Barcode

Description

Barcode technology is proven technology which remains ever popular. Its many benefits include a fast and accurate read rate, high-speed storage, ease of production and use and, above all, its low cost.

Popular applications include time & attendance, visitor control, event management and shop floor data collection, while barcode labels remain the technology of choice in supply chain management, inventory control and asset management.

What is a barcode?

A barcode consists of a series of narrow and wide bars and spaces called 'elements'. A 'character' is a group of elements which together represent a unique number, letter or special character. The specific arrangement of bars and spaces follows strict rules defined by the specific barcode 'language', known as a symbology. Some of the most popular include Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39, Coda-bar and Code 93.

To read a barcode symbol, it is illuminated by a scanner. Light is reflected back in varying amounts, depending on the bars and spaces. These differences are translated into signals by a light detector inside the scanner. The signals are converted into various combinations to stand for specific characters.

Infrared barcodes

In the case of infrared barcodes, a layer of security is added to an otherwise low-security technology. Special black obscuration panels cover the barcode label to prevent photocopying, making it readable only by an infrared barcode reader.

TDSi's patented IR technology also works with infrared light. A unique security code is contained in each card TDSi Microcard, fixed at the point of manufacture, ensuring that its identity can never be altered.

» Click here for our range of barcode cards.
» Click here for barcode readers.