Bar Code Reader

A bar code consists of a series of lines. A standard format EAN (European Article Number) is used on most products. This consists of 13 digits with two lines representing each of the digits. The thickness and spacing of the lines determines the digit represented. A wand, a gun or a scanner can read the bar code.

The choice of device is mainly determined by the application, wand in libraries because book has to be opened and stamped, gun in DIY store because some goods will be too large to pass over a scanner and a scanner in supermarkets for speed.

Bar codes are limited to data that can be coded numerically - e.g. product code, stock number, library number. They have the advantage that they can be printed by computer so that 'in house' systems are possible with the application generating its own bar codes. This makes it a cost-effective solution for libraries, stock and production control etc. Movement of stock through a warehouse could be captured using bar codes attached to stock items. The major application of bar codes is in combination with Point of Sales Terminals in supermarkets

In some applications it will be necessary to have additional data capture or input to allow for items - e.g. vegetables at the supermarket that have no bar code

The Case study on supermarkets contains much more on barcodes .

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