Barcode Testing
Make sure your barcode scans first time, every time
If your product or item is designed to merge with the supply chains of major suppliers or distributors, it is imperative that your barcode scans first time, every time.
GS1 Australia's Barcode Testing service reports on the likely scanning performance of barcodes and how closely they conform to specifications.
Save time, save money
The fundamental reason for submitting products for Barcode Testing is to save time, save money and build stronger, more profitable relationships with trading partners.
Major retailers are increasingly intolerant of products that cause scanning errors. Indeed, many retailers make it a mandatory requirement for all items to be submitted to our testing service before they will range them. Barcodes that don't scan properly render all the time and money invested in scanning and supply chain systems utterly wasted. They can also prove very expensive in terms of packaging re design and rejected product.
Testing a barcode
Products submitted for testing should be presented in their 'final retail form' together with loose labels or unformed packaging. We test the barcode for compliance to the GS1 standards through a testing process based on the ISO 15416 verification (testing) method. This method assesses size, colour, print quality and quiet zones (light margins). We also assess bar height and location/placement of the barcode. The barcode is also checked to ensure the right GS1 number and a correctly calculated Check Digit have been applied.
A GS1 Australia Bar Code Verification Report is issued at the completion of testing. This indicates the compliance of your barcode and, if necessary, suggests where you may need to make changes to meet GS1 and industry specifications. For further information on a GS1 Australia Bar Code Verification Report please contact the GS1 Australia Testing Services on 1300 366 033 or email technical@gs1au.org
View more information on ISO verification (testing).
GS1 Australia also provides a Product Imaging service.
Downloads
Barcode Testing request form
Download Barcode Testing Request form
[format: doc - date: July 2011 - size: 717KB]
Barcode Verification Reports - Testing Service brochure
download [format: pdf - date: December 2009 - size: 566kb]
More information
Barcode Testing checklist
More information
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Barcode Testing
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