When you run your own retail, logistical or manufacturing business, barcodes are a crucial element which your business hinges on. At the heart of it, barcodes allow your business to efficiently keep track of your various products. However, they do more than that. A barcode contains a product number, manufacturer name, phone number and more. This information, printed on a product, makes it easy to track the product in your own inventory system, and as it moves through the world.

1D and 2D barcodes are the two options you have when it comes to barcodes. In essence, the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes is the information they carry.

1D Barcodes

1D barcodes are an older form of technology and one that is more commonly used. 1D barcodes are mostly found on consumer goods. The barcode, as you can see from the image above, encodes information in linear variable-width lines. It carries numerical information such as a product number.

The information it carries is limited and is only useful when the numerical information is tagged along with information from a database. For example, the scan gives you a number of ‘A1234567890A’ and your database showcases the product’s name, manufacturer, price and more.

Some great examples of scanners for 1D barcodes are the Microscan QX 830 series and QX-870 series to read 1D barcodes.

2D Barcodes

2D barcodes are an update to the older 1D barcode technology. A 2D barcode utilizes patterns such as squares, hexagons and dots to encode information. A 2D barcode contains more information than just a numerical information. 2D barcodes can contain names, addresses, phone numbers, images, website URLs and more. Additionally, 2D barcodes are more durable and can be read even if a part is damaged.

To read 2D barcodes, a scanner like ones from Microscan’s MicroHawk Series or MiniHawk Series scanners are recommended

Which do you Pick?

While 2D barcodes may be an updated technology of 1D, they aren’t necessarily better. Between 1D and 2D barcodes, the one you pick depends on your requirement. In most cases, 1D is sufficient for most businesses. 2D barcodes would be required if your business does not have a database system that coordinates with the 1D barcode – however, this is quite unlikely.

2D barcodes have found widespread application with consumers in the general public who can scan the code and quickly access all information on the product, straight from their smartphones.

Jet Marking can assist you in selecting the right barcode printers such as Zebra ZT400, Zebra XI series, Sato CLNX series and S84 EX series. We also offer a range of barcode scanners for your business. Finally, if you require professional consultation to choose the right type of barcode, Jet Marking can help.

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