GS1 - The global language of business
Coding standards
Barcode reading:
There are two common means to read barcodes :
• The most classical is the optical reading which consists of
: sending a beam of light on the barcode ( often a laser
of low power) , then the reflected light is analyzed.
• Barcodes used on check books are printed with the help of magnetizable
ink, in this case the barcode reading will be magnetic . The principle
is then the same one that of magnetic tape reader : a reading head translates
into signals the succession of magnetized bars.
For an optical reading of a barcode, various devices are used, of which
we can certainly name :
-Handheld readers : scanner head, pen , pistol allowing a close reading.
-A fixed reader station placed in front of deliverymen : a scanner or
a camera which allows a remote reading
Today, there are 5 types of barcode readers :
- A light pen : tactile
reading
- CCD reader : a proximity
reading (till 50 cm)
- A laser reader : remote
reading (until several meters )
- A magnetic badge reader :
reading by a slip of chart provided with a magnetic card .
- An optical badge reader:
reading by a slip of a chart provided with a visible or not visible barcode
.
Each of these barcode readers present advantages and disadvantages and
correspond to precise uses
Barcode printings :
To be advisedly exploited as a management and a communication of information
tool, bar codes must be printed on products' packings .
The two main used printing genres are :
• Direct printing
• Printing on brought back labels
I/ Direct printing :
This printing takes place on the existing package at the same time as
the impression of graphics. To be made, the printer needs a master film
which is the symbol's original offset film. The manufacturing criteria
have to be very rigorous.
II/ Printing on brought back labels :
The brought back label published with the help of a printer, comprises
the symbol and possibly the item's some lines of reference.
- It can be stuck on the article or attached to it .
- The quality of printing must be rigorous .
The 13 or 8 numbers of the code, the reduction of bars' width and the enlargement factor must be respected .
It is up to the member to fix his choice on a manufacturer of master films and a printer according to a list provided, as an indication, by GS1 Tunisia.
There are two types of barcode printers :
- Thermal transfers :
They are made up of two consumables, ribbons transfer (or inking) and
paper sheets. It consists of laying down the ink on paper sheets, thanks
to the heating of the printing head.
- The thermics : They are made up of a useable, the paper. The rule consists of heating the paper, through its reaction to heat, becomes dark (principle of paper fax ).
The advantages of thermal printers :
- Low cost of useable (only 1, paper )
The advantages of thermal transfer printers :
- Good quality of printing
- The label’s lifespan : several years
- The printing head's lifespan
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Barcode
printers |
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The best colors for good quality printings
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On the left what should be done and on the right what should not be done.
Barcode in Tunisia
By creating GS1 Tunisia, Tunisian manufacturers and distributers
gave each other the means to comply with the international requirements
related to information communication by introducing the barcode system
recognized as an international coding standard.
In fact, the main stake of industry and commerce lies in the control of
products circulation and in data processing ; throughout their commercialization
process
Conscious of the undeniable advantage that offers this
universal means of identification and concerned about a rationalized management,
Tunisian manufacturers and other bar code users did not hesitate to codify
their products according to the language of GS1 Tunisia which is in conformity
with that of EAN International .
Count held of the multiple advantages of this universal technology founded
throughout the world in 1977, Tunisia subscribed to this system since
1992 by the mean of GS1 Tunisia