Verification is an objective, precise standardized measurement of the quality of a barcode symbol against a published specification. Verification is a method of analyzing a printed code against a published specification (like those of GS1) to determine:

• Whether the barcode is compliant to specifications and verify the data structure
• Whether the barcode will be read by inspecting the print quality
• It is a predictor of how well a code will be able to be read throughout its life cycle.
• An ISO 15426 compliant barcode verifier grades barcode print quality and data format to ensure compliance with specifications for:
  • Print Quality: ISO/IEC 15415, ISO/IEC 15416
  • Data Format: GS1, HIBCC
• Unlike a verifier, A barcode scanner or barcode reader will report the data it sees, but it does not have the ability to tell you that the data in your code is not compliant to your selected standards, or whether it is formatted correctly.

Barcode verification and validation are not the same.

Verification: Determining the quality of printing/marking to predict readability

• Checking code quality to an ISO standard to ensure that it can be read by any reader.
• Requires a “precision test instrument” (Verifier) that is certified to conform to a specific ISO standard
• Produces a barcode grading report and typically includes advanced diagnostics tools for printing/marking process troubleshooting.

Validation: Checking the content of the code

• Checking that a code can be read now by a particular reader and confirms that the decoded data output is what was expected
• Confirms that the data content and syntax are what was expected and/or dictated by standards/specs
• Does not provide a reference point on whether another reader should be able to read the code
• Does not meet requirements for “ISO Grading” found in many specs

ISO 15415 and ISO 15416

• Updated every 5-10 years
• The only global standard for barcode quality determination of printed labels. Many other standards refer to ISO 15416/15416 for determining acceptability of a barcode quality. Replaces the ANSI “Letter Grade” convention which was phased out in 1990.

ISO 15426

• Defines how a barcode verifier must be tested for accuracy

ISO/IEC TR 29158

• The only global standard direct part mark quality determination Replaces the former AIM DPM standard which was phased out in 2011.

GS1 General Specification / updated annually

• Detailed specification for both barcode quality, as well as allowable symbology types, barcode sizes, data structure, application identifier code meanings within a barcode. References ISO 15415, 15416, and 29158 for barcode grading methods. Has tables for use in different applications with specific barcode requirements.

Other industry specific standards

• AIAG for automotive labeling
• MIL-STD-130N and AS-9132 for defense and aerospace (DPM)
• Many other regional or industry specific data structure standards