Bar Code Symbologies - Intermec CK60 User Manual

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Bar Code Symbologies

This appendix contains a brief explanation of some of the bar code symbol-
ogies that the CK60 Handheld Computer decodes and explains some of the
general characteristics and uses of these bar code types.
The CK60 Computer recognizes a number of the most widely used bar
code symbologies. With bar code symbologies, like languages, there are
many different types. A bar code symbology provides the required flexibil-
ity for a particular inventory tracking system.
A symbology may be for particular industries, such as food and beverage,
automotive, railroad, or aircraft. Some of these industries have established
their own bar code symbology because other symbologies did not meet
their needs.
Without going into great detail on the bar code structure, note that no two
products use the same bar code. Each product gets a unique bar code.
Industries that use a particular type of bar code symbology have formed
regulating committees or are members of national institutes that issue and
keep track of bar codes. This ensures that each organization that contrib-
utes to a particular industry conforms to its standard. Without some form
of governing body, bar coding would not work.
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