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Barcoding originated in grocery stores and has since extended to use in doctors offices, law firms, post offices, retail stores, security applications, car rental returns and countless others. Barcoding and related technologies have been used in manufacturing companies for shipping and receiving operations for more than 40 years. But even in these more traditional settings, barcode applications have spread throughout the enterprise to include warehousing, accounting and customer service functions, time and attendance, and package delivery, as well as the assembly line operation itself.
In all of these applications, the motivation to begin barcoding is the same: improve data management and accessibility and reduce costs. In the 1970s and 1980s, the increased use of computers in commercial and industrial companies fueled the need for improved data capture. Companies hired armies of data entry professionals tasked with entering repetitive information into network terminals.
In the 1990s, this need for immediate and accurate reporting was compounded with the introduction of just-in-time inventory tracking, build-to-order manufacturing and supply chain management practices. Today, many manual data entry tasks have been replaced by barcode systems.
The widespread acceptance of barcoding over the past four decades has led to the development of numerous industry standards by major industry groups, such as AIAG (automotive), EIA (electronics), HIBCC (healthcare) and HAZMAT (chemical) to name a few. Such standards ensure universal compliance and easy identification of product shipments among trading partners in the supply chain as well as ensure that product (such as hazardous chemicals) is handled properly to prevent injury or loss of life.
Barcode Applications
Barcodes can be used in a variety of markets and across different applications. They are used for a variety of purposes, including applications centered around the efficient identification and tracking of products, items, and information. Here are some of the main uses:
Mobile Coupons
More and more, today’s tech-savvy shoppers expect to find discounts online in the form of mobile coupons – mobile coupons that can be read by an imager.
Mobile Loyalty
Given the successful use of mobile loyalty programs by several large retail chains, restaurants and hotels are increasingly offering customers the ability to sign up for and track purchases through a mobile application and be rewarded for their loyalty. To redeem their rewards, they must have a worker scan the barcode on their mobile device.
Mobile Payment
Some stores enable customers to upload their gift card on their mobile app and then use that card as a way to pay for purchases. Very often, this type of mobile payment is tied to the mobile loyalty program as a complete solution.
Multiple Barcode Capture (Multi-Code)
Some situations call for the ability to capture multiple types of barcodes in a single trigger pull and simultaneously populate a database with the information. For example, retailers are able to extract the UPC, manufacturing date and serial number information from an item to improve records and better serve the customer.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
In some business applications, barcoding and OCR can be used together. For instance, invoices might contain both barcodes and OCR-readable text. Barcodes can quickly identify the invoice or customer ID, while OCR can be used to extract more detailed information such as customer names, account numbers, and transaction details. Businesses that have invoices with customer names and account numbers in OCR fonts, such as OCR-A and OCR-B, can use an imager to decode and populate the information into an application. Other fonts supported include Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) and U.S. Currency.
Driver’s License Parsing
Many driver’s licenses contain a PDF417 barcode embedded with the personal identifying information that is written on the front. With available parsing software, retailers can use this information for auto-populating forms for credit card and loyalty card applications, as well as identifying serial returners and managing the sale of restricted items such as alcohol or tobacco.
Positive Patient ID
Manual entry of patient information can lead to errors due to miscommunication or misinterpretation. Barcode scanning minimizes these errors by automating the identification process, ensuring that the correct patient receives the intended care. The 2D barcode on a patient’s wristband contains unique identifiers such as the patient’s name, medical record number, and other relevant information. Scanning the barcode ensures that the healthcare provider accurately identifies the patient before administering medication, performing procedures, or documenting care. Scanning barcodes can automatically update electronic health records (EHRs) with real-time data, improving the accuracy and completeness of patient records and facilitating better clinical decision-making.
Specimen Collection
A Clinician scans a wristband and vial or specimen collection container. Clinicians scan the barcode on the patient’s wristband to verify their identity before collecting samples. This reduces the risk of misidentification and ensures that the right tests are performed for the right person. Each specimen collection container, such as a vial or tube, is labeled with a unique barcode. This barcode helps track the specimen throughout its journey, from collection to analysis to storage, ensuring that it is correctly processed and reducing the likelihood of errors. Scanning barcodes minimizes human error associated with manual data entry. This ensures that patient information and specimen details are accurately recorded and transmitted to laboratory information systems.
Medication Administration
A Clinician scans the barcode on the wristband and then the medication, prior to administering to the patient. The clinician scans the barcode on the patient’s wristband to confirm the patient’s identity. This ensures that the medication is administered to the correct individual, reducing the risk of errors associated with patient misidentification. The clinician then scans the barcode on the medication packaging. This step verifies that the medication matches the prescription or order on the electronic medical record (EMR) or pharmacy system. Also, by scanning barcodes, the administration of medication is automatically documented in the patient’s electronic health record, ensuring accurate and timely recording of administered drugs. This assists in maintaining comprehensive records for future reference and audits.
Barcoding systems can be integrated with EMR systems, which allows them to check the medication against the patient’s medication orders to ensure the correct dosage and administration time. The system can also provide alerts for any known allergies or potential drug interactions, allowing the clinician to reassess the medication choice if necessary.
Dietary
A clinician or hospital worker scans a patient's wristband and menu. Scanning a patient’s wristband allows healthcare providers to access the patient’s dietary restrictions, preferences, or nutritional needs quickly. This is particularly important for patients with specific dietary requirements due to allergies, medical conditions (such as diabetes), or cultural preferences. By scanning the wristband, staff can ensure that the food served aligns with these requirements. Also, barcoding systems help streamline the meal ordering and delivery process within hospitals. When a menu is scanned, it can automatically update the dietary staff with the correct meal choices, portion sizes, and modifications needed for each patient, thus reducing manual errors and ensuring timely meal delivery.
Ticketing
Barcodes on mobile boarding passes and event tickets contain unique identifiers that correspond to a specific booking or ticket. When the barcode is scanned at an entry point, it verifies the ticket’s validity by matching the identifier with a database record. Barcodes enhance security by reducing the likelihood of counterfeit tickets. Each barcode is unique and encoded, making it difficult to replicate or forge. Systems can also flag duplicates or unauthorized entries. Using barcodes accelerates the check-in process. Scanning a barcode is much quicker and more efficient than manually checking ticket details. This is especially beneficial in busy environments like airports and large events where speed is essential.
Driver’s License Parsing
Many driver’s licenses contain a PDF417 barcode embedded with the personal identifying information that is written on the front. With available parsing software, restaurants, hotels, and event sites can use this information for age and identity verification for restricted events and to manage the sale of alcohol.
Track and Trace
A 2D barcode is placed on components throughout the manufacturing process to identify and track the correct components. Barcodes facilitate efficient inventory management by allowing quick and accurate data entry regarding stock levels, component usage, and replenishment needs. Each component is assigned a unique 2D barcode, which acts as an identifier. This helps in distinguishing one component from another, ensuring that the correct parts are used at each stage of manufacturing. As components move through the various stages of the manufacturing process, the 2D barcode can be scanned to record its location, status, and other relevant data. This provides real-time visibility into the movement and handling of components.
By tracking components with 2D barcodes, manufacturers can monitor the production process closely, ensuring that each component meets quality standards. If a defect is identified, the barcode data can help trace the issue back to its origin.
Work in Process (WIP)
Barcodes are placed on partially manufactured goods to track all materials and partially finished products at various stages of the production process. WIP excludes inventory of raw materials at the start of the production cycle and finished products inventory at the end of the production cycle. By using barcodes, manufacturers can maintain accurate records of WIP inventory. This reduces the chances of errors in inventory counts and helps in maintaining proper stock levels of materials and components needed for production.
Barcodes enable real-time tracking of products as they move through different stages of production. Each product or batch can be scanned at various points in the manufacturing process, updating the system with its current location and status. Barcoding also automates data collection, reducing the need for manual record-keeping and minimizing human error. This streamlining of operations leads to increased efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing process.
Shipping/Receiving
Shipping labels utilize 2D barcodes that contain more information and enable better data collection. As an example, PDF417 can incorporate many data points such as the part number, plant location, lot number, weight, pack date, revision and quantity. Shipping labels may also use a mix of both 1D and 2D barcodes.
Pick and Pack Scan the 1D and 2D barcodes on shelf labels, product labels and other barcoded labels to pick, pack and ship orders. 2D codes can offer a smaller footprint than 1D codes and may contain more information enabling better data accuracy.
