Barcode Numbers – Understanding The Structure Of The Code

1. Blog2: Sabarcodes.co.za Barcode Numbers – Understanding The Structure Of The Code Those black and white, zebra-like lines on the packaging of every product that purchase may seem like unimportant to you today.. But trust me when I say this, a lot of research and technological development has gone in to perfect a system that is making your shopping tasks easier today. Barcode numbers have become a staple for every retailer as well as product manufacturer, no matter what industry they may belong to. This blog post will take you a little deeper into the actual structure of this code so that you can understand what it is all about. A typical barcode number comprises of the following components: #The Quiet Zone/ Clear Area This zone comes before the Start Character of a barcode symbol. It is the least space needed for barcode scanning. It should be free of all printing and have the same color and reflect the same colors as the background of the barcode symbol. It should also be 10 times in width of the narrowest element in the specific barcode, amounting to 0.25 inch. # The Start Code This indicates the beginning of the code to the scanner through special characters that are later stripped off before sending data to the host. # The Data The characters that follow the start code usually contain the data that is sought to be stored and communicated through the barcode. # The Check Digit This is the extra digit at the end of each barcode number which ensures that the scanner has read the code accurately. It is usually a mathematical sum that is used to verify all the other elements of the code and is stripped away before the data is actually sent to the host. # Stop Code This special character sends the indication to the scanner as to where the barcode has ended. # Trailing quiet zone This is the final clear space without any printing, located after the stop character.