The Highly Convenient 2D Code System
| Having trouble with 1D barcodes? | Let the 2D code system provide a solution. | |
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| I want to manage codes for electronic parts with small-space marking, but it’s impossible with 1D barcodes. | The 2D code system can mark very small spaces, giving you more freedom in your code management. | |
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| When using 1D barcodes, there is not enough space on electronic parts, high-density mounting boards and small parts for marking, thus compromising your ability to create an effective management system. | 2D codes can be printed in very compact spaces, which means they afford greater flexibility in the individual manufacture, stock control and sales record management of electronic and other small parts, and production control of high-density mounting boards. | |
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| I have a lot more data I want to incorporate into my codes, but this means overly large labels and data entry hassles. | The 2D code system lets you add data without having to revise your labels, and data entry can be done with a single scan. | |
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| When using 1D barcodes, the more data you want to include, the larger the space you need for code marking and the larger the label becomes. And using multi-level codes involves a lot more data entry hassle. | With 2D codes, increasing the volume of data entered can be done with your existing printed labels, and all it takes to enter data is a single scan. No wonder the 2D code system is so popular in the workplace. | |
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| 1D barcodes have poor printing precision, and even the slightest soiling means they can’t be read properly. | 2D codes have remarkable error recovery capabilities, so that a slightly imperfect print or soiled code can be accurately scanned and read as long as it is within the recoverable range. | |
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| Because 1D barcode data is read by combining wide and narrow bars and spaces, this system is very sensitive to printing precision. Also, because there is no error recovery function, slight printing imperfections or soiling can often render a 1D barcode unreadable. | The 2D codes we use at Toray Engineering incorporate the Reed-Solomon error recovery technology used in digital telecommunication and other industries; it has a high tolerance for printed characters because it simply makes a decision—0 or 1—based on whether data cells are detected or not. | |
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| I would rather mark codes directly onto my products than stick labels on them, but this makes 1D barcodes harder to read. | The 2D code system makes it possible to administer codes through direct marking, and the reading system is designed to handle a range of marked materials and usages. | |
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| When managing codes for electronic, ceramic and metal parts, and medical apparatuses, sticking labels to the products is impractical, so it is best for codes to be directly marked onto the items with a laser or similar. With this method, however, 1D barcode reading accuracy decreases. | With 2D codes, you can use lasers and other such means to put codes directly onto electronic, ceramic and metal parts (e.g., aluminum and stainless steel), as well as medical apparatuses. Also, because the reading system is designed to handle a range of marked materials and usages, you have the leeway to choose the system that best suits your needs. | |
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| I want to build a system that matches products and data without overly relying on a database, but this seems to be beyond the capabilities of 1D barcodes. | The 2D code system is less reliant on databases, and allows close matching of goods and data. | |
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| A 1D barcode is just an ID code used for looking up information in a database, so this system requires an access network and constant database updating. Needless to say, there are considerable set-up and maintenance costs. | |
With 2D codes, you can enter information in any of the Japanese characters, full ASCII—any way you want. That means you do not need to access a database to look up data, which eliminates the need for access networks and updating databases and keeps introductory and administrative costs to a minimum. |