BAR CODE DOCUMENT

TRACKING SYSTEM

DEPT. OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

UNION BANK OF INDIA
MUMBAI-400021

BAR CODE TECHNOLOGY

It

is an automatic identification technology

Bar

code is a predefined format of dark bars and white

spaces

Structured
It

to contain a specific piece of information

allows real-time data to be collected accurately and rapidly

Combination

of barcode technology with computer and

application software improves performance, productivity
and profitability

BARCODE TECHNOLOGY

1.

Bar codes are of two basic types:

Linear

Encoded data are read using a linear sweep of the

scanner
Ex: UPC Code 39 Code 128 etc
2.

Two-dimensional

Encoded data must be read in both directions

Ex: PDF 417 MaxiCode etc

Linear (One-Dimensional) Bar

Codes
Two forms of linear bar codes:
1. Width-modulated
Symbol consists of bars and spaces of varying width
Most widely used (e.g., Universal Product Code)

2.

Height-modulated
Symbol consists of bars and spaces of varying

height
Used only by U.S. Postal Service for ZIP code
identification

Two Forms of Bar Codes

(a)
(a)

(b)

(b)

Width-modulated bar code, exemplified here by the Universal

Product Code (UPC), and
Height-modulated bar code, exemplified by Postnet, used by the
U.S. Postal Service

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

Two basic types of 2-D bar code symbols

1. Stacked bar codes
Consists of multiple rows of conventional bar
codes stacked on top of each other
2. Matrix symbologies
Consists of 2-D patterns of data cells that are
usually square and are colored dark or white
Advantage over stacked bar codes is capability to
contain more data

Two-Dimensional Bar Codes

2-D Stacked Bar Code (PDF417)

2-D Matrix Bar Code (Data Matrix)

BENEFITS OF BAR CODING

REPRESENT UNIQUE
ACCURACY OF
AID

IDENTITY OF A PRODUCT

DATA INPUT (ERROR FREE)

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES

AND INVENTORIES
LABOUR

SYSTEM

SAVINGS BY AVOIDING MANUAL

BENEFITS
KEEP TRACK

OF PACKAGES/DOCUMENTS FROM

START TO DESTINATION
COST EFFICIENT
REAL TIME

DATA COLLECTION

MORE ACCURATE

DESPATCH

BAR CODE TERMINOLOGY

o

BAR

- The darker, non reflective element of a Bar Code

o BI-DIRECTIONAL SYMBOL
- A Bar Code symbol format which permits reading in
either direction across the bars and spaces
o CHECK DIGIT
- A calculated character included within the Bar Code for
error detection
o FIXED BEAM SCANNER
- A stationary Bar Code Scanner. The symbol must be
moved through the light beam to be read

TERMINOLOGY
HAND-HELD

SCANNER

A scanner held and operated by a human operator

INTER-CHARACTER

GAP

The space between the bars or spaces

MOVING

BEAM SCANNER

A Bar Code scanner that uses a moving light beam to

dynamically scan and decode a Bar Code symbol

TERMINOLOGY
SPACE
The lighter, reflective element of a Bar Code

START CHARACTER
A special pattern of bars and spaces used to

identify the beginning of a Bar Code symbol

STOP CHARACTER
A special pattern of bars and spaces used to

identify the end of a Bar Code symbol

Bar-code system

Thermal Transfer Printer

BAR CODE SCANNERS

A device

used to extract information optically from

a Bar Code
Bar

Code symbol consists of series of vertical dark

bars separated by light spaces

When

illuminated reflected light is detected by

electro optical sensor

The

intensity of reflected light from the dark bars is

less than that of spaces

SCANNERS
Reflected

light is converted into electrical

voltage signals
Analog
The

voltages are digitized into raw data

decoder converts this data into the character

data representation of the symbols code

TYPES OF SCANNERS (READERS)

CONTACT READERS
Must touch or come in close proximity of symbol
Good where the label cannot be placed in an easy-to-

view position
Normally hand-held/stationary units
Common type is pen/wand reader
A high-density resolution wand used to read a low-

density symbol might see an ink spot as bar or an ink

void as a space

CONTACT READERS
A low-resolution

wand may not be able to

recognise a narrow bar of high-density

symbol
Positioned

angle of wand to the surface and

movement speed across the symbol are key

parameters

Contact Readers

NON-CONTACT READERS
Reader

need not come in contact with

symbol
Scan distance may be from 6 to several
feet depending upon symbol size and
scanner design
Hand-held, fixed beam readers

Table mounted fixed beam reader

Table mounted fixed beam reader

Hand-Held moving beam readers

Fixed beam slot scanner

CCD Scanner

Portable Data Collection Equipment

BAR CODE APPLICATIONS

INVENTORY CONTROL
Portable readers

WORK-IN

PROCESS TRACKING (WIP)

COMPANY INVENTORY
Raw materials
WIP (Components, Assemblies, Semi finished

Products)
Finished Products

APPLICATIONS
SHIPPING
ELECTRONIC

DATA INTERCHANGE

(EDI)
Direct communication between computers of

two companies (Manufacturer & Vendor)

Industry-wide EDI standards
Reduces cost and saves time of business
transaction

APPLICATIONS

RETAIL APPLICATIONS
Super markets
Counter-mounted Bar Code scanners
Universal Product Code (UPC)
Price and description information
WARE HOUSING
HEALTH CARE APPLICATIONS
Drugs, devices, instruments
Identification of expiry date
Blood banking

Blood group
Expiry date
Donor traceability

APPLICATIONS

BAR CODING IN LIBRARIES

EFFECTIVE

LIBRARY NEEDS EACH

DOCUMENT BAR CODED

TWO

LABELS PREFERABLY

LABEL TO

CONTAIN

Accession number equivalent Bar Code

Call number
Institution logo advantageous

ISBN

BAR CODE COULD BE USED

BARCODING IN LIBRARIES
DATABASE

PROGRAM LINKS THE BAR

CODE TO BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS OF
DOCUMENTS
AUTHORISED ID CARD INCLUDES BAR
CODE
Card could be used by library
Institutional ID card
Social security number

BAR

CODE READER INTERFACED TO

COMPUTER
TRACKING OF BOOKS

INCORPORATING BAR
CODE IN LIBRARIES
THE TYPICAL SEQUENCE

WOULD BE

Database creation (OPAC)

Generate Bar Code for all transact able

documents
Bar Code membership cards
Installation of suitable scanning equipment
Set different criteria for transactions

ADVANTAGES OF BAR CODE

IN LIBRARIES

Quick and error free entry of access and membership

codes
Ensures total integrity of collected data
No queuing up at check out/check in counters
Avoids piling up of data entry work for counter staff
Aids generation of suitable reminders to delinquent
borrowers
Stock verification made easy

Thank You