Barcode Quality & Verification

Barcode Scanners vs Barcode Verifiers

Understand the difference between reading a barcode and verifying its quality

What's the Difference?

Barcode scanners and barcode verifiers may both work with 1D and 2D barcodes, but they serve very different purposes. A scanner is designed to read the information encoded in a barcode, while a verifier evaluates the quality of the symbol itself.

Understanding the difference is important when producing barcodes for applications where consistent readability and compliance with industry standards are required.

Barcode Scanners

Read and decode barcode data

Barcode scanners, also called barcode readers, scan 1D and 2D codes and translate the information contained within the symbol into readable data.

Reads 1D and 2D barcodes
Decodes information stored in the symbol
Used as an input device for software systems
Available in handheld, fixed-mount, and wearable models

Barcode Verifiers

Analyze barcode quality and compliance

Barcode verifiers are designed to evaluate printed or marked barcodes and identify symbols that may not meet required quality standards.

Evaluates barcode quality
Identifies printing and marking problems
Measures quality against industry standards
Helps identify why a barcode may fail to scan

Comparison of barcode scanners and barcode verifiers

Barcode Verification Identifies Printing Problems

When printing barcodes with a thermal printer, changes in print speed and heat can affect the darkness, contrast, and overall quality of the symbol. Old or failing printers can also produce gaps, broken bars, or other defects.

Unlike a standard barcode scanner, a verifier can identify these problems and provide diagnostic information that helps producers determine why a barcode may be rejected.

Analyze Industry Standard Parameters

A barcode scanner primarily reveals the data encoded within a symbol. A barcode verifier goes further by analyzing the symbol and reporting formal quality measurements based on established industry standards.

Verifiers can evaluate different parameters for 1D, 2D, and direct part mark (DPM) codes based on governing standards such as applicable ISO specifications or ANSI grading requirements.

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