Generate barcode versus buying a barcode
Barcoding generating software creates a barcode from a string of digits and/or characters, but does not track the global database of all issued barcode numbers. You purchase a barcode from a trustworthy barcode company in order to acquire an authentic, never-been-used barcode number. This ensures that different products in stores do not have duplicate barcode numbers. Since your company and product details are stored in a database that is maintained by the barcode company you choose, its important you receive a Certificate of GTIN Ownership proving you indeed have the rights to that number.
“I’m curious and need you to kindly clarify this for me. I discovered that it is possible to generate barcodes online free of charge. What makes your service different from the free barcode I can get online. Thank you”
Occasionally we get messages from our customers asking about the role of barcode generating software and why they need to pay for a service that they can get for “free” elsewhere. This in-depth article covers the key components of the differences between generating a barcode, purchasing a barcode and/or registering a barcode and when you may need to use each of those services.
Barcode generation
Lets begin with what generating a barcode means, then we can clarify how it differs from buying or registering a barcode.
In its simplest terms “generating a barcode” means representing a piece of information as an image that contains bars and lines. Since numbers and letters can be written in a multitude of ways, several decades ago, trying to program a computer to understand tiny variations in writing styles would be costly, time consuming and almost impossible. For example, if we had to write the numbers 1-2-3 in different fonts, we are able to interpret those symbols “1”, “2” or “3” as numbers quite easily. But a computer would only “see” collections of black and white pixels (the information of which is being transmitted in binary sequence – more on this later).
While we can quickly read the numbers 1-2-3 correctly no matter what font is used, a scanner would detect different patterns. In order for computers to read information correctly, the values have to be standardised into data that can be read consistently by a scanning device. This system would need to be adopted world-wide in order to be accepted and implemented by stores and supply chains everywhere. This problem was resolved by a man named Bernard Silver, with the introduction of the barcode.
By transforming the numbers into a barcode the scanning device would detect the same pattern and thus output the same numbers as written initially. For retail product barcodes, they hold either a 12-digit or 13-digit number (UPC-A or EAN-13 format). Scanning a barcode at a store will return the barcode number associated with it, but do not contain product information or prices. Instead, the owner or store manager inputs that data into the inventory system manually. The scanner reads the barcode number and the computer matches that number with the number in the inventory database, which contains the product and price information.
How does a number get converted into a barcode image?
Each number from 0 to 9 is re-written as a binary sequence (comprised of zeroes, 0s and ones, 1s). To help tell the scanner which position the numbers must be placed i.e. which direction the barcode must be read, each number has two possible binary digit forms, depending on which side the number appears. Guard rails in the barcode image also assist the barcode scanner to detect starting, middle and end points in the number. These guard rails are represented by the binary sequence 101 and 10101.
For the binary digit “1”, a complete bar is drawn. For the binary digit “0” a space is created. Repeating the process for all numbers and including the Guard Rails, we build an entire barcode from a series of numbers.
This system of reproducing numbers as barcodes was called the Universal Product Code, UPC – a 12-digit number, which was later adapted for global use by adding a third digit, now called the European Article Number, EAN-13. The system was regulated by the Universal Code Council, UCC which later was restructured to become what is now known as GS1.
The barcode number database
Barcode generating software requires you to input an authentic, never-been-used barcode number. So the question then becomes, how do you know the number you are using is a valid number issued to your product only and not already in circulation? This is where we come in…
Our company, along with other companies and GS1, maintain a database of all barcode numbers issued world-wide. This ensures there are no duplicate barcodes on products, and goods are issued with the correct barcode for their type and region.
So why does barcode generating software exist in the first place? Well GS1 charge extra for creating the barcode images (black and white bars and lines) while we include it in a once off price. Some barcodes also need to be re-sized or re-designed (e.g. colours, dimensions or artwork) so barcode generating software also comes in handy. There is also free barcode generating software for certain barcode types that do not need to maintained in a database – e.g. internal employee barcode tags can be created within the company and not need a third party to assist them.
Barcode generating software comes in handy when you already have an authentic, unique barcode number for your product, but don’t have the barcode image or artwork (black and white bars and lines) to go with it. GS1 does not issue the barcode numbers with the barcode images , they leave it up to you to create them yourself. This can be a nuisance for first time users or non-tech savvy customers. For those wanting to save time and money, a reputable reseller might be your best option.
Summary of the key differences between generating a barcode or buying a barcode
Firstly, its clear that barcode generator software fulfilled the need for creating the barcode template, since GS1 doesn’t provide the templates themselves. Instead, they are only acquired as an optional extra which you have to request separately during the registration process. If you already have an authentic, unique barcode number and only need the image created, then consider getting the software bundle for creating barcodes. If you have a new product, or new variations of a product, they will need a barcode number that is assigned specifically to that product, so that there exists no duplicates in the market. In that case, you must approach GS1 or a reputable barcode re-seller to purchase the barocde number(s).
Lite Barcodes includes both barcodes numbers and barcode images in the all-in-one barcode package, so you have everything you need to barcode your product. View our Buy Barcode page with pricing table.
