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      Barcode Reading and Auto ID

      Linear or 1D barcodes have been in use since the 1970s and are the most common symbology type used for automatic identification part tracking. Today, increasing numbers of manufacturers are using two-dimensional (2D) symbols, such as Data Matrix, that offer greater placement flexibility and increased data capacity. Many industries specify the exact symbologies which must be used, and regulate their quality.

    In addition, many manufacturers now practice “cradle-to-grave” traceability and permanently mark parts with a machine-readable symbol that is verified at each stage of the manufacturing process. Machine-readable symbols generally fall into the categories of linear barcodes, stacked symbols, 2D symbols, and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) fonts.

    1D and 2D Symbology Standards

    • Automotive Industry Action Group: AIAG B4 - Parts Identification and Tracking
    • Air Transport Association: SPEC 2000 - Electronics Commerce, Including Permanent Part ID
    • U.S. Department of Defense: IUID - Permanent & Unique Item Identification
    • Electronics Industry Association: EIA 706 - Component Marking
    • ISO/IEC 16022 - International Symbology Specification
    • ISO/IEC 15418 - Symbol Data Format Semantics
    • ISO/IEC 15434 - Symbol Data Format Syntax
    • ISO/IEC 15415 - 2D Print Quality Standard
    • ISO/IEC 15416:2016 - 1D Print Quality Standard
    • ISO/IEC TR 29158:2011 - Direct Part Mark (DPM) Quality Guideline
    • Society of Aerospace Engineers: AS9132 - Data Matrix Quality Requirements for Part Marking
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    Types of Barcodes