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Frequently Asked barcoding
Questions......
Answers to the questions that we are asked repeatedly on
a day to day basis, plus some of the more complex queries that are raised
by Printers and Producers.
Q: My customer requires
me to barcode my product. What do I have to do ?
A: To be able to originate your own EAN barcodes you
first have to register with GS1 UK (the issuing authority for EAN
numbers within the UK). They are very helpful and understand that
you may not know very much about barcoding. Contact details on: www.gs1uk.org
Q : I am publishing my
own book and need a barcode !
A: The
barcode required for books is the 'Bookland EAN format' of the ISBN
(International Standard Book Number). The 'UK International Standard Book Numbering
Agency' Ltd is the National ISBN Agency for the UK and the Republic of
Ireland. It is responsible for assigning ISBN Publisher Prefixes to
publishers based in the UK and Northern Ireland, they are a very helpful
and understanding agency. Contact details: www.nbdrs.com/isbn_agency.htm
Q: How do I get a
barcode for my magazine ?
A: The barcode
displayed on a magazine or periodical is derived from the 'International
Standard Serial Number' (ISSN), which is a seven digit number, preceded by the figure 977 (to indicate a serial publication), these are then
followed by two further digits (called the 'Sequence Variant') which
indicate whether there has been a price change since the last issue. There
is then one final digit which is a 'check digit'. This combination of data
forms a 13 digit number, or EAN 13, which is the normal retail product
code within the UK.
ISSN numbers are issued in the UK by the 'British Library' this
link will
take you to the British Library Website) and can be reached
on;
Tel: 01937 546 959
Fax: 01937 546
562
email: issn-uk@bl.uk
There is also an excellent
website administered by the 'Periodical Publishers Association'(ppa) which informs and advises on all other aspect of
periodical publishing. Follow the Link and select 'About PPA' from the menu.
Q: How do I get my
barcode number?
A: The bulk of the retail
market in the UK uses three basic barcode versions, depending on the type
of product. Most 'high street' goods will display an EAN-8 or EAN-13 code,
books will display an ISBN and magazines an ISSN
Each of these codes
are issued by a separate agency;
EAN-13 & EAN-8 are issued by the
GS1 UK, telephone 020 7655 9001
ISSN
codes are issued by the British Library, telephone 01937 546
959
ISBN codes are issued by UK International Standard Book Numbering Agency Ltd,
telephone +44 (0)870 777 8712
Q: What is the standard
size for a barcode ?
A: Barcodes in the
retail sector are commonly measured in terms of their magnification factor
based on a starting point of 100%. The major retailers prefer to have
ITF-14 codes at a minimum of 100% and EAN-13 codes at 90% - 95 %.
There is some variation between the requirements of various retailers and
their advice should always be sought.
Q: What is a 'Light
Margin' ?
A: 'Light Margin' is the clear
area or quiet zone which must surround a barcode symbol. These can be
indicated in EAN-8 and EAN-13 barcodes by the 'less than' (<) and
'greater than' (>) marks , usually printed in line with the ocr numbers
representing the human readable digits.
Q: Can barcodes be
printed on coloured labels ?
A: There are
a number of combinations of colours that can be used to represent the dark
bars and light background of a barcode symbol.
As a general guide to
the selection of colours, it is the
'blue', 'green' and 'cyan' content of a colour that yields the dark tone
when viewed under a red scanning beam. It is 'red', 'magenta' and 'yellow'
that correspond to the light tone.
Before printing any barcodes in, or
on, colours it would be advisable to contact Axicon Labels on 01869 350
442 so that a test can be carried out, on your behalf, for colour compatibility.
Q: Is it possible to
have sequential barcodes ?
A: The simple
answer is 'yes' and it is a product that Axicon Labels specialises in. It
is usual for the code types to be 'Code-39' or 'Code-128', both are codes
that do not have to be registered with any authority.
Q: Is it possible to
check the barcodes that I am printing for 'scannability'?
A: Not only is it possible but it would be very unwise to
produce barcodes without carrying out 'verification' checks. In this way
it can be confirmed that the code has the ability to be 'scanned' and that
it 'decodes' correctly.
Verification checks
are carried out on all Axicon Label orders prior to dispatch and during
production.
For more information on verification, and the equipment to
carry out the checks, please just click on this verification link
Q: Do I need specialised
artwork to print barcodes by flexographic or other conventional printing
methods?
A: Selecting the correct
form of 'artwork' for barcodes is not as simple as it may at first appear.
There are many aspects that must be taken into consideration; Print method
(e.g. Flexographic, Offset Litho, Letterpress), method of plate
production, print quality and resolution etc..
The 'Imaging' Department
of Axicon Auto ID will recognise, and are familiar with, every correct
course of action and will advise and support you until the query is
resolved.
Telephone: 01869 351 166
Fax:
01869 351 205
email; masters@axicon.com
Q: Where can I obtain
the 'Film, Bromide or Digital Artwork' for printing barcodes?
A: Axicon Auto ID is a
leading, and possibly the most respected, supplier of film and digital
barcode artwork in Britain. They operate an almost 100% 'same day service'
and the friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help with
any questions you may have.
Address: Village Farm, Church
Road, Weston-on-the-Green, Oxfordshire. OX25 3QP
Telephone:
01869 351 166
Fax: 01869 351
205
email: mailto:masters@axicon.com.
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