Ben
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Best Answer
Consider asking these questions:
• What operating system will I run to generate barcodes?
• What application will I use to generate barcodes?
• Do I have any barcode requirements?
• Can I create a barcode as an image or with a font?
• What is my experience level using the technology?
What operating system will I run to generate barcodes?
Though IDAutomation has barcode products available for many operating systems (Windows, Macintosh, LINUX, and UNIX), not every product is compatible with every operating system. Verify that the prospective product can run on the desired operating system.
What application will I use to generate barcodes?
Consider the application used to generate the barcode. There are products available for many applications. However, not every product is compatible with every application. Verify that the prospective product is available for the chosen application. Barcode can be created in Excel, Crystal Reports, FileMaker, on the web, and in development environments (Visual Studio, Java, SSRS)
Do I have any barcode requirements?
Verify the purpose for creating the barcode. Certain barcode types (symbologies) are recommended for specific industries. For example, the United States Postal Service uses the Code 128 barcode type to generate the GS1-128 barcode standard for delivery confirmation. In the healthcare industry, Code 39 produces the Health Industry Barcode.
Become familiar with the data requirements/barcode standard by reviewing the specifications at least a couple of times before getting started.
Once all of the data is obtained, IDAutomation can explain how to encode the data using our methods. However, we cannot interpret the entire specification or make assumptions about various data fields that are required. For example, a barcode standard may require the <GS> (Group Separator) character to separate fields of data when transmitted from the scanner in the data that will become the barcode. In many IDAutomation products, this requires the user/developer to adjust a property and enter the <GS> using ~029 (for Code 128 and PDF417 barcode types) or ~d029 (for 2D barcode types).
Verify the amount of data required for the barcode. Some barcode types have maximum data limitations. For example, Code 39 can handle up to approximately 20 characters, while Data Matrix (a 2D barcode) can handle hundreds of characters.
Verify the type of data. Though most barcode symbologies can encode alphanumeric data, a few can only encode numeric data, such as UPC, Interleaved 2 of 5, and Intelligent Mail.
Can I create the barcode as an image or a font?
There are several ways to generate a barcode: barcode font, barcode component, or barcode application.
A barcode font requires a font encoder to encode its data. Encode means to take data in one form and change it to another form. To ensure that the encoded data is properly generated and has the start/stop characters, the encoder runs a calculation. Once the data is encoded, the barcode font can be applied.
A barcode created with a component or application performs the encoding within the control/product and then paints the barcode on a canvas as an image.
What is my experience level using the technology?
The reason barcode technology is complicated is that there are so many barcode types, barcode standards, and product options. It is possible to get so oversaturated with information, it becomes difficult to find a starting point. When the ultimate goal is to generate barcodes, taking the time to learn about a symbology, standard, or product can be time-consuming.
With all things considered, if you are a novice to barcoding, consider using user-friendly products such as the Barcode Image Generator, Code 39 Fonts, or the Barcode Label Software.
For all individuals thinking about generating barcodes, I highly recommend the material:
Barcoding for Beginners Video:
How Barcodes Work?
What is the difference between Barcode Fonts, Components, and Applications?
Barcode Educational Guide
 Posted 10.8 year(s) ago
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