Don ’t be intimidated by barcodes. They are simply a way to encode numbers and letters using a combination of bars or spaces varying in length and widths. Barcodes are a convenient way that is fast, easy and accurate when reading data. A barcode is also a reference number that a barcode reader and software uses to look up an associated record that contains descriptive data or other information.

A few things you need to know there are 12 different standards for barcodes if you were to research further there are properly more, do not worry about all these codes (symbology).

• The most popular barcode for data tracking is Code 3 of 9 symbology, typically ID cards, Photo ID’s, time clocks and card readers are a 3 of 9 symbology.
• All ID card printers will print barcodes.
• Barcodes cannot be read by composite black (YMC mixed together to form a black color), meaning that you need a resin color that is the color black. Always defined as the (K) panel in ID card printer ribbons.
• Make sure your software is capable of producing the barcode standard you select most likely it will be Code 3 of 9 symbology if you are tracking information on an ID card.
• Later we will touch on a two dimensional barcode PDF 417.

PDF 417 or 2D

PDF-417 is a two-dimensional barcode which can store up to about 1,800 printable ASCII characters or 1,100 binary characters per symbol. The symbol is rectangular; the shape of the symbol can be adjusted to some extent by setting the width and allowing the height to grow with the data. It is also possible to break large amounts of data into several PDF-417 symbols which are logically linked. There is no theoretical limit on the amount of data that can be stored in a group of PDF-417 symbols.

The capacity of PDF-417 can be helpful in applications where the data must travel with the labeled item, where a host database is not always available for quick look-up. PDF-417 is being used for hazardous materials labeling; storing technical specifications and calibration data on electronic instruments; encoding fingerprints and photographs on the backs of drivers' licenses.

The maximum data density is determined by the smallest elements which can be reliably printed and scanned. Using the smallest recommended element size of 0.0075 inch wide and 0.010 inch high, the maximum data density in the binary mode is 686 bytes per square inch (106.2 bytes per square centimeter). In the printable ASCII mode the density is 1,144 characters per square inch (177.2 characters per square centimeter).

PDF-417 symbols require a 2-D scanner; or a standard CCD or laser scanner and special decoding software (a wand scanner will not work). A number of scanners are on the market using both laser and CCD camera technologies. PDF-417 symbols can be printed using most professional-grade thermal transfer label printers on the market. The Barcode Software Center carries several label design and printing programs that can create PDF-417 symbols; we also have function libraries for programmers, programs for creating master artwork, and add-in hardware modules for Hewlett-Packard printers.

Our software products from identity to tracking are designed to work with multiple barcodes, you simply select the symbology from a drop down menu and click the standard you wish to use, our software will do the rest.