Datalogic recently released their next generation of Gryphon 2D barcode imagers, the Gryphon D432/D412.  These recent additions can improve productivity in a variety of applications, and are ideal for retail and light industrial environments.  The Gryphon 2D Plus supports numerous symbologies, including 1D, 2D, postal barcodes, as well as stacked and composite codes like PDF417 and GS1 DataBar.  Equipped with Datalogic’s patented Green Spot Technology and 5-dot aimer, you’re sure to get accurate reads.  In addition to the standard features of the Datalogic Gryphon, the 2D Plus also enables image capture for applications that require signature capture or wide document scanning.  For more information about the new Datalogic Gryphon 2D Plus barcode imager, you can read the Product Profile.

Datalogic has announced that several of their mobile devices are now capable of reading and decoding GS1 DataBar.  Datalogic has introduced this new decoding for the Kyman, Memor, Skorpio and JET mobile devices.  These Datalogic mobile computers are among the first in the industry with this capability.  The new firmware/patch for this can be found on the Datalogic Mobile Website.

Use of these mobile devices will prepare you for the upcoming January 2010 date when all barcode scanning systems must have the ability to read GS1 DataBar.  Pictured at left are some examples from the GS1 DataBar family of barcodes. For more information on GS1 DataBar, you can read this Brochure from GS1.

2D barcodes are increasingly being adopted in many industries because of their numerous benefits.  Because of this, I thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look at the different types of 2D barcodes and the benefits they provide.  The biggest benefit and probably the one you’re most familiar with is the fact that 2D symbols can encode more data than 1D barcodes of the same size.  But there is more to 2D barcodes than just increased data storage.

There are two main categories of 2D symbologies, stacked and matrix.  The difference between these categories is simply the way data is encoded and how they are read.

Stacked Symbologies

Stacked symbologies resemble a set of linear barcodes literally “stacked” on top of each other.  The most common stacked symbology is PDF417, pictured at left.  Other stacked symbologies include: Code 49, Code 16K and GS1 Databar.  There is also a wide range of other stacked symbologies with capacities of up to 2000 or more characters.  Most stacked symbologies are capable of error detection and correction.  They can be read by laser scanners, linear imagers and area imagers, although some symbol sizes cannot be processed by certain readers.

Matrix Symbologies

Matrix symbologies are made up of a pattern of cells that can be square, hexagonal, or circular in shape.  The key variable for encoding matrix barcodes is the position of each element relative to the center of the symbol.  The most common matrix barcode is Data Matrix, other examples include Maxi Code, Aztec Code, Code One and QR Code, pictured at left.  Matrix symbologies are decoded by processing the entire image; this means that laser scanners cannot read matrix symbols.  Area imaging is the only barcode scanning technology capable of reading matrix symbols because it can view the entire image at once.  Area imaging provides orientation-independent scanning, a major benefit when scanning barcodes.  This means matrix barcodes, as well as other barcodes, can be read at any angle with an area imager.  In most cases, matrix barcodes offer higher data densities than stacked barcodes.  However, much like stacked symbologies, a wide range of matrix symbologies have capacities of up to 2000 or more characters.  Additionally, matrix symbols are also capable of error detection and correction.

Now that you’re familiar with the two main categories of 2D barcodes, let’s look at some of the additional benefits provided by 2D symbologies:

• Capacity- 2D codes allow you to store more data in a smaller space than 1D codes
• Portability- 2D codes don’t require database access for decoding, instead data travels with the item
• Flexibility- compact Matrix 2D codes can be read on curved surfaces
• Increased efficiency- increased data capacity and flexibility make goods move more quickly
• Emerging standards- new standards set the stage for millions of new products to be marked by 2D symbols in the coming years

If you have any questions or would like more information about 2D barcodes, please contact me at ehodges@barcode.com.  Tomorrow I’ll be looking at a technological advance having a big impact on 2D barcodes, near-far area imaging.  Check out this teaser for one of the Intermec products I’ll be focusing on and don’t forget to read the entire post tomorrow.

GS1 Databar (formerly Reduced Space Symbols or RSS), is joining the EAN/UPC family of barcodes, but this new point-of-sale barcode has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.  GS1 Databar is ideal for small, hard-to-mark products and enables GTIN (Global Trade Item Number), allowing the barcode to hold additional information, such as weight, expiration date and lot numbers.  Basically, GS1 Databar promises more data in less space, making it a “super barcode” symbology that provides:

• Traceability
• Shrink Control
• Supplier identification and category management in fresh foods
• Product management
• Ability to barcode hard-to-mark products
• Ability to provide more consumer information on packaging due to additional space

The global implementation target for GS1 Databar is scheduled for January 1, 2010, so you may want to learn more about the latest in the evolution of barcodes now.  For more information on GS1 Databar you can access the GS1 Databar Brochure, which provides more details on the benefits, capabilities and implementation requirements.

ScanSource is having an interactive web seminar about GS1 Databar (RSS) on Monday June 23rd and it sounds like it’ll be pretty informative.  GS1 symbols have the ability to carry more information than the current UPC/EAN barcode and they’re ideal for small hard-to-mark products.  The fact that GS1 Databar can provide more data in less space makes it very appealing to many industries.  You’ll definitely want to check out this seminar to learn more.  They’ll be going over several questions, including:

1. What is GS1 Databar?
2. Why is Datalogic making the change?
3. What POS scanners and POS  application software changes are required?

Don’t miss this event, ENROLL NOW.

When: Monday June 23, 2008

Time: 2 PM EDT