Have you ever noticed those black and white vertical lines accompanied by numbers on product packaging? That’s a barcode. Barcodes are codes that store specific data, such as production codes, expiration dates, or identification numbers.
Despite their simple appearance, barcodes are incredibly useful for storing data and information about products. They remain a popular tool in business due to their quick and easy scanning process.
Want to learn more about how to scan barcodes? Keep reading!
Understanding Barcodes
A barcode, or bar code, is essentially a visual representation of data that can be read by machines. Typically printed as stickers or directly onto packaging, barcodes consist of a series of black and white vertical lines of varying thicknesses.
Barcodes are not limited to retail; they are used across various industries. Beyond the lines, the numbers beneath a barcode provide further information about the product. These numbers are structured into different segments, including:
Number System Character (NSC)
The Number System Character (NSC) is a digit in the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode system that indicates specific categories. UPC is widely used in industries, especially in North America. In a UPC barcode, the NSC is usually the leftmost digit. Here’s what each digit signifies:
- 0: Standard UPC number
- 1: Reserved
- 2: Random weight items
- 3: Pharmaceuticals
- 4: In-store code for retailers
- 5: Coupons
- 6: Standard UPC number
- 7: Standard UPC number
- 8: Reserved
- 9: Reserved
Guard Bars
There are three guard bars located at the beginning, middle, and end of a barcode. The start and end guard bars are represented as “bar-space-bar” or “101”. The middle guard bar is represented as “space-bar-space” or “01010”.
Manufacturer Code
The Manufacturer Code is a five-digit number identifying the product’s manufacturer. This code is assigned and protected by the Uniform Code Council.
Product Code
The Product Code is a five-digit number assigned by the company to each specific product they produce.
Check Digit
The check digit is located on the far right of the barcode. It’s used to validate the accuracy of the other digits read during scanning.
Benefits of Barcodes
Barcodes offer numerous advantages, particularly for businesses. Here are some key benefits:
1. Faster Transaction Processing
Barcodes printed directly on products significantly speed up data entry compared to manual methods. They eliminate errors in manually typing product codes or numbers during transactions.
2. More Accurate Data Retrieval
Scanning barcodes ensures faster and more accurate data retrieval. This improves employee efficiency by enabling quicker and more precise work processes.
3. Versatility Across Industries
Barcodes aren’t just for supermarket products. They have diverse applications, including book publishing, non-retail sectors, pharmaceutical identification, asset tracking, inventory management, laboratory data, and even identification cards or memberships.
4. Cost Reduction
Barcodes are a cost-effective solution due to their simplicity and inexpensive printing requirements—just paper and ink. Barcode scanners are also widely available and relatively affordable.
How to Scan Barcodes on Your Android Phone Using Your Browser
One of the easiest ways to scan barcodes is through your browser, provided you have a stable internet connection. Here’s how:
1. Scanning Barcodes on Android via Google
For Android devices, accessing Google Lens through the Google app or Google Assistant is a seamless method for barcode scanning.
- Open your Google app or Google Assistant. You can usually open Google Assistant by long-pressing the home button or swiping up from the corner of your screen.
- Look for the Google Lens icon. It typically resembles a square with a dot inside and is usually located within the Google search bar or Google Assistant interface.
- Tap the Google Lens icon. This will activate your camera.
- Point your camera at the barcode. Frame the barcode within the camera view. Google Lens will automatically detect and scan the barcode.
- View the results. Once scanned, Google Lens will display the information encoded in the barcode, which might be a product link, text, or other data.
2. Scanning Barcodes on Android via QR Code Reader Websites
Several websites offer online QR and barcode scanning capabilities. WebQR is a popular example.
- Open your browser and go to webqr.com. Alternatively, search for “online QR code reader” or “online barcode scanner” to find other similar websites.
- Grant camera access. The website will request access to your device’s camera. Allow it to proceed.
- Position the barcode in front of your camera. The online scanner will automatically detect and decode the barcode.
- The barcode content will appear instantly. The website will display the information extracted from the barcode, whether it’s a URL, text, or product details.
How to Scan Barcodes on Android Using Google Assistant
Google Assistant integrates Google Lens, making barcode scanning even more convenient. Here’s how:
1. Launch Google Assistant
Long-press the home button or swipe up from the bottom corners of your Android phone to activate Google Assistant. You can also open the Google Assistant app directly.
2. Access Google Lens
Tap the Google Lens icon within the Google Assistant interface. If this is your first time using Google Lens, you might need to grant camera permissions.
3. Scan the Barcode
Point your camera at the barcode. If the image is blurry, tap the screen to focus. Once focused, Google Lens will scan the barcode, and the associated website or information will appear.
How to Scan Barcodes Directly on Android Phones
Many modern Android phones have built-in barcode scanning functionality directly within the camera app.
1. Open Your Camera App
Launch the default camera application on your Android device. The location of the barcode scanning feature might vary depending on your phone model and manufacturer.
2. Scan and Open the Barcode Link
Point your camera at the barcode. Your phone’s camera should automatically recognize and scan the barcode. A link or a pop-up with the barcode information will appear. Tap the link to access the barcode’s content. In some cases, you might need to enable barcode scanning in your camera settings. Look for options like “Scan QR codes,” “Barcode scanner,” or similar terms in your camera settings menu.
How to Scan Barcodes on iPhones
Similar to Android, iPhones offer straightforward barcode scanning methods.
1. Using the Camera App
- Open the built-in Camera app on your iPhone.
- Position your iPhone so the barcode is visible on the screen. Ensure the entire barcode is within the frame.
- A notification or pop-up will appear once the barcode is recognized.
- Tap the pop-up to open the website or access the information linked to the barcode.
2. Using Control Center
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Control Center” and then tap “Customize Controls.”
- Add “Code Scanner” to your Control Center by tapping the “+” button next to it.
- Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swiping up from the bottom on older iPhones).
- Tap the “Code Scanner” icon.
- Position your iPhone over the barcode until it’s recognized.
- Tap the pop-up notification to open the barcode’s content.
Can All Phones Scan Barcodes?
While most modern smartphones are equipped to scan barcodes, older phones or those with less advanced cameras might not have this capability built-in automatically. However, numerous barcode scanner applications are available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Popular options include “QR & Barcode Scanner” and “QR & Barcode Reader.” These apps can enable barcode scanning on virtually any smartphone.
Scanning barcodes is incredibly easy with various methods available, from browsers and built-in camera features to dedicated apps. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for accessing information quickly. We hope this guide has been helpful!
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