor image quality or because of flawed data quality.
Barcode Reading Errors
Poor image quality is a barcode failure that is easier to detect, since many of
these problems can be identified visually or with low magnification. Barcode
failure due to flawed data usually cannot be detected visually, but barcode
verifiers are able to test for data structures, and when properly configured,
can signal data problems quickly and easily.
Verification examines optical characteristics of the barcode compared to
industry and international standards. The barcode is then given a pass or fail
grade based on these parameters. Diagnostic information lets the operator
know what defects may exist in the barcode, which can help to correct the
printing process. Barcode verification is required for many industries and will
ensure 100% scanability.
Barcode verification standards are set by international organisations (such as
ISO) and industry groups (such as GS1 or HIBCC).
Limitations of Barcode Scanners
A common misconception is that a barcode scanner can
be used to verify, but unfortunately this is not the case.
A scanner is designed just to read the barcode, and just
because the barcode can be read by your scanner, does
not mean it can be read by all scanners. It only means
that one area of the barcode can be read by that
particular device.
Verifiers on the other hand can determine the quality of
a barcode using various parameters such as; decoding,
measuring and checking the format of the code. And as
a barcode is measured through industry standards and
not just from one scanner, they can analyze how well
the barcode will perform in different environments. It
will indicate where the barcode is defective so
corrective action can take place.

3. Barcode Verifier Solution
Implementing a barcode verifier can go a long way to streamlining the
quality control and manufacturing process. A barcode not scanning correctly
can have serious effects ranging from manufacturing errors to production
downtime. Verification gives you feedback about your barcode productions
process that can be used to control the process itself. A successful
verification result ensures that a labels or direct part marker is working
properly and will be readable further in the supply chain.
Many retailers and also government agencies require barcodes to conform
to industry standards. The only way to demonstrate barcode quality is
through verification.
Verification guarantees a first time scan rate. Correctly scanning barcodes
will prevent fines from major retailers and production downtime. When
barcodes do not scan correctly, the data has to be manually entered,
opening it up to human error. Using a verifier would guarantee that this
wouldn’t happen and that in turn would remove customer satisfaction.
The Cost Benefits
Barcode verification can save your company money by
preventing chargeback’s. Major retailers, such as Tesco,
are known for issuing costly chargeback’s when items
delivered do not meet expectations. They can fine up to
£40,000 per incident and return the merchandise back
at the manufacturers’ expense. Barcode verification will
insure that merchandise will not be sent back because
of unreadable barcode symbols.
If you are responsible for delivering readable, in-spec
barcodes, then the only way to ensure that the
barcodes function properly is with barcode verification.
See our range of barcode verifiers or contact us for
advice if you are concerned about your barcode quality.