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.
Their simple form belies their usefulness in storing data or information about an item. Barcodes are still widely used in business because scanning them is quick and easy.
Want to learn more about how to scan barcodes? Let’s dive into this article!
What is a Barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. Visually, a barcode is a series of vertical black and white lines of varying thicknesses.
Barcodes aren’t just for shopping; they can be used in any business. In addition to the lines, barcodes also contain numbers that provide information about a product. These numbers in a barcode include:
Number System Character (NSC)
The Number System Character (NSC) is a digit in the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode system that indicates specific types of barcodes. UPC is widely used in industries, especially in America and Canada. In a UPC barcode, the NSC is usually located at the far left of the barcode. Here’s what each digit means:
- 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 placed at the beginning, middle, and end of a barcode. The start and end guard bars are written as “bar-space-bar” or “101”. Meanwhile, the middle guard bar is written as “space-bar-space” or “01010”.
Manufacturer Code
The manufacturer code consists of a five-digit number that identifies the product’s company of origin. This code is assigned and protected by the Uniform Code Council.
Product Code
The Product Code is a 5-digit number assigned by the company for each product they produce.
Check Digit
The check digit is located on the right side of the barcode. This check digit is used to validate that the other digits have been read accurately.
Benefits of Barcodes
Barcodes are more than just random codes; they offer numerous benefits. Here are some key advantages of barcodes, especially for businesses:
1. Accelerate Transaction Processes
Barcodes can be printed directly on product packaging, making data input much faster and easier compared to manual methods. There are no more errors in typing product codes or numbers during transaction processes.
2. More Accurate Data Retrieval
In addition to speed, data retrieval using barcodes is also more accurate. This is useful for improving employee performance by enabling faster and more accurate work.
3. Versatile Applications
Barcodes aren’t limited to product tags in supermarkets; they can also be used for book publishing, non-retail applications, pharmaceutical identification, asset tracking, inventory management, laboratory data, and even identification cards or memberships.
4. Cost Reduction
Barcodes are advantageous because they are easy to implement and inexpensive. The media used is simply paper and ink. Barcode scanners are also widely available on the market at relatively affordable prices.
How to Scan Barcodes on Your Phone via Browser
The easiest way to scan a barcode is by using a browser, provided you have a stable internet connection. Here are the steps:
1. How to Scan Barcodes on Your Phone with Google
Choose the device you want to use, whether it’s an Android, computer, or iPhone & iPad. Then, sign in to your Google Account on that device.
- If you are scanning a barcode with a phone, first open the camera application.
- Point the camera at the QR code (note: while the original text mentions QR code here, the focus is barcode, assume it is a general scan instruction). Then click the box that appears on your phone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-in process. If it doesn’t work, you can press “try another way to sign in.”
- If you are using a computer, the QR code cannot be moved. So, you have to sign in another way. One way is to use a link.
2. How to Scan Barcodes on Your Phone via a QR Website
- Open your browser and type webqr.com. You can also search for other QR scanning sites on the internet.
- Once the website is open, activate your camera and point it at the barcode you want to scan.
- The barcode result will appear automatically.
How to Scan Barcodes on Your Phone Using Google Assistant
Barcodes can also be scanned using the built-in Google Lens available in Google Assistant. Here’s how:
1. Open Google Assistant
Long press the home button on your phone to open Google Assistant. You can also open it directly from the application.
2. Access Google Lens
Next, tap the Google Lens button. If you are using Google Lens for the first time, you will need to activate and allow camera access.
3. Start Scanning Barcode
After that, point your camera at the barcode you want to scan. If it’s not working, you can adjust the focus by tapping the screen until the barcode is clear. After scanning, the website or content of the barcode will appear.
How to Scan Barcodes on Android Phones
Another way to scan barcodes is by using just your phone. Relying on the built-in camera, you can scan barcodes. Here are the steps:
1. Open the Camera Application
Every phone has a built-in camera application. Open the camera and point it at the barcode. The location of the barcode scanning menu may vary depending on the phone type.
2. Open Barcode Link
Once scanned, a destination link from the barcode will appear. Just tap the link.
How to Scan Barcodes on iPhones
Similar to Android, you can use the camera to scan barcodes on iPhones. Here are the steps:
1. Using the Camera
- Open the built-in camera application.
- Position your iPhone over the barcode until the code appears on the screen.
- Tap the pop-up that appears on the screen to open the destination site.
2. Using Control Center
- Open settings on your iPhone.
- Then, click the Control Center menu, then click the insert button.
- Then position your iPhone so that the code appears on the screen.
- Tap the pop-up that appears on the screen to open the destination site.
Can All Phones Scan Barcodes?
Some phones with less capable cameras may not be able to scan barcodes automatically. However, many barcode scanner applications are now available for download on the Google Play Store or App Store. Examples include QR & Barcode Scanner, or QR & Barcode Reader.
That’s how to easily scan barcodes with various methods, using a browser, application, or built-in camera. It’s very easy, isn’t it? Hope this information is helpful!
