User's Manual

Bar Code SymbologiesAppendix —B
407700 Series Color Mobile Computer User’s Manual
This implementation should provide f or clean application coding by iden-
tifying the same sequences for the same scanned codes. If the communica-
tion of Norand bar code types is enabled, the Shipping Container Label
codes precede with a “J”. These strings will appear on the computer dis-
play. The application may have to allow for strings longer than 48 charac-
ters (maximum length indicated in the specification). Actual length vari-
ance depends on the number of variable-length data fields. Allowing for 60
characters should be sufficient. Within the Code 128 specification, the
computer can link bar codes together. If this is to happen, allow for more
characters (computer limit is 100 characters).
The Application Identifier Standard, that is part of the UCC/EAN Ship-
ping Label concept, complements, rather than replaces, other UCC/EAN
standards. Most UCC/EAN standards primarily identify products.
Several industries expressed the need to standardize more than product
identification. The UCC/EAN Code 128 Application Identifier Standard
supplies this tool. The standard adds versatility for inter-enterprise ex-
changes of perishability dating, lot and batch identification, units of use
measure, location codes, and several other information attributes.
For more detailed information on Code 128 UCC/EAN Shipping Label
bar code and Application Identifier Standard, re fer to the UCC/EAN-128
Application Identifier Standard specification.
Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a high density 2D matrix code that can store a large
amount of information. It has excellent error correction abilities and is
mostly used for marking and tracking parts.
Data Matrix can store from 1 to about 2000 characters. The symbol is
square and can range from 0.001 inch per side up to 14 inches per side. As
an example of density, 500 numeric-only characters can encode in a 1-inch
square using a 24-pin dot matrix printer.
Data Matrix is used to encode product and serial number information on
electrical rating plates; to mark of surgical instruments in Japan; to identify
lenses, circuit boards, and other items during manufacturing.
EAN (European Article N umbering)
EAN symbology is similar to UPC symbology, except that it contains 13
characters and uses the first two to identify countries.
The EAN symbology is used in the retail environment throughout most of
Europe. Though similar to UPC symbology, these are not interchangeable.