What does ISO compliance mean and what does it entail?"
To be ISO compliant, verifiers must meet requirements set by ISO/IEC 15426-1 (for 1D barcodes) and ISO/IEC 15426-2 (for 2D barcodes). These standards outline the hardware and software requirements for standardization between verifiers and consistent verification results.
An important step in the process is verifying that results are within an acceptable tolerance range listed in the ISO/IEC 15426-1 and 15426-2 standards. This test can only be completed by using a NIST-traceable conformance test calibration card which includes:
- Calibration symbols
- Simulated errors for testing accuracy
- Target and parameter grades
According to the ISO 15426 standards, verifiers are expected to be within a defined tolerance range for each quality parameter. For example, symbol contrast (SC) on the calibration card has a target of 82.6% with a tolerance range of ±8%. Results between 74.6% and 90.6% would be acceptable.
What happens if the results are outside of the acceptable range?
If your results fall outside this range, basic troubleshooting may fix the issue. Make sure:
- The unit is in focus
- The camera lens and window are clean of dust and debris
- The Grading Standard is set to ISO 15415/6
- The aperture is set to “Auto 80%”
What is a validation protocol, and do I need one?
A validation protocol is a detailed document that confirms the correct installation, operation, and performance of verification systems. Heavily regulated industries often require this protocol to prove that new equipment functions as intended – especially when new equipment is added to production.
Using printed barcodes, a carefully designed validation protocol test makes sure results align with expected outcomes. With hundreds of individual tests, a validation protocol provides step-by-step instructions to support compliance and is available for every verifier model at Cognex.
Which barcode verifiers are ISO compliant?
All Cognex barcode verifiers comply with requirements listed in the ISO/IEC 15415, 15416, and 29158 standards. They are rigorously tested against ISO/IEC 15426-1 and 15426-2 standards before leaving the facility. Certificates of conformance are available for all Cognex and Webscan barcode verifiers.
For more information on ISO standards or barcode quality tools, read What Are the Differences Between Barcode Quality Software and Barcode Verification?