Does your barcode scan? Test it with an IntelliScanner Pro

How do you know the barcodes you produce can be scanned without problems? Except for verification with a specialized barcode scanner, you can only find out by scanning to see what turns up. Barcode Producer has a built-in checking system that is not intended to be a replacement for an ISO-certified verification device but gives you a fairly good idea of your barcode’s all-round scanner readability. The verification feature works with the IntelliScanner Pro, a USB barcode scanner that sends back the barcode data to Barcode Producer to verify the value.

Note that none of the scanners you buy to just scan barcodes will tell you whether your barcode image is ISO compliant. Every scanner has features built-in that are designed to optimize the scanning process — there are scanners out there that will even scan damaged barcodes — which overshoots your verification aim.

However, by scanning from within Barcode Producer with an IntelliScanner Pro — an inexpensive but capable handheld scanner available on Amazon — you can make sure a barcode reads well under most circumstances.

To have the best chances of success, consider these steps when printing barcodes:

• Clean printer heads thoroughly at regular intervals.
• Read the information on color and transparency.
• Read the information on bar width, margin and borders, check this article on adjusting your barcode’s bar width and this article on light margins, and review if you’ve followed the instructions in those articles.
• Remember that a small barcode height reduces readability.
• Put a label on squarely since it is often read by a fixed scanner which only emits a horizontal beam.
• Take care to apply the label so that there are no folds. A fold in the label can make it impossible to read.Check-scan the barcode with each design step — this makes it easier to fix it when a problem occurs.Barcode Producer’s testing feature is found in the Advanced > IntelliScanner Barcode Tester menu.