Barcode Readers Vs. Verifiers

The verification process differs from barcode reading in several important ways

While barcode readers are designed to read codes, a barcode verifier ensures that codes are marked correctly and meet an industry’s—rather than an individual producer’s—quality threshold. Compared to barcode readers, barcode verifiers are a superior measure of symbol readability because they normalize the range of performance among various types of readers, from camera and laser to handheld and fixed-mount.

While a barcode reader is designed specifically to read codes, a barcode verifier:

Ensures data is formatted correctly
Confirms barcodes can be read by all scanners
Pinpoints the reason(s) why a barcode will not scan
Prints reports listing barcode grades to certify they meet industry standards

Analyzes Industry Standard Parameters

A verifier takes more time to analyze a code and generates more data than a reader, which only reveals the data within a code. Verifiers analyze and report on formal parameters based on international standards. These parameters measure a number of factors that affect barcode readers’ abilities to identify and decode a code. Verifiers test different parameters for 1-D, 2-D, and direct part mark (DPM) codes based on a governing standard, such as an ISO international standard.

Identifies Printing and Marking Problems

Unlike barcode readers, verifiers also pinpoint the reason(s) why a barcode will not scan, revealing where the barcode is deficient so the producer can take corrective action. Printed reports listing barcode grades help certify that codes meet industry standards.