Barcode verification plays a crucial role in ensuring that printed codes meet recognised quality standards and remain scannable throughout the supply chain. To achieve consistent, reliable, and globally accepted results, verification devices must conform to ISO/IEC 15426-1 (for linear barcodes) and ISO/IEC 15426-2 (for 2D symbols like QR and Data Matrix). In this post, we explore why these standards are essential for barcode verification, what they require, and how they help reduce scanning errors while ensuring compliance across industries like retail, healthcare, and logistics.
These standards define the performance criteria and test methods for verifiers, ensuring they produce repeatable and traceable results.
Key Requirements for Barcode Verifiers Under ISO/IEC 15426
- Lighting: Devices must use a uniform light source, typically red LED at 660 nm, to avoid glare and shadows.
- Illumination angle: Light must strike the barcode at a 45° angle to simulate real-world scanning.
- Aperture size: The optical aperture must match the barcode’s x-dimension for accurate edge detection.
- Calibration: Verifiers must be calibrated using certified test cards traceable to national standards.
By conforming to these standards, verification devices ensure that barcode quality assessments are globally recognised and reliable. This reduces scanning errors, improves operational efficiency, and supports compliance across industries like retail, healthcare, and logistics.
FAQ: Barcode Verification & ISO/IEC 15426 Standards
What is ISO/IEC 15426?
A: ISO/IEC 15426 is a set of international standards that define the requirements for barcode verification devices. Part 1 applies to linear barcodes, while Part 2 covers 2D symbols like QR codes and Data Matrix.
Why is barcode verification important?
A: Barcode verification ensures that printed codes meet quality standards, can be reliably scanned, and support compliance in industries like retail, healthcare, and logistics.
What are the key requirements for ISO 15426-compliant barcode verifiers?
A: Key requirements include uniform lighting (660 nm red LED), a 45° illumination angle, correct aperture size matching the barcode’s x-dimension, and calibration with certified test cards.
What happens if barcode verifiers are not compliant?
A: Non-compliant verifiers may produce inaccurate or inconsistent results, leading to scanning errors, delays, and costly compliance failures across the supply chain.
What industries benefit from barcode verification to ISO 15426 standards?
A: Industries such as retail, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and manufacturing benefit by ensuring barcode readability, reducing errors, and supporting traceability.
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