Barcode verifiers are great at measuring symbol readability because they can adjust for the performance characteristics of all different types of readers – including camera, laser, handheld, and fixed-mount.
Key differences:
Barcode readers simply read data from codes. Barcode verifiers do much more than that:
- Ensure data is formatted correctly
- Confirm all scanner types can read your barcodes
- Identify specific reasons codes fail to scan
- Generate detailed reports with barcode grades for industry compliance
A barcode scanner decodes data.
A barcode verifier grades code quality for industry compliance.
Reliable performance analysis
Verifiers analyze codes more thoroughly than readers, which only extract embedded data. They analyze parameters based on international standards, measuring factors that affect scanner performance across different readers.
Barcode verifiers test certain parameters for 1D, 2D, and direct part mark (DPM) codes according to governing standards like ISO international standard.
Problem identification made simple
Unlike barcode readers, barcode verifiers pinpoint exactly why codes won't scan. This ability to use diagnostics and identify defects can help you take action to fix issues immediately. Detailed reports also document barcode grades, certifying compliance with industry standards.
Verification vs. code quality management
Many producers monitor barcode quality using process control metrics (PCM) and validate data through reader software. While beneficial, these approaches don't give true verification and could leave you vulnerable to supply chain failures.
Data validation
Well-printed barcodes sometimes fail due to lack of proper formatting. Data validation helps to confirm whether data meets industry formatting requirements, making sure the receiving systems can interpret information correctly. But validation inspects only data format—not print quality. Barcode verification measures both image quality and data parameters to grade readability.
Process control metrics
Barcode readers may, depending on their software, provide print quality metrics for process control. These metrics help print codes to meet your specific needs and predict whether generic readers will decode them successfully.
However, supply chains use many different reader types with various decoding algorithms – some designed for challenging, deformed codes. Neither quality control testing nor scanner metrics reliably predict how different readers will handle identical codes. Verification provides this assurance.
Verification and comprehensive quality assurance
Barcode verifiers confirm whether all barcode reader types can decode barcodes. Unlike PCM or data validation, verifiers check every quality parameter, use specific lighting configurations, and require regular calibration.
| Data Validation | Process Control | Verification | |
| Function | Checks encoded data against formatting standards | In-line code quality control | Contract-compliant grading to global standards |
| Focus | Data format only, not mark quality | Same parameters as verifier but without calibration requirements | Requires calibration and precise lighting positioning |
| When to Use | Required formatting checks (MIL-STD-130, GS1) | Process control with early warnings, optimized reader setup | Legal requirements, trading partner communication, PCM diagnostics and code ‘flags’ |
Conformance standards and calibration
Barcode verifiers must be calibrated to traceable standards. This calibration makes sure your verifiers work correctly and follow industry standards.
Calibration process essentials
Calibration adjusts image brightness and applies universally across symbologies. Conformance calibration cards have imperfect symbols used to test a barcode verifier’s reporting capabilities. They also help to document compliance with standards including ISO/IEC 15415, ISO/IEC 15416, and GS1.
Calibration cards expire two years from your recorded in-service date.
Calibration card selection
For 2D verifiers, choose either “2D Calibration Card” or “Linear Calibration Card” — both calibrate reflectance levels effectively. Calibration isn't symbology-specific, so either card type calibrates your barcode verifier for both 1D and 2D barcodes.
For 1-D verifiers, only a “1-D Calibration barcode” can be used.
Environmental considerations
Regularly scheduled calibration helps account for environmental changes. Ambient light and temperature fluctuations commonly affect performance. Electrical components drift over time, changing measurement accuracy. Consistent calibration maintains reliable verification results.