Bar Codes

• the most popular of the automatic data entry methods

- used to increase the speed and accuracy of reading and entering data

- low susceptibility to errors in data input

- credited with accuracy, speed, control, reliability and portability

- used for tracking and transmitting data

• a machine-readable representation of information in a visual format on a surface
• a pattern of parallel bars and spaces of variable widths arranged in a specific predetermined pattern to represent a corresponding number, letter, or symbol
• 2 types of barcode:
  

1. One-dimensional bar codes - composed of a series of vertical lines and spaces that encode numbers, letters and additional information that helps bar code readers to verify the accuracy of their readings (error checking). Typically only one short line of information can be encoded and is usually a unique ID number.

2. Two-dimensional bar codes - composed of a square field of small dots or a rectangular field of what look like stacked 1-D bar codes. They can contain up to an average paragraph's worth of information such as name, address and phone number. They also can be read accurately, even when a significant portion of the code is obscured or damaged.

The information in a bar code is contained in the relative thickness and relative position of the lines and spaces within the specific data characters. Scanners convert the bars and spaces into usable information for data entry.

Benefits of Bar Codes

In point-of-sale management, the use of barcodes can provide very detailed up-to-date information on key aspects of the business, enabling decisions to be made much quicker and with more confidence. For example:

• fast-selling items can be identified quickly and automatically reordered to meet consumer demand
• slow-selling items can be identified, preventing a build-up of unwanted stock,
• the effects of repositioning a given product within a store can be monitored, allowing fast-moving more profitable items to occupy the best space
• historical data can be used to predict seasonal fluctuations very accurately
• bar code scanners are also relatively low costing and extremely accurate
  

• Practically every item purchased from a grocery or department store has a barcode on it. This greatly helps in keeping track of the large number of items in a store and also reduces instances of shoplifting (since shoplifters could no longer easily switch price tags from a lower-cost item to a higher-priced one). Since the adoption of barcodes, both consumers and retailers have profited from the savings generated.
• Automatic data entry can be provided with bar coded documents (i.e. the bar code could contain an invoice number, a number of pages, and a page number). Since bar code reading is highly accurate, less data entry errors will occur and faster data entry will result.
• Rental car companies keep track of their cars by means of barcodes on the cars glass or bumper.
• Airlines track passenger luggage with barcodes, reducing the chance of loss.
• More recently, barcodes have even started appearing on humans. Fashion designers stamp barcodes on their models to help coordinate fashion shows. The codes store information about what outfits each model should be wearing and when they are due on the catwalk.

Material Handling Equipment
Identification and Control Equipment