Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data attached to objects to identify them. They work by having black bars and white spaces scanned by a reader that converts the pattern into a number linked to information about the item. Barcodes are generated by assigning manufacturers an ID number and products a unique item number, with a check digit added for verification. When scanned, the reader transfers the barcode number to a computer system that retrieves stored data about the item like price and inventory levels. Barcodes help businesses operate more efficiently by automating data collection and reducing errors compared to manual tracking.

1. BARCODE
Vaishnavi C

2. What is Barcode ?
• A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data relating to
the object to which it is attached.
• Bar codes can be used in every business around the world. For example:
 to track assets in any building including every desk, computer, telephone,
copier and desk accessory.
 To track mail from the time it arrives in the mail room to the time it is delivered
to each desk or location within an office.
 to help security guards identify every employee, every door they enter and
every room they work in.
 to secure, lock or unlock entrances or exits throughout the plant.
 to manage and track your vehicle fleet and each driver

3. How is it generated?
• Barcode Labels are used on most products today.
• Each barcode label has a few different parts.
• They can be classified as:
 Manufacturer’s ID.
 Product Item Number.
 Check Digit.
• The first six number seen on the label represent the manufacturer’s ID.
• The next set of five numbers is the product Item number.
•

4. • Each product must have a unique product item number so that the system
can keep up with it else it can wreak havoc on both the pricing and
inventory system.
• It is the UPC coordinator’s job to make sure mistakes as such do not
happen.
• Check digit is the final number on the barcode label, when scanner reads
the barcode, the check digit helps it verify that the barcode has been read
correctly.

5. How does a barcode work?
• Once the barcode is run across the scanner, the scanner picks up the
barcode.
• This is done by reading the bars and spaces between the bars.
• The numbers at the bottom of a UPC label are for humans only, this is used
when the UPC label is either torn or is unrecognized by the scanner.
• As the scanner picks up the bars, it then transfers the information to a
computer, or register, then it finds the record associated with it.
• The computer records may contain the information such as price, number
of items currently available, and other pertinent information like that.

6. Barcode Technology
• No matter what type of business we run, chances are still high that barcode
technology can help make our job a little easier in one way or another.
• One of the greatest benefits it provides is the ability to make effective
decisions in a quicker amount of time.
• Barcodes have the ability to collect more data at a much faster rate than
employees.
• This allows management and those involved in decision making processes
immediately access to valuable information.

7. • The most common reason for businesses to employ barcode technology is
for the reduction in labor costs.
• More work can be achieved in less time and with fewer employees.
• This technology is considered to be the more accurate way to collect
information.
• Often employees can make errors in record keeping.
• By implementing the barcode technology in businesses, we will most likely
improve the accuracy of the records.

8. Barcode Recognition
• The barcode developers create a new barcode, then the number and symbol
are scanned onto a laser paper, and then are imprinted on to the back of
product labels.
• Each grocery chain or manufacturer has its own system for barcode
recognition.
• Before a cash register can recognize a particular code, information about
the entire inventory must be included within the memory.
• On a corporate level, there is a person responsible for keying or recording
pricing information.

9. • Thus, if a product is on sale or promotional items are available, the register
will automatically notify clerk at checkout.
• Of course, glitches can occur within the system, which makes barcode
recognition difficult.
• For example, barcodes can be spaced too far apart or too close.
• Because of low printing resolution, barcodes may not accurately transfer
onto paper.
• This could also present problems when the barcode is scanned.

10. • For the most part, barcode development software is useful.
• Problems typically arise from printing.
• Once a barcode has been printed, it helps to carefully inspect the symbol
and numbers.
• Make sure that the printed copy is identical to the original barcode.
• If necessary, adjust the space between bars.
• This eliminates potential problems with barcode recognition.

11. References
• http://www.dataid.com/whatisbarcode.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcode
• http://www.barcodesymbols.com/information/barcode-technology.htm
• http://www.barcodesymbols.com/information/barcode-recognition.htm