Recommended barcode type?

Question

This is a question for people with a good experience with barcodes.

The FastReport report generator supports the following barcode standards:

• Code 2_5

• 39, 39 Extended

• 93, 93 Extended

• Codabar

• 128A, 128B, 128C

• EAN128A, 128B, 128C

• EAN 13

• EAN 8

• MSI

• PostNet

• UPC A, E0, E1, Supp2

Since the solution is meant for small shops, I need to print labels and then read their barcode using entry-level tools (Brother QL-570 label printer, and ANL-810 scanner bought off eBay). The labels are 90mm wide and 29mm high. The barcode will only contain digits, as it represents the item's ID in a database.

To reduce reading errors to a minimum, which standard would you use, and, based on your experience, what minimum size should the barcode be?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Use Code 128. It supports all ASCII symbols and has a good data density.

There is no 128_A, B C. Seems they mean the start symbol which selects the initial encoding set. Then 128_C would be the one for only digits. Does your library not support automatic encoding?

If you want to have some robustness and can read 2D codes maybe go for Datamatrix ECC200. That one has a Reed-Solomon ECC inside and can recover from damage. It also has a much higher data density than most (all?) 1D codes.

If you need a system for structuring your information inside the barcode, have a look at GS1. Even if you don't use it you might be able to get some ideas from its concept.

Edit: Data density in Code128 is better than Code39 - since it gets mentioned that often in other replies.