Among all the many things that get bar coded today, are letters or mails. There is a special kind of bar code used around the United States which gained the term “Intelligent Mail” or can also be referred to as IM bar code. Intelligent Mail bar code make use of 65 vertical bars that encodes up to 31 digital mail data. Its chief use is for domestic mail deliveries around the regions of the United States. The bar code effectively improved mail delivery services since all bar coded letters can now be easily tracked and located. Now there is no more need to worry about lost mails! You get updates and track the status of your mail. You’ll be sure that your mail will get to you or the recipient. With the Intelligent Mail bar code around, an increase in all efficiency and productivity levels of mail delivery services is noted.

Next to the Intelligent Mail bar code, the UPC bar code is another bar code symbology which is perhaps the most popular of its kind. By just looking around, you’ll discover that most of the items you find are bar coded with UPC bar code. With that in mind, it is undoubted that it definitely suits the name Universal Product Code.

The UPC bar code is a 12-digit bar code that also has a set of vertical bars as part of its main structure. They would probably be the image of the conventional bar code that we know. That is why identifying them wouldn’t be that hard. And originally, the UPC bar code were made to specially work around retail environments. They are known to be very effective when it comes to improving inventory control. Whenever products and services get bar coded with UPC bar code managing, tracking, and manipulating each one of them becomes an easier task. And in retail environments, keeping a well maintained inventory is a determining factor of the success of your business. That is where UPC bar code work very well.

Both the UPC and IM bar code are very powerful tools in our today’s society. Both of them serve a very useful purpose that intends nothing but to provide us humans more convenience. After all, that is what the all bar code systems aim to achieve; to improve our way of living. The bar code technology continues to furthermore develop as time passes by. As we take a step higher into the modern world, we can only expect bar code to keep up with all the advancements being made. In a few more years of time, who knows how many other kinds of bar code would get developed?

]]> http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/discuss-about-intelligent-mail-barcode-in-relation-with-upsc/feed/ 0 http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/discuss-about-dlt-barcode/ http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/discuss-about-dlt-barcode/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 05:05:52 +0000 admin http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/?p=55 Barcodes are very useful to the modern economy. It is often used on products in the grocery store for easier scanning. Scanning a barcode will enable a certain type of machine (Such as computer, scanner and whatnot.) to read the contents of the barcode which is specifically a compressed low amount of data that one is red by the machine, it will help to redirect it’s URL for the machine to know the particular details about the said barcode.

The main type of barcode is the 1D barcode or the DLT barcode. DLT Stands for digital linear tape/taping. This type of barcode is the most common one that the public is surely aware of, it is the barcode with rowed lines of different sizes similar to a picket fence with numbers below or above it. This type of barcode is represented in a lot of products nowadays. The parallel lines in the barcode are an optical machine-readable representation of data relating to the object or product where the barcode is attached to.

This 1D barcode or the DLT barcode was first used commercially in 1966. The first company to produce bar code equipment for use in retail and trade means was the American company “Monarch Marking” . They started using it for industrial means in 1970. George J Laurer is considered the inventor of the UPC or the uniform product code which later evolved into the barcode. In June of 1974 the first barcode scanner was installed at a Marsh’s supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The first product to have a barcode attached or with it was a packet of Wringley’s Gum, a famous gum back in the old days.The DLT barcode became so significant and important because of its efficient way to transfer data through the symbols presented in various factors.It is not only important to major businesses, but without it, the economy as we know it wouldn’t even  likely exist.

DLT Barcodes revolutionized the means of selling products in a faster transaction. Because of it, you can now just scan the item and know its price, unlike in the old days, the vendor or the shop owner would still put signs, or even read the price from a list of papers and have trouble finding it for seconds or even hefty minutes. It has not only improved the transaction but it also improved a lot of things in the means of business or entrepreneurship such as inventory control, pricing, and whatnot. It also prevents errors,tracking errors actually make your inventory less accurate, which will lead to lost of money. It can also track large amount of inventory. Without it, big time companies that maintain inventories in the hundreds or thousands or even higher would have to scale back because they would have a hard time tracking large stocks and merchandise.

The DLT barcode indeed innovated the global market up to now. Just recently, new types of barcodes have been created for more efficiency and speed. Without the DLT barcode created, the type of new barcodes would not even come to creation.

The ISSN number, as stated above contains eight digits that are separated into two groups by a hyphen, in which the last character, which can be any number from one to nine or the capital letter X is known as the check digit. In the event that C is written as the check digit, this corresponds to the number ten.

On the other hand, ISBN or the International Standard Book Number is also a set of digits, now thirteen that basically stands as the identification number for books. It is comparable to a student’s student number; the concept is that the number is unique for the book, so even if another book or publication comes out bearing the same number of an existing book, they can differentiate by using the International Standard Book Number. The ISBN can be used in searching for a book in your local library, especially when the library is equipped with modern machinery that allows people to type in the ISBN to search for it.

The ISBN is designated to every edition as well as format of a book. So an eBook format edition of the book will have a different ISBN from the physical one. Also, when the book undergoes revision, it also follows that it must be given a new ISBN, this goes for every revision of the book. Books that were printed before the year 1970 sometimes do not contain the ISBN. Also, those printed before 2007 only has ten digits as compared to those that were printed after, which has thirteen digits.

Not all books need to have an International Standard Book Number. Only those that will be sold through common means, like bookstores or web stores will be required by law to obtain their unique ISBN, so a book that is printed for private or personal use need to be assigned an ISBN. And magazines for that matter must have ISSN.

 When comparing the International Standard Serial Number and the International Standard Book Number, it is safe to state that the concept behind both identification systems are almost similar in nature, the difference are ISBNs are assigned to books and books alone, regardless of the edition and format, while the ISSN can be assigned to magazines, journals and the like, generally for periodicals. The ISSN also does not contain information about the origin of the magazine or publication; it is just there to be able to identify the periodical in question. While the ISBN, on the other hand, is a marker that aside from classifying the book, also contains information regarding the edition of the book.

]]> http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/comparison-between-issn-and-isbn-barcode/feed/ 0 http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/upc-barcode-and-qr-code-comparison/ http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/upc-barcode-and-qr-code-comparison/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:21:58 +0000 admin http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/?p=44 The coding systems we have nowadays are truly intellectually innovative; magnificent even. Most known to us today is the barcode technology. Barcodes are representations of large quantities of data in the form of varying lines, numbers, shapes, or alphabets. If you’re familiar with them, these barcode tags usually come in the colors black and white. Today, the barcode technology has different types of representations as well. They’re no longer limited, thus the conventional barcodes we have grown to know now exists in several forms and shapes. However, let’s skip the others for in this article we have here; we’ll be focusing on the comparison between UPC barcodes and QR codes. They both are the most popular of its kind, yet they differ in many ways.

The Universal Product Code or UPC is a 12 digit barcode having the characteristic of the usual barcodes we see. For in fact, most barcodes we see are actually the UPC kind. Its use rapidly became widespread around North America, United Kingdoms, Australia and New Zealand. Now, they’re practically being efficiently put to use all over the world.  It’s a simple one dimensional barcode and among all the other 1D barcodes, the UPC is quite the famous one.

The Quick Response code on the other hand, is a two dimensional barcode. Being a 2D barcode, it naturally can store more data than the average barcode. It was originally designed to work with the automotive industry, but as of this moment; it has become pretty predominant around the commercial and sales industry. They have this pixelated look on their structure that makes them very unique. And unlike the typical barcodes that consists of bars and digits, the QR code is formed by black squares having different sizes on a white background.

Comparing UPC and QR barcodes is really like comparing 1D and 2D barcodes. Both of them like it was mentioned earlier are the prevalent ones of their kind. The UPC barcode though, having the advantage of being a few years older; have grown attached to most people. It’s the kind of barcode we almost see everywhere. And in comparison to this, the popularity of QR codes is still limited in particular areas. They’re not as used as the UPC barcodes. Around the retail environment, you won’t see much QR codes and if you do; they’re not for price scanning or does not serve a purchasing purpose. It’s more likely that most of the QR codes you see are for advertisements and promotional stunts. What’s great about QR codes is its data storage capacity. UPC barcodes cannot store as much information as the QR codes can. In addition to that, some QR codes are interactive. Meaning, customers can scan QR codes themselves. UPC barcodes in contrast, isn’t as much as interactive and probably the only interaction they get is from check-out counters or price scanners. Both UPC and QR codes nevertheless serve one great purpose, and that is ofcourse to help us humans with our everyday processes and transactions. Thus, having a goal to provide us optimum convenience.

]]> http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/upc-barcode-and-qr-code-comparison/feed/ 0 http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/new-sheering-barcode-technology-with-dna/ http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/new-sheering-barcode-technology-with-dna/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:35:16 +0000 admin http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/?p=39 Bar codes have become a vital part of the world we live in now. As a matter of fact, we won’t even be so progressive without them. Have you ever pictured this world without it now? Maybe those who experienced living a life without bar codes can. But the population of such people barely exists now. Bar codes have been present long before our generation knows it. It’s been present for decades, and advancements continue to prosper in rapid pace. If you think the only things bar coded are actually just things, you’re wrong. Well that can be startling for some of those who aren’t very aware of how advance bar codes can be now. If not just things, what else is there to be bar coded? Animals? People? Bar coded animals are already common, especially around livestock producing industries. But people? Well not exactly people, so we can’t really count people in the things that are bar coded. What exactly are the other things being bar coded now? DNA.

What is DNA? You may have heard the term before, but you may also be unsure of what it really means. In the most simple and brief term, it is a genetic material found in living things. It can help determine genetic relations or specifications. After knowing that, you may now be wondering why they are even being bar coded. In 2003, the idea of using bar codes to do biological identifications was suggested by a research group led by Paul Hebert. It was said that a section of a particular DNA can be used to identify varying species. The idea came from how bar code scanners in retail outlets are able to identify purchases. Why not do the same in identifying DNA? That’s what motivated the researchers to pursue this proposal.

How is this done? Just think of how the black and white series of line and numbers represent the data that identifies the item in retail stores. That’s how exactly DNA bar codes work as well, only that they use genetic sequences instead of the monochromatic lines and numbers. In addition to that, another similar impression is how people may say that all bar codes look the same and it is only when you look closely at the varying lines and numbers that you discover that they really are different. We can say that works the same for DNA bar codes. Like for example, you see a bear and automatically address it as a grizzly bear even if it’s not. What DNA bar codes do is that they will help you clarify what the exact specie is. Right now, we don’t really benefit much from it. Only scientific researchers or biologists work with present DNA barcodes.

EVMS is originally powered by Linux and is structured with an easy interface to allow users to easily expand their system storage. It has the ability to recognize and make use of all discs and file systems found within your system. Automatic updates are also offered, thus resulting in a minimal need for individual utilization of tasks. In addition to that, you can part and group your storage according to your need with the help of the built-in portioning schemes provided for use. With that said, you can now easily check and manage your files.

So imagine that working with bar codes. The bar code system did very well by itself already, how about being associated with another outstanding technology? Who would’ve thought bar codes can get any more better? Well by now it sure is pretty evident that we must never limit the possibilities of the bar code system to get better and better in time. With EVMS, bar codes will surely be more productive and worthy of world-wide use. But it’s already worthy as it is right? And that is probably something we can never deny, especially with bar codes being literally all around now.

]]> http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/barcode-technology-introduced-with-evms/feed/ 0 http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/how-does-a-upc-barcode-improve-industrial-efficiency/ http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/how-does-a-upc-barcode-improve-industrial-efficiency/#comments Wed, 22 Aug 2012 06:30:52 +0000 admin http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/?p=31 Gone are the days when someone is still obliged to manually do inventory checks. During those times, keeping track of all manufactured items seems endless. It’s a tiring process, and not to mention a very tough one indeed. You have to go through all the items just to check it one by one and take note all the needed information or detail. Can you imagine going through something like that? It’s most certain that doing so involves a great deal of time and effort. It’s a very long process and thankfully we don’t have to go through such things anymore. The bar code system is totally a breakthrough in the industry. We can now almost see it everywhere with even just a glimpse. Every product we consume is embedded with such codes. These black and white series of lines and numbers are used all over the world and is no doubt a vital part in various industries.  What do you think could have happened if there were no bar codes that got developed? Will we still be in such fast paced environment?

Bar codes certainly changed the way processes are done in the industry; specifically the manufacturing industry. Here’s a fact, did you know that bar codes were originally created to be used in industrial productions? It was noted that bar codes were first used on cars. The codes helped in determining the several varieties of railroad cars manufactured back then. This was the hitch start of the wide-spread usage of the bar code as companies and establishments discovered more specific ways to use these codes and throughout the years it just continues to be enhanced.

Among all the types of bar codes available, the UPC bar code is highly recognized by many all over the world. It’s the bar code which we typically see on retail products. UPC is the short term for Universal Product Code and as you may notice name itself tells how widely used it is. Almost all the mass-produced merchandise we are known today is manufactured with this specific type of bar code. So it’s no wonder that whatever item we decide to pick up from a local grocery store have this bar code.

Increasing levels of work productivity are one of the fruits of using bar codes. On manufacturing industries, the UPC bar codes that are usually used; contribute a lot in many aspects in means of rising productivity. UPC bar codes are handy tools in tracking and detecting manufactured goods. Whenever the products are delivered and in transit, locating and tracking its delivery is no issue since the bar codes enable the manufacturers to track their products. It also provides them a detailed report about the status of their parcel. All information is then saved to record every transaction made. This is very efficient than to manually compose detailed reports of manufactured goods. Bar codes secure minimal errors as well since they provide accurate and reliable ways of storing and managing data. More transports of products can then be made over a given period of time. Thus, leads to boosting productivity at very satisfactory rates.

]]> http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/how-does-a-upc-barcode-improve-industrial-efficiency/feed/ 0 http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/how-are-barcode-labels-used-in-laboratories-and-health-care/ http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/how-are-barcode-labels-used-in-laboratories-and-health-care/#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:19:14 +0000 admin http://www.greatbarcodemaker.com/blog/?p=25 Health care is one of the top most priorities one must take note of. With all the new generation of viruses and bacteria that are arising, more and more people show different signs and symptoms regarding various illnesses as well.Therefore, to keep matters to a more controllable level, professionals make sure to eat that treatment would be readily available. Moreover, these treatments should also be reliable and competent when it comes to treating certain illnesses they are supposed to treat. Since there are many cases of erroneous use of materials or medications in some places, it is a must that the head of these institutions should take actions in order to prevent the occurrence of the same mistakes again and again.

With the help of the barcode labels that are being used in laboratories and other health care supplies, the mode of medical treatment has shown to be better and more effective. This is the easiest way possible to the solution regarding completion of the records in different health care settings. Barcode labels can also be referred as the personal number or name of the items or facilities that are being used by the medical professionals in various settings. Depending on the barcode software that is being used by the company, each barcode system will have various symbols, fonts, and numbers and so on. There is no duplication when it comes to the label since a code generator will be used as to avoid this instance. The barcode software will also be used as to make intricate details on ever image such as the size of the different shapes that will be used in ever barcode label.

The most famous software barcode gives out to their clients the most reliable method of scanning and printing customized barcode labels. Depending on the hospitals, they can make use of their own color, logo, name or others to make the barcode labels on the different machines, apparatuses, medications and other items that are being used in their field. For some, bar code labels can also be done in manufacturing date, expiration date and pricing for the easy inventory of stocks. Health care label companies may offer free trial to the companies to show how effective and reliable their barcode labeling system can be.  This method is also effective in giving guaranteed results to their clients.

When a client is admitted under your care or seeks consult under your institute, it is your responsibility to take actions in providing their needs with regards to their health. To do this, you should also make sure that the facilities or medications that will be used are in good shape in order to guarantee an effective result and outcome. This is system would be an effective approach in lessening clinical errors that happens in the field due to various reasons. As others will see it, this can be a secondary line of defense when it comes to the hospital setting, be it in health care or laboratories errors, that are sometimes inevitable.

QR Codes can impressively used in mobile operating system that provide extensive functionality designed to squeeze bits of information through QR Code reader scan by mobile barcodes inbuilt functionality. Smart phones technologies comprises of different brands of smart phones namely as Android, iPhone, Apple  and other devices.

Hereby, to scan a QR Code your mobile device should require:-

• Working Camera oriented phone device.
• In built Barcode (QR) scanner application to read QR Code.

Various smart phones devices available in the market with barcode scanner application that can read QR Codes:-

• Android Device: - If user using Android oriented application device phone, user can get free QR Code reader from market place. Some of them are- Shop Sawy, Barcode Scanner and Neo Reader. There are QR Pal and Scanlife software that certainly perform well together and technically gives understandability about QR code level alongside there are always new application being developed for the Droid market place.

• iPhone: -  iPhone user can get QR reader from iTunes which is user friendly and reliable QR code scanning application highly support  for  reverse image/ inverted color QR Code.

• I–Nigma:- Popular and reliable QR Code scanning application that will automatically detect your phone type and download to install accurate QR Code reader for your phone. It comes in various application version like Android, Blackberry, iPhone etc.

Others phone types includes- Apple, Blackberry, Nokia ,Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericson. They profoundly use QR Code scanning functionality by employing Neo Reader installer that automatically detect phone type and easily install application in your phone.