We take the ubiquitous barcode for granted, but it is pretty worthless if it will not read or scan properly. Naturally we assume that a simple scan will give us all we need to know about the barcoded product, but this assumption can be false.
Much depends upon the scanner of course, but not all of it, some scanners have technology that enables them to scan and read even poorly printed barcodes; that doesn’t mean your customer will be able to scan the barcode though.
When we produce barcodes here at DataLabel we always ensure that they are readable at any point in time through verification. Verification tests and grades the barcode for quality, consistency and adherence to a specification standard. Further we always check for quality this means that we ensure that the barcode is printed to a satisfactory quality, which means solidly printed bars, sufficient white areas and quiet zones, good contrast between the light and dark areas. When your barcodes pass the verification process, you know that the label is successful and will be readable further on in the supply chain.
Validation on the other hand is a different process that ensures that the barcode represents an actual product. Validation checks that the proper number has been printed as expected, however it will not tell you if the barcode is readable by all other barcode scanners. Validation helps to reduce errors that can occur such as re-assigning a number from one item to another within a product line.
Both verification and validation are important because together they ensure accurate and readable barcodes. If you have any queries about verification, validation or any other matter relating to barcodes, call us and we will be pleased to discuss these with you.