Codes and Coding Technology

A guide to understanding barcode symbology, types of codes, reading and verification equipment and industry standards

Since the 1980s, barcodes and barcode technologies have progressively streamlined and automated processes in retail, commercial and industrial sectors. Every development brought an assortment of printing challenges with it. Much has changed since those early years, yet today, the importance of understanding codes and coding technology is probably greater than ever.

This new barcoding book is an up-to-date guide to understanding current barcode symbology, types of codes, scanning and verification equipment, printing technology, and industry standards.

Including a useful glossary of barcoding terminology, this book is a valuable resource to materials suppliers, printers/converters, and brand owners. It’s an opportunity for new industry entrants and existing employees to update their knowledge and understanding of barcoding technology.

Chapters include:

• An introduction to barcodes and barcoding technology
• The format and structure of a barcode
• Types of barcodes used in the label and packaging industries
• Barcode selection
• Barcode reading, scanning and data processing
• Verification of barcodes
• Barcode printing requirements and technology
• Industry standards for barcodes

Michael Fairley has been writing and speaking about label and packaging materials, technology and applications since the 1970s, both as the founder of Labels & Labeling and other print industry magazine titles and as an international consultant writing label industry market and technology research reports for the likes of Frost & Sullivan, Economist Intelligence Unit, Pira, InfoTrends and Labels & Labelling Consultancy. He has written or contributed to over 20 technical books, including five international encyclopedias, as well as a number of historical research/biography titles. He has worked at senior management and director level in research, education, printing and publishing and currently works as a consultant to Tarsus Exhibitions & Publishing - which organizes the global Labelexpo shows, Label Summits and publishes Labels & Labeling magazine - as well as regularly speaking at industry conferences and seminars. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Package / Packaging Society, Fellow of IP3, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers, an Honorary Life Member of FINAT and a Licentiate of the City & Guilds of London Institute. He was awarded the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.