Barcode Grader And Barcode Grading: Things You Should Know

How can you check if your printed barcode will scan anywhere if you need to be certain? 

A barcode grader enables you to rate each barcode's quality, as opposed to a scanner, which can only tell you whether it can be read by that specific scanner.

Keep reading to find out more about barcode grading and barcode grader.

What is a barcode grader?

What Is A Barcode Grader?

A barcode's scannability can be assessed using its grade. 

A barcode grader, sometimes referred to as a barcode verifier, will evaluate numerous variables or criteria.

An A–F scale is used for the ANSI grades. 

A symbol's overall grade serves as a pointer to the readability of a symbol. These factors are rated in 10 different cross-sections of the code.

You may follow the computation of the final barcode grading back to the specific parameters of each scan using the detailed data provided by webscan verifiers for each scan cross-section.

For instance, a code may receive a B grade if it scores well in 8 out of 9 parameters. 

However, the overall grade will reflect the worst-case scenario of a F if one section continuously receives an F.

The overall barcode grade is calculated by averaging the results from all 10 scans.

Thus if 5 scans receive A grades and 5 scans receive F grades, the total grade will average out to a C.

A barcode grader

Why Should You Use A Barcode Grader?

The correct barcode verifier will save you time and give you trust in your barcoded goods if your company manufactures any form of barcode on any type of product. 

Using a barcode validator, or barcode checker as some prefer to call it, that complies with industry standards, is the only method to ensure that your codes are compliant with regulations and are successfully printing and scanning. 

The greatest barcode grading solutions are made possible by Webscan's barcode verification software and premium optics.

It helps:

• Decrease product returns

• Lessen packing waste and costs

• Save time by preventing expensive reprints and/or reships

• Ensure that the requirements of the contract and the industry are met.

Barcode tester

How Does Barcode Grading Work?

Since the initial American and European standards, ANSI X3.182 and EN 1635, were originally published in 1990 and 1995, respectively, international standards have been developed for measuring and rating the printed quality of barcodes. 

The most recent ISO/IEC standards outline the procedures necessary for both traditional linear barcodes and two-dimensional barcodes.

Seven different characteristics of the barcode will be measured by a linear barcode verifier are:

A barcode's total grade, which ranges from 4.0 to 0, is determined by the results of this testing. 

4.0 is the best score, 1.5 is considered a pass for most barcodes, 0.5 is acceptable for outer case barcodes printed on brown corrugated paper, and 0 indicates a failure. 

A pass grade of 1.5 or C is frequently necessary because the American ANSI standard was designed using an alphabetic grading system that runs from A to D, then F.

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Barcode Grading Parameters

The symbology affects the characteristics that a barcode grader measures. 

For instance, according to ISO/ANSI regulation, verifiers for 1D linear barcodes should verify 9 quality parameters. 

Barcode grading criteria

Similar steps and criteria apply to multi-row stacked barcode grading, with the exception that the criteria will be assessed for each row of the symbol.

Additionally, Unused Error Correction will be present if the stacked symbol contains error correction.

Several barcode grade characteristics are different for 2D matrix symbols. 

2D Barcode

The barcode grader's parameters for modulation and contrast of symbols are comparable to those for 1D linear codes. 

Except that the modulation grade computation differs in that it considers the presence of error correction in the 2D symbol.

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What To Do If You Receive Failing Grades?

The user can view a complete detailed report if the verification software indicates that the symbol failed. 

The findings of each of the 10 separate scans will be shown, and each parameter will receive a grade. 

Here, you can examine the parameters where the barcode failed and determine how to correct the issue for upcoming print runs.

For a thorough understanding of the reasons for low grades for each criteria, consult the ANSI/ISO Quality Parameters. 

You can modify your production process to enhance that feature of the code depending on the specific parameter that led to the failure. 

What to do if you receive failing grades?