What is a Barcode?
Have you ever noticed those black and white vertical lines accompanied by numbers on product packaging? That’s a barcode. A barcode is a code used to store specific data, such as production codes, expiration dates, or identification numbers.
Despite their simple appearance, barcodes are incredibly useful for storing item information. They remain widely used in business due to the ease and speed of barcode scanning.
Want to learn more about how to scan barcodes? Let’s dive into this article!
Alt text: A person uses a barcode scanner app on a smartphone to scan a barcode on a product, demonstrating the ease of mobile barcode scanning.
Understanding Barcode Components
Quoting from eprints.polsri.ac.id, a barcode is essentially a “batang kode,” or code bar. These codes are typically printed on stickers or directly onto product packaging. Visually, a barcode is a series of vertical black and white lines of varying thicknesses.
Barcodes are not limited to retail; they are applicable to any business. Beyond the lines, barcodes include numbers that convey information about the item. These numbers within a barcode include:
Number System Character (NSC)
The Number System Character (NSC) is a digit in the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode that indicates specific categories. UPC is widely used in industries, particularly in America and Canada. Within a UPC barcode, the NSC is usually located at the far left. Here’s what each number 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 placed at the beginning, middle, and end of a barcode. The start and end guard bars are written as “bar-space-bar” or “101”. The middle guard bar is written as “space-bar-space” or “01010”.
Manufacturer Code
The manufacturer code, or company code, consists of five digits that identify 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 it produces.
Check Digit
The check digit is located on the far right of the barcode. It serves to validate that the other digits have been read accurately.
Benefits of Using Barcodes
Barcodes offer numerous advantages, especially for businesses. Here are some key benefits:
1. Accelerates Transaction Processes
Barcodes printed directly on products significantly speed up data input compared to manual methods. Eliminate errors in typing product codes or identification numbers during transactions.
2. More Accurate Data Retrieval
Besides speed, data retrieval using barcodes is also more accurate. This accuracy improves employee efficiency by enabling faster and more precise work.
3. Versatile Applications
Barcodes are not just for supermarket products. They are used in book publishing, non-retail sectors, pharmaceuticals for drug identification, asset tracking, inventory management, laboratory data, and even on identification cards or memberships. Imagine scanning a barcode on a job application to quickly access a candidate’s digital resume.
Alt text: A collage illustrating diverse barcode applications, including retail product scanning, library book management, and inventory tracking in a warehouse, showcasing the versatility of barcode technology.
4. Cost Reduction
Barcodes are advantageous because they are simple and inexpensive to implement. The materials used are just paper and ink. Barcode scanners are also widely available at relatively low prices.
How to Scan Barcodes on Your Phone via Browser
The easiest way to scan barcodes is using a browser, provided you have a stable internet connection. Here are the steps:
1. Scanning Barcodes with Google (via Browser)
Choose the device you want to use, whether Android, computer, or iPhone & iPad. Then, access 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 (QR codes are a type of barcode). Then click the box that appears on your phone.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the login process. If it doesn’t work, you can press “try another way to sign in.”
- If the device you are using is a computer, the QR code cannot be moved. So, you must log in another way. One way is to use a link.
2. Scanning Barcodes via QR Code Website
- Open your browser and type webqr.com. You can also search for other QR scanning sites on the internet.
- Once 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, click the Google Lens button. If you are using Google Lens for the first time, you may need to activate and allow camera access.
3. Start Scanning Barcodes
After that, point the 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 that, the website or content of the barcode will appear. This method is particularly useful for quickly scanning barcodes on job fair materials or digital resumes.
Alt text: A smartphone screen displaying the Google Lens interface, ready to scan a barcode, highlighting the use of Google Lens as a mobile barcode scanner.
How to Scan Barcodes on Android Phones
Another way to scan barcodes is using just your phone. Relying only on the built-in camera, you can scan barcodes. Here are the steps:
1. Open the Camera Application
Every phone certainly has a built-in camera application. Open the camera and point it at the barcode. The location of the barcode scan menu may vary, depending on each phone type.
2. Open Barcode Link
Once scanned, a destination link from the barcode will appear; you just need to click 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.
- Click 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.
- Click the pop-up that appears on the screen to open the destination site. This method is especially quick for users who frequently scan barcodes, perhaps to quickly access online job boards.
Can All Phones Scan Barcodes?
Some phones with less capable cameras may not be able to scan barcodes automatically. However, many barcode scanner applications can now be downloaded from the Google Play Store or App Store. Examples include QR & Barcode Scanner, or QR & Barcode Reader.
These are easy ways to scan barcodes with various options, you can use a browser, application, or built-in camera. Very easy, isn’t it? Hope this information is helpful!
Alt text: A smartphone displaying various barcode scanner apps available for download, illustrating the accessibility of barcode scanning tools on mobile devices.
