What are the advantages and disadvantages of barcodes?

Did you know that the first-ever barcode appeared on a pack of chewing gum in 1974? In the half-century since, barcode technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, barcode readers are a familiar sight in grocery stores, warehouses, airports, and hospitals. 

However, just like every other technology, barcode readers come with their own set of pros and cons. Let’s now explore the advantages and disadvantages of barcode readers – and how the latter can be overcome. 

Advantages

Companies typically use barcoding and barcode readers to save time, reduce cost, and minimize errors. Ultimately, this increases business efficiency. More recently, developers are including barcode features in customer-facing apps to add value and improve the customer experience.

Saves time

Barcode readers are a rapid and effective means of data extraction and entry, and so speed up a range of workflows. They deliver major time savings compared to human data entry, that is, typing or writing down data. 

Because a barcode reader can instantly collect and decode data in just a simple scan, businesses can streamline operations like inventory management, product identification, and pricing lookup. 

Increases accuracy

Scanning barcodes with a barcode reader is far more accurate than entering data manually. 

On average, a human makes a mistake every 100 characters. In comparison, barcode readers only make one mistake in every 70 million scanned characters.[1]

Companies can avoid manual input errors by integrating barcode scanners into their workflows.

Improves productivity

Keeping track of all the assets that move through your organization takes time and effort. Implementing a barcoding system is an excellent solution to the problem of tracking valuable items and goods. It removes a lot of administrative overhead – and allows businesses to react to changes and inquiries more quickly.

Companies also use barcode scanning to easily record order entry, shipping, and receiving, or a product passing quality control. Barcoding also sees use in access control, document handling, and project management. It provides a real-time company-wide connection that allows enterprises to increase their productivity and operational efficiency.

Reduces cost

By increasing productivity, accuracy, and efficiency across a variety of organizational activities, barcode scanners can reduce expenses considerably. Here are just some examples:

Supply chain management: These tools increase overall efficiency while reducing errors to optimize the supply chain. 

Back-office: Barcode scanners simplify inventory management and do away with the requirement for paper-based processes. Additionally, they eliminate the risk of manual data entry errors. 

Retail: They also speed up the checkout procedure, cutting down on wait time and improving client satisfaction. 

Barcode scanners are an excellent investment for companies seeking to improve their bottom line: The higher operational efficiency and lower error rate can unlock large cost savings.

As technology advances, handheld scanners are increasingly replaced by software-based scanners. Software barcode scanners are often not only more convenient and less costly, but also provide advanced features, making them the tool of choice for many businesses.

Extract 1D and 2D barcodes in milliseconds

Automating ineffcient and time-consuming workflows boosts productivity and reduces costs.
Barcodes make the transition seamless and can be scanned by any mobile device with a camera and the right software.

Our Barcode Scanner SDK can be integrated into your mobile or web app in just a few hours to transform any mobile device into a powerful barcode scanner!

Download the Demo AppPricing

Disadvantages

Before we delve further into the merits of these cutting-edge software solutions, it is essential to consider some disadvantages of traditional handheld scanners.

Connectivity constraints

Even high-end handheld barcode scanners frequently have very limited connectivity options. Some devices only offer a wired connection, others need a dedicated base station. This constraint can affect the usability and integration of the barcode reader with other systems or devices.

Limited range

Handheld barcode readers typically have a very short scan range, meaning the user has to hold them very close to the barcode to read it correctly. This limitation poses a significant challenge when the barcode is located in an inaccessible or hard-to-reach spot. 

Lack of support of different barcode types

While useful for some applications, hardware-based barcode scanners often do not cover a wide range of barcode symbologies. Unlike software-based scanners, they often struggle with decoding complex barcodes. Software-based scanners excel in versatility, accommodating various barcode types and meeting diverse scanning needs. Their flexibility enables them to decode a wide range of codes effectively. In terms of barcode compatibility, software scanners outperform handheld devices, since the number of supported barcode formats can be extended at any time via an update.

Limited features

Software scanners showcase an extensive range of capabilities that their handheld counterparts cannot match. The inclusion of features like zooming in and out, diverse filters, and the capacity to extract structured data grants users effortless access to high-quality results.  The seamless integration of these advanced functionalities into mobile devices provides users with superior scanning capabilities at their fingertips.

How do smartphone-based barcode scanners solve these problems?

Smartphone-based scanning software is superior to handheld scanners in multiple areas.

Firstly, smartphones are portable and ubiquitous, ensuring easy access to barcode scanning by downloading an app. This can be a dedicated app, but scanning features can also easily be integrated into an existing company application thanks to tailored scanning solutions. 

Secondly, they are less expensive. By implementing a bring-your-own-device policy (BYOD), companies can eliminate the need to invest in hardware-based scanning solutions altogether – and simultaneously enable scanning on the go. For companies that decide against BYOD, smartphones are typically still a cheaper solution than hardware scanners.

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Thirdly, these software solutions can scan various barcode types, including QR Codes and Data Matrix Codes – and more efficiently. They can, for instance, scan them in batches too, which saves additional time and effort.

Additionally, smartphone-based scanning applications often come with user-friendly interfaces. These not only make the scanning process easy for users of all levels of experience, but they also largely eliminate lengthy, costly training.

Scanbot SDK – the solution for your barcode scanning needs

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK transforms any mobile device into a powerful scanner without the need for expensive hardware. It supports a large range of 1D and 2D barcode symbologies and excels at scanning damaged or blurry barcodes. 

Using computer vision and machine learning technology, the SDK guarantees lightning-fast and accurate detection with 98.7% accuracy and a scan time of just 0.2 seconds per barcode. Our barcode scanning solution can handle challenging situations such as dim lighting and scanning from distances over one meter and also supports scanning barcodes in batches.

The SDK operates offline, ensuring that it can be used anywhere – while also safeguarding data security and privacy. 

Did we raise your interest? Learn everything you need to know about buying an SDK in our free Stakeholder Guide.

[1] https://www.explainthatstuff.com/barcodescanners.html

Linear and 2-D Barcodes

In this new day and age technology, a barcode is a system that represents visual data that is readable by scanning machines. Barcodes, initially, was represented with a range of spaces and sizes of parallel lines.  Now there are 2D barcodes that are represented through matrix codes. The matric code is a combination of dots and shapes, a geometric pattern. There are no “bars” in 2D barcodes.

Barcodes can be described as optical morse codes. They are a series of linear or geometrical patterns that uniquely labels products, individually. These barcodes can be decoded through barcode scanners. These scanners emit a red light that reads the barcode and transmits the data stored in a system or a computer.

Barcodes have now become an essential part of almost every Brick and Mortar Company. You will rarely find a product without a barcode Tag. Different types of barcodes are used for different purposes in business sectors. There are several advantages of using barcodes as compared to manual data entry.

Typical usage of barcodes include:

• Tracking sale and purchase of a large number of items in an inventory.
• Barcodes are pasted sports tickets that allow one to enter a sports arena.
• Barcodes are often placed on gift tokens that when decoded tells which gift that token corresponds.

There are several reasons to prefer Barcodes over manual data entry. Following are some of the advantages of barcodes over manual data entry:

• Barcodes are extremely fast to generate and read.
• Barcodes eliminate the possibility of human error in data entry.
• A wide variety of barcodes exists which serve different purposes, they are extremely versatile.
• Barcodes are inexpensive to print.
• The inventory control through barcodes is very efficient.
• Barcodes make obtaining data easy.
• Barcodes are user-friendly, it saves up on employee training time.
• Using barcodes eliminates human-errors.
• Barcodes provide high-speed tracking systems.

Many retailers use barcodes for inventory control, it is essential to the success of the company. Through the retail barcode system, companies can manage their inventory cycle counts, point-of-sale checkouts, sales analysis, and purchases. The efficiency and methodology of barcodes help a business stay ahead of their game.

Types of barcodes

There are two major types of barcodes:

• 2-D Barcodes

2D barcodes are a combination of patterns consisting of squares, dots, rectangles, etc. While appearing smaller physically, 2D barcodes have the capacity to hold a larger amount of data. This plays a key role in the advantages of 2D barcodes as it can hold up to 2000 characters.  However, this is also a setback because it makes scanning and reading of data all the more complex and difficult.

• 1-D or Linear Barcodes

Linear barcodes are usually found on products or consumer goods. A series of lines are used to encode information when scanned. It is read horizontally. The advantages of linear barcodes are enjoyed by large retail sectors, as it saves time and increases inventory accuracy. The length of this type of bar code is directly proportionate to the amount of information it holds. This is one of the major disadvantages of linear barcodes, users are forced to put a limit of 8-15 characters in the barcodes.

Linear Barcodes: Advantages and Disadvantages

Linear barcodes are commonly referred to as first-generation barcodes. These barcodes consist of vertical lines at specific gaps resulting in a particular pattern.  Hardware scanners are used to scan these patterns and decode the information stored in those particular patterns. These barcodes are also commonly called discrete, one dimensional or UPC barcodes. The examples of linear barcodes are  Code 39, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN 128, UPC-E,  UPC-A, ISBN, etc.

Advantages of Linear Barcodes

• In linear barcodes, vertical lines are used to store data; hence data is generated in one direction which is easier to generate as compared to generating data in multi-dimensions.
• Linear barcodes are easier to scan. Just like barcode generation, barcode decoding is also done in one direction which is easier to perform.
• No special hardware or software is required to scan these barcodes and a simple and inexpensive scanner can be used to generate and scan linear barcodes.
• The implementation of barcodes reduces labor costs. Setting up an entire data-collection system is way cheaper than employing someone for manual data entry.
• It improves production management. Through barcodes, one can record, track, transmit, and manage their production of items with great ease.
• The linear barcode scanner is inexpensive, it has larger range and good motion tolerance.

Disadvantages of Linear Barcodes

• Linear barcodes can only store a small amount of data. In order to store a large amount of data in linear barcodes, it has to be stretched horizontally with additional vertical lines and spaces resulting in large barcodes.
• Barcode, once distorted cannot be scanned correctly. Small damage, the line at the start or end of the barcode can modify or destroy the data stored in the barcode.
• For decoding linear barcodes external database is required. This increases the tedious management and upgradations required for the logistics required for linear barcodes.

Companies utilize barcodes for efficiency in their business flow. It provides a system to store and track information about the goods and services provided. Barcodes give you the capacity to maintain individual data about a product that is manufactured in hundreds of millions. By and large, choosing a barcode depends on many factors. Your selection comes down to your industry’s regulations, requirements, and expectations.

Understanding the character set that will support your business needs. Linear barcodes have utilization in product-oriented industries. Where these products are sent to various destinations. They can be scanned online with a handheld scanner. Linear barcodes boost efficiency in the retail sector.

Whereas, 2D barcodes are helpful in tracking products. 2D barcodes can be scanned by various individuals through their own devices. It helps in quick identification of data. The Linear barcodes can be scanned by barcode readers, which is the marked optical scanner. 2D barcodes of the other hand can be read through application software on devices with an inbuilt camera, like mobile phones.

2D Barcodes: Pros and Cons

2D barcodes are more complex and store data in the form of a matrix or stack. Stacked 2D barcodes contain data in the form stacks of linear barcodes whereas matrix 2D barcodes store data in the form of hexagonal, square, or circular cells. They can store data in both vertical and horizontal directions.

Advantages of 2D barcodes

• These barcodes can store a much larger amount of data ranging up to thousands of alphanumeric characters.
  • Error correction formula can be embedded into barcode which helps in the retrieval of data in case barcode is damaged up to 15 to 20%.
  • Variety of data can be embedded into these barcodes such as numeric, binary, text, and Unicode data.

Disadvantages of 2D barcodes

• Specialized hardware and software scanners are required to generate and decode these barcodes which can be expensive.
  • Complex algorithm needs to be designed for 2D barcodes which make things much complex as compared to linear barcodes.

bytescout.com Barcode Generator and Barcode Reader SDK

If you want to take benefits from the capabilities if the barcode and want to generate linear and 2D barcodes, you should definitely check our BarCode Generator SDK. It contains amazing barcode generation capabilities both for linear and 2D barcodes. Similarly, if you want to scan and read barcodes from pictures, PDF, TIFF files or web camera – check our BarCode Reader SDK”

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ByteScout Team of Writers

ByteScout has a team of professional writers proficient in different technical topics. We select the best writers to cover interesting and trending topics for our readers. We love developers and we hope our articles help you learn about programming and programmers.  

ByteScout has a team of professional writers proficient in different technical topics. We select the best writers to cover interesting and trending topics for our readers. We love developers and we hope our articles help you learn about programming and programmers.