Barcode Validation vs Barcode Verification
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Posted in: Barcodes
Validation: The Implied Parameter
Scenario: Company "A" has a state-of-the-art barcode quality assurance program. They recognize their potential risk for poorly performing barcodes and they are proactive, even aggressive in managing that risk.Their program is well staffed, well funded and communicates their barcode requirements clearly with all involved.
Result: Company "A" is fined by a major retailer for supply chain interruption due to a barcode failure.
What Happened?
An unintended consequence of the ANSI system for barcode quality is the mindset that a passing ANSI grade covers all aspects of barcode quality. In fact, the ANSI system only addresses the engineering aspects of barcodes, leaving out several very key aspects.
One key attribute of retail barcoding is symbol location. Although it is clearly stated in the specification that the barcode must be located on the natural bottom of the package, verification devices simply read and evaluate whatever barcode they are shown. A verifier is unable to determine where the barcode is on the package. Furthermore, some packages don’t really have a “natural bottom.”
But well beyond the 9 ANSI parameters is the issue of validation. What if the barcode is virtually perfect from an engineering standpoint, but doesn’t represent an actual product? What if the number assignment is for a different product? What if the numbers aren’t assigned to a product at all? A verifier won’t tell you that! Only a validator will.
This is what happened to Company "A" in the scenario above. This is a real scenario—this really happened. And it happens again and again.
The Lesson: Barcode verification alone doesn’t manage barcode-related supply chain risk. Verification, along with validation gets you closer to the goal. And don’t forget your open eyes and functioning brain.
Another important key attribute not verified is bar code sizes. So often I have seen bar codes the size of nickel, that pass verification, but are extremely difficult to read or scan. Many companys try to make the bar code as samll as possible and not to be intrusive to their “branding” or “packaging”. Companies must remember that the bar code size is a very important attribute to remember as a part of any quality bar code program.
Posted by on 10/19 at 11:06 AM