2D symbols today

Question – How can 2D technology help me?

Answer – I have mentioned before that virtually all companies use barcodes today. While many are still using traditional linear barcodes, they are realizing that linear codes are quite inefficient in the way that they use space. A typical linear barcode is approx. 1.2 inch tall and can be 3-5 inches long to encode only 10-15 characters. This uses up valuable document space.

2D barcodes on the other hand can encode 200-300 characters and still only take approx. ½ inch square for the symbol. The data encoded can then be printed or stored as a portable database. We have seen companies use 2D barcodes to track misprints on documents, control document integrity from production to print, track documents and control finishing equipment.

There are many different 2D codes available to companies today. In some cases the use is dictated by an industry requirement such as the transportation industry’s use of PDF417 for labeling, and some states requirement of PDF417 codes on license permits and insurance ID cards.

One extremely important initiative in document security involves the use of digital signature technology for document integrity and security. Watch for an article coming up in this newsletter about how COPI has integrated digital signatures into 2D codes for an exciting option for users to add protection and authentication to their sensitive and private documents.

You can read more about 2D symbologies by reading my archives by pressing here.

For more information on the exciting technology, please call Fraser Ross at 888-999-COPI ext ‘FR’.

About Fraser Ross:

Fraser Ross, director of COPI's Custom Print Resources Group, is an internationally recognized expert in fonts for high volume computer output. If you have a question for Fraser Ross in his "Ask the Expert" column, e-mail us and we'll publish your question and Fraser's answer and expert advice in an upcoming issue of HVCO News. E-mail fr@888999copi.com