CODABAR RATIONALIZED

 What is a Codeabar barcode?

Codabar is a linear barcode symbology developed in 1972 by Pitney Bowes Corp. It and its variants are also known as Codeabar, Ames Code, NW-7, Monarch, Code 2 of 7, Rationalized Codabar, ANSI/AIM BC3-1995 or USD-4.

What is a Rationalized Codabar?

That is, characters with 2 wide elements use a 3:1 ratio, while characters with 3 wide elements use a 2:1 ratio, so all characters are 10 narrow elements wide (plus the inter-character space makes 11). "Rationalized codabar" uses a fixed ratio and allows the character widths to vary.

What is Codabar used for?

Codabar is also applied to the test tube for blood test (specimen) in order to confirm the individual ID. This page introduces the composition and industrial applications of CODE 39 and Codabar codes. The “Barcode Information & Tips” site offers information on the standards, basic principles, and reading know-how related to barcodes and 2D codes.

What is the difference between Code 39 and Codabar?

Inter-character gap is the same as for CODE 39. Codabar can represent characters including numbers (0 to 9), letters (A, B, C, D) and symbols (-,$, /, ., +). . Skip reading is less likely with Codabar than with ITF. Smaller barcode size is possible compared with CODE 39. However, it does not always mean that skip reading never happens with Codabar.

Codabar is a linear barcode symbology developed in 1972 by Pitney Bowes Corp. [1] It and its variants are also known as Codeabar, Ames Code, NW-7, Monarch, Code 2 of 7, Rationalized Codabar, ANSI/AIM BC3-1995 or USD-4. Although Codabar has not been registered for US federal trademark status, its hyphenated variant Code-a-bar is a registered trademark.[2]

Codabar was designed to be accurately read even when printed on dot-matrix printers for multi-part forms such as FedEx airbills and blood bank forms, where variants are still in use as of 2007. Although newer symbologies hold more information in a smaller space, Codabar has a large installed base in libraries. It is even possible to print Codabar codes using typewriter-like impact printers, which allows the creation of many codes with consecutive numbers without having to use computer equipment. After each printed code, the printer's stamp is mechanically turned to the next number, as for example in mechanical mile counters.

There are plenty of barcodes and if you are thinking that you are aware of all the types, then think again. Let’s explore what a Codabar barcode is and its major applications across multiple industries. It is a linear barcode used in libraries, blood banks, and other industries. 

A Codabar barcode can benefit your business and enhance your inventory management practices. In this article, we will be shedding light on everything related to a codabar barcode. 

What is a Codabar barcode? – A Brief Overview

The Codabar barcode, often referred to as Codeabar, Ames Code, NW-7, or USD-4, is a linear barcode symbology that encodes numeric digits, along with a few special characters. Developed by Monarch Marking Systems in the early 1970s, Codabar was primarily designed for retail and package labeling. Its unique feature is the ability to be read accurately even in high-speed scanning environments.

Applications of Codabar Barcode

1) Retail Industry: Codabar’s origins lie in retail, where it was initially employed for labeling goods and managing inventory. Its simplicity and ease of printing made it a preferred choice for retailers.

2) Healthcare: Codabar is extensively used in the healthcare sector for patient identification, specimen tracking, and medical records. Its ability to encode numeric data is well-suited for these applications.

3) Libraries and Blood Banks: Libraries use Codabar for tracking books, and blood banks utilize it for identifying blood samples and managing blood inventory.

4) Logistics and Shipping: In logistics, Codabar is employed for labeling packages and tracking shipments, ensuring efficient and accurate movement of goods.

Key Components of a Codabar Barcode

I) Character Set: Codabar encodes a limited character set, including numeric digits (0-9) and a few special characters (-:.$/+).

II) Start and Stop Characters: Codabar utilizes unique start and stop characters to indicate the beginning and end of the barcode. These characters make it easy for barcode scanners to identify and read the code accurately.

III) Variable Length: One of Codabar’s flexible features is its ability to encode variable-length data. This makes it adaptable to different information requirements, providing scalability to users.

IV) No Checksum Requirement: Unlike some other barcode symbologies, Codabar does not require a checksum digit. This simplicity makes it easy to generate and print Codabar barcodes without additional computational overhead.

Identifying Codabar Barcode

Identifying a barcode is relatively straightforward. Look for the distinctive start and stop characters at both ends of the barcode. In Codabar, these characters are generally represented by the letters ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’. 

The data between these start and stop characters is the encoded information. Ensure that your barcode scanner is set to recognize and interpret Codabar symbology.

How to Generate Codabar Barcode

Generating Codabar barcodes can be done using various tools and software. Many barcode generators, both online and offline, allow users to input data and generate Codabar barcodes with ease. 

When using these tools, ensure that the chosen symbology is set to Codabar, and customize options such as the start/stop characters and barcode width to meet your specific requirements.

Benefits of Applying the Barcode

1. Simplicity and Ease of Use:

Codabar’s greatest strength lies in its simplicity. With a limited character set that includes numeric digits and a few special characters (-:.$/+) and no requirement for a checksum digit, Codabar is easy to generate, print, and decode. This simplicity significantly reduces the likelihood of errors in data encoding and decoding processes.

2. Flexibility in Data Encoding:

Codabar’s ability to encode variable-length data adds to its versatility. Whether you need to encode a short identification number or a longer alphanumeric code, Codabar can adapt to different data lengths. This flexibility makes it suitable for various applications with diverse information requirements.

3. No Checksum Requirement:

Unlike some other barcode symbologies that require a checksum digit for error detection, Codabar eliminates this additional step. This not only simplifies the encoding process but also reduces computational overhead, making it a practical choice for situations where efficiency is crucial.

4. Versatility in Applications:

Codabar finds applications across a wide range of industries, showcasing its versatility. From retail and healthcare to logistics, libraries, and beyond, Codabar’s flexibility in encoding numeric data makes it an ideal choice for businesses with diverse needs. Its historical roots in retail have expanded to meet the demands of modern data management across various sectors.

5. Efficient Inventory Management:

In the retail sector, where Codabar originated, efficient inventory management is critical. Codabar facilitates accurate and quick tracking of products, allowing retailers to manage stock levels, monitor sales, and streamline order processes. This efficiency contributes to improved customer service and reduced operational costs.

6. Compatibility with Legacy Systems:

Many businesses still rely on legacy systems that may not be compatible with newer barcode symbologies. Codabar’s long-standing presence in the industry means it is often supported by a wide range of hardware and software systems. 

This compatibility makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to integrate barcoding without overhauling their existing infrastructure.

7. Ease of Printing and Reproduction:

Codabar barcodes can be easily printed using standard printers, including thermal printers commonly found in various industries. The ability to reproduce Codabar barcodes on different surfaces and materials contributes to its widespread use in labeling applications.

8. Cost-Effective Implementation:

Implementing a barcoding system can be a significant investment for businesses. Codabar’s simplicity not only reduces the costs associated with the initial setup but also minimizes ongoing maintenance expenses. This cost-effectiveness makes Codabar an attractive option for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking efficient data encoding solutions.

9. Reliable Scanning in High-Speed Environments:

Codabar’s design prioritizes reliability in high-speed scanning environments. This makes it suitable for applications where quick and accurate scanning is essential, such as in logistics and shipping. The ability to withstand the demands of fast-paced operations contributes to the overall efficiency of supply chain management.

FAQs – Codabar Barcode

Can Codabar barcodes encode letters or alphanumeric characters?

No, Codabar is designed to encode only numeric digits and a limited set of special characters. It does not support letters or alphanumeric data.

What is the significance of start and stop characters in Codabar?

The start and stop characters in Codabar serve as indicators for the beginning and end of the barcode. They help scanners identify and properly decode the information encoded within the barcode.

Does Codabar have a check digit?

The Codabar barcode format is self-checking so it does not define any particular check digit data. There is no universal algorithm for assigning a check digit to characters. 

How do I create a Codabar barcode?

These barcodes can be generated in various sizes, providing flexibility for different labeling requirements. You can use an online Codabar barcode generator tool or paid software. However, it’s essential to ensure that the codabar barcode font remains scannable within your chosen size range.

What is codabar barcode used for?

Codabar is commonly used in healthcare, libraries, logistics, and shipping industries due to its ability to encode numeric data effectively.