Barcode Systems Used in Traceability

In today's rapidly digitalizing world, barcode systems have become indispensable for enhancing efficiency in production and logistics processes, ensuring product traceability, and streamlining operations. Barcodes enable the tracking and management of products at every stage from production to consumption.

The history of barcode technology began in 1948 with the development of the first optical scanning system by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. The first barcode scanner was used in a U.S. supermarket in 1974, marking the beginning of the widespread commercial adoption of barcode technology. In Turkey, barcode technology was first implemented in 1988, a significant milestone in the modernization of the retail sector.

The barcode technologies we extensively use in our traceability solutions are critical for ensuring products are traceable at every step from production to consumption.

Commonly Used Barcode Systems Worldwide

EAN-8

• Use Case: Small products
• Structure: 7 data digits and 1 check digit
• Features: Similar to EAN-13 but designed for smaller products due to its compact size.

EAN-13 (European Article Number)

• Use Case: Retail products
• Structure: 12 data digits and 1 check digit
• Features: Globally used for product identification, providing a unique identifier for each product.

UPC-A (Universal Product Code)

• Use Case: Retail products
• Structure: 11 data digits and 1 check digit
• Features: Similar to EAN-13, widely used in the United States for product identification.

UPC-E

• Use Case: Small products
• Structure: 6 data digits and 1 check digit
• Features: A compact version of UPC-A, offering the same functionality with less space.

Code 39

• Use Case: Industrial applications, logistics
• Structure: Variable-length character string
• Features: Supports alphanumeric characters, widely used in manufacturing and warehouse management.

Code 128

• Use Case: Logistics, transportation
• Structure: Variable-length character string
• Features: High data capacity, supports various character sets.

QR Code (Quick Response Code)

• Use Case: Mobile payments, product information, websites
• Structure: Alphanumeric characters in a square module array
• Features: Offers fast reading and high data capacity, widely used in mobile apps and marketing campaigns.

Data Matrix

• Use Case: Electronic components, pharmaceuticals
• Structure: Alphanumeric characters in square or rectangular modules
• Features: Stores large amounts of data in small spaces with high error correction capability.

PDF417

• Use Case: Identification cards, travel documents
• Structure: Code consisting of multiple rows and columns
• Features: Capable of encoding large datasets, used in a wide range of applications.

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)

• Use Case: Carton boxes, logistics
• Structure: Encodes pairs of digits
• Features: Provides high reading speed and accuracy, widely used in logistics.

Codabar

• Use Case: Libraries, blood banks, healthcare
• Structure: Consists of 16 symbols, including four start and four stop characters
• Features: Simple and flexible, suitable for small datasets.

MSI (Modified Plessey)

• Use Case: Warehousing, retail
• Structure: Numeric data only
• Features: Variable-length data with a check digit, commonly used in retail and storage.

Aztec Code

• Use Case: Travel documents, mobile ticketing
• Structure: Square modules
• Features: High data capacity, fast reading, and robust error correction.

MaxiCode

• Use Case: Package tracking, logistics
• Structure: Hexagonal cells around a central target point
• Features: Fast reading and high data capacity, primarily used by UPS.

GS1 DataBar

• Use Case: Retail, small products
• Structure: Contains 14-digit GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
• Features: Compact, capable of encoding extensive data for small products.

Code 93

• Use Case: Industrial applications, logistics
• Structure: Variable-length character string
• Features: More compact and secure than Code 39, offering higher data density.

Micro QR Code

• Use Case: Electronic components, small products
• Structure: Small square modules
• Features: High reading capacity in small spaces.

MicroPDF417

• Use Case: Identification cards, small labels
• Structure: Compact row and column arrangement
• Features: Encodes large amounts of data in small spaces.

GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128)

• Use Case: Logistics, transportation, warehousing
• Structure: Variable-length alphanumeric characters
• Features: High data capacity, supports various application identifiers.

Plessey Code

• Use Case: Libraries, retail
• Structure: Numeric data
• Features: Commonly used in small businesses and libraries.

Code 11

• Use Case: Telecommunications
• Structure: Numeric data and dash character
• Features: Includes one or two check digits for error correction.

GS1 DataBar Expanded

• Use Case: Fresh produce, variable-weight products
• Structure: 14-digit GTIN and additional data
• Features: Can encode additional elements like serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates.

Pharmacode

• Use Case: Pharmaceutical industry
• Structure: Numeric data only
• Features: Used for error detection and accuracy in drug packaging.

Han Xin Code

• Use Case: Chinese market, general use
• Structure: Square or rectangular matrix
• Features: High data density, supports both numeric and alphanumeric data.