IBC Bar code Verification Service small to medium manufacturers the assurance to confirm bar codes and labels are utilized correctly and ready for retail. In order to confirm that product and traceability codes are scannable at retail, IBC’s Bar Code Verification Service provides a cost effective solution that doesn’t require any capital purchases and helps to ensure proper utilization of bar codes.
With Retailer Chargebacks becoming a common occurrence from big box retailers and even smaller retailers, ensuring products are labeled and bar coded correctly can help to reduce the likelihood of getting hit with a retailer chargeback.
What Are The Benefits of IBC Bar Code Verification Service?
- Prevents retailer chargebacks
- Doesn’t requires any capital/equipment purchases
- Ensures compliance with GS1 Bar Coding / ISO Standards
- Proves to retailers that products are ready for retail
What Do We Test For?
1D Bar Codes ISO 15416
This 1D barcode ISO standard requires 10 individual scan lines be taken throughout the height of a code and a grade assigned to each scan line. Scan line grades are determined by many different parameters. If a scan line fails minimum reflectance, decode, or minimum edge contrast, the line automatically receives an “F” grade. If all three pass, the software grades symbol contrast, modulation, defects, and decodability parameters. Each are graded on a scale of A to F. Once every scan line has been graded, the 10 scans are averaged to generate a formal grade for the barcode.
| Minimum Reflectance checks whether the bars are dark enough to meet the required ratio of light that is reflected off of the spaces. |  Bars too light |
| Edge Contrast measures the difference between adjacent bars and spaces. |  Background too dark |
| Modulation refers to local variations in contrast. |  Localized contrast |
| Decode checks to see whether the code can be read using the standard reference decode algorithm. |  Symbol read? Y/N |
| Defects include printing errors, dirt, or markings that affect one single bar or space. |  Irregularities |
| Decodability grades the accuracy of bar and space widths compared to their ideal size. A barcode with bar width growth or distortion will score a low decodability grade. |  Bar Width Growth/Loss or Distortion |
2D Bar Codes ISO 15415
This standard grades 2D barcodes against 8 different parameters. The lowest individual grade becomes the overall grade for the code. The grading process begins with a pass/fail test. If the code can be decoded, it passes the first test. If it cannot, it is automatically assigned an “F” grade. Some questions to ask to determine reasons for a no decode include:
- Are you using the right aperture, ISO standard, and lighting angle?
- Is the symbology enabled? Is the camera in focus?
- Is the code in the center of the field of view?
- Do the cell sizes look proportionate to one another?
- Are all the components of the finder pattern present?
After a code is decoded, the following parameters are then graded.
| Symbol Contrast refers to the difference between the darkest and the lightest modules. |  |
| Modulation measures local variations in contrast. |  |
| Fixed Pattern Damage includes errors with the L sides or clock pattern or quiet zone. |  |
| Axial Non-uniformity refers to the uneven scaling of the code. |  |
| Grid Non-uniformity measures the biggest deviation from the grid. |  |
Barcodes are issued a grade between A (4.0) to F (below 0.5) and passing barcodes receive a certificate of compliance. If the barcode fails, GS1 Canada will issue feedback providing direction on how to amend your barcodes.
What Are The Steps To Bar Code Verification?
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