Bar codes have come a long way since their introduction in 1959. Today, they can be found on nearly all products you purchase in the store. There are over 400 barcodes used today. With the progress of technology and computer science, people have found ways to store huge amounts of data in binary form. They can create large catalogues known as data bases. With automatic recognition technology, part of which is bar-codes, we can input data correctly and easier into a computer, matching other data that has already been stored in its memory. This is the most common use of bar-codes. Some of the most popular barcodes only accept alphanumeric character or numeric characters; other barcodes accept all characters (!#$%^&*(*). Some of these barcodes are used only by certain companies ( UPS uses code 128). The WASP scanner can read any barcode if preprogrammed. The systems that we see in the supermarkets work as follows: In the central computer of the super market there exists a data base with all the products which exist both on the shelves and in the storage. Here information and prices of the products are stored and arranged according to the preferences of each supermarket. When the product is placed in front of the laser reader at the check-out counter the code of the product finds the matching code which exists in the data base in order for the price of the product to get added to the bill automatically, while at the same time, the item gets deducted from the supermarket stock. Except for the fact that this allows for speedier service, all products can be accounted for by merely looking at the data base at any time.  MICOM Inventory Plus computer program uses code 39. Code 39 is variable in length and is the most frequently used barcode symbology used. This version of barcode 39 is a shareware version and it is cut down and does not include all characters like these... (!@#$%^&(?><) ) These characters are not needed for day to day operations.

Barcode #39 is included with MICOM Inventory Plus.

Bar codes come in various types, sizes and formats. The most common and recognizable type of bar code is the 'one-dimensional' linear bar code. One-dimensional bar code symbologies include UPC (the bar codes you see on groceries), code 128 and code 3 of 9. Two-dimensional bar codes are a relatively recent development. These special purpose bar codes can store a great deal of information in a small space. Two-dimensional bar codes include PDF 417, Data Matrix and Maxicode. There are even special three-dimensional bar codes called Bumpy Bar Codes™. The images below show some common bar code symbologies:

Bar code scanners come in many different shapes, sizes and capabilities. The simplest bar codes scanners are called 'wands'. Because of the small size, lack of moving parts and simple construction wands are the most cost effective bar code scanners. Other bar code scanning technologies include laser, CCD and imaging scanners. Laser scanners work by rapidly passing a laser beam across the bar code to be scanned. Detectors inside the scanner sense the light and dark bars that make up the bar code. CCD scanners work off a similar principle but have no moving parts. Bright light emitting diodes (LEDs) take the place of the moving laser beam. Imaging scanners are the most complex scanners. Imaging scanners contain a special detector that takes a picture of the bar code to be scanned and then decodes it internally. The following table highlights some of the difference between these technologies: Technology Strength Weakness Range Wand Low cost Tethered, limited to 1-D bar codes Contact Laser Scanning range Cost, most limited to 1-D bar codes, some PDF 417 Short to long CCD Cost, reliability Scanning range, 1-D or PDF 417 Short Imaging Reads 2-D bar codes, some have ability to capture images Cost Short

Inventory Plus understands UPC codes

Scanners