Barcode standards

Globally there are a wide variety of barcode standards to choose from

Dayvid Lorbiecke avatar
Written by Dayvid Lorbiecke
Updated this week

Globally, there are is no set standard for barcodes, but rather a wide variety to choose.

These are examples of the most commonly used 1D (1-dimensional with linear bars) barcodes:

  • EAN-8;EAN-13;EAN-39

  • UPC-A; UPC-E

  • GS1-128; Code -128

1D linear barcodes are the most efficient way to track inventory as they represent a simple sequence of symbols which refer to a certain item. They don't have to carry a lot of information, because the database has all the information about the item available.

The most commonly used 2D (2-dimensional) barcodes:

  • QR code; Data Matrix code.

2D barcodes are most commonly used when more information is needed with the code e.g. direct the user to a URL or share a contact card.

Note: Barcode is a machine-readable way of presenting symbols - e.g. numbers or letters.

How barcode standards relate Katana

Scanning:

Once a scanner is compatible with the barcode and configured as described in the Hardware for scanning article there is no difference which barcode is scanned as scanning a barcode always translates the image to symbols that can be matched to items in Katana.

Printing barcodes on physical labels:

Barcodes generated or entered in Katana can be printed in any standard supported by the label printing software used for label creation and printing.

Did this answer your question?