The first one-dimensional barcode was scanned in 1974 at a Marsh Supermarket in Ohio, America, and placed on the first-ever barcoded retail product. Since then, barcode technology and use of barcodes has gone well beyond the first scan.
Now more complicated types of barcodes have been created. Nowadays, two-dimensional codes have become very popular in our modern society. Codes have spread to every industry sector and appear in places where they are not expected at all.
We can now use codes in many different, innovative ways to make our lives easier and more efficient.
Types of barcodes
There are two main types of barcodes. Barcodes started out as very simple one-dimensional codes. These consisted of a rectangular image with black lines against a white background.
The most popular of these simple codes are the UPC and EAN-13 codes. The former originates from and is mostly used in the US, and the latter is mostly used elsewhere in the world. They are used in retail to control inventory from the time the products are received to the time they are sold to the final consumer. They have made the shopping process a lot smoother and more efficient, saving both time and money.
Other one-dimensional codes are the ITF-14 codes, which are only used when you need to deliver products in bulk. In addition, you also receive the EAN-8 codes. This code is simply a shorter version of the EAN-13 code. It is mainly used for small products such as pens or brushes.
Barcode technology has advanced tremendously since 1974 and today we get the more complex, two-dimensional codes. These are square images with black shapes against a white background. What is important to note about these codes is that they can store information such as a website address and they can be scanned by a smartphone. They are becoming more and more popular in the world today.
The most common two-dimensional code is the Quick Response (QR) code. This QR code has led to the development of various payment applications such as Snapscan and Zapper. QR codes are also used in business marketing.
Barcodes in hospitals
Barcodes are now used in hospitals around the world. They ensure that the entire care process from admission to discharge runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Upon admission, a patient receives a wristband with a QR code on it. When this code is scanned, the healthcare provider is matched with all the information they need to know about this particular patient, including the patient’s medical condition, dietary requirements, contact information, and medication. This helps improve communication between medical staff and ensure that the patient receives top quality care.
Codes are also used to control the dispensing of medicines and the donation of blood in the blood bank. In this way, codes are used to save lives and improve our overall health and well-being by making sure no mistakes are made.
photo credit: Thieu Quân Võ Vũ / Pexels
Barcodes in Tourism
Barcodes are used to market tourist destinations and events such as concerts and festivals. QR codes are used on the tickets to control access to concerts.
In addition, QR codes are used to give visitors all the information they need about the specific tourist destination they want to visit. All the visitor has to do is scan the QR code at the entrance and they will be connected with maps of the area, restaurants or other shops available, the local fauna or flora and fauna. This helps visitors to get the most out of the tourist attraction.
Barcodes in conservation
Another innovative way to use codes is in the conservation sector. Exceptionally small codes are used to track bees and discover as much information as possible to maintain their existence. If the bees die, so will humanity.
Codes are also used to monitor and manage sustainable forestry practices and ensure our forests remain intact for generations to come.
Barcodes in Recycling
Barcodes are also used to encourage people to recycle. In some countries, a QR code is placed on the trash can. When the recycling service picks up the trash, they scan the code, which automatically adds points to the customer’s account. These points can then be redeemed as store vouchers or coupons.
Barcodes in Shopping apps
QR codes are used in various shopping apps. The way it works is you download these apps on your smartphone and then scan the product key to find all the information you need to know about this particular product. Information that specific apps will provide includes nutritional ingredients, calories, potential allergens, ethical aspects of the product and price comparisons between different stores.
These applications help consumers make fully informed decisions about which products to buy and where to buy them. Applications that use codes include Fooducate, Myfitnesspal app, Shopsavvy, GoodGuide and Social Impact.
Barcodes in gaming
Barcodes are used as inspiration in various video games. Two of the most popular barcode games are Scannerz and Barcode Beasties. In these games, gamers scan codes to create monsters that fight against each other.
Shtrikh Kod Building – photo credit: Web Urbanist
Barcodes in design
Barcodes have even entered the realm of interior design and architecture. Buildings are designed around the images of codes. The most famous example is the Shtrikh Kod Building in St. Petersburg, Russia, which was built in 2007. Interior designers use codes as inspiration for creating minimalist designs for homes. Even furniture is designed using the stark black and white lines.
Barcodes have also made their way into the beauty industry. In this modern age it is now possible to have a manicure or pedicure with the clean black lines of codes. Barcode tattoos are also becoming more and more popular.
Barcodes have crept into every sector of our lives. They have improved the quality of our lives and have inspired many business innovations. Buying barcodes is very excited to be a part of this ever-changing world of barcodes. Buy Barcodes is an official barcode supplier targeting local South African businesses of all sizes. Contact them today and take care of all your company’s barcode needs!
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