A barcode grade is used to determine whether a code will scan easily. A barcode grader also known as a barcode verifier will look at a number of different factors or parameters.
The ANSI grades are on an A to F scale. These factors are graded in 10 individual cross-sections of the code, with the overall grade being a guide to th
e readability of a symbol.
Webscan verifiers show detailed results for each scan cross-section, allowing you to trace the computation of the final barcode grading back to the individual parameters of each scan.
For example, a code might grade well in 8 of 9 parameters – a B grade. But if one area consistently grades as F, then the overall grade will reflect the worst case parameter of F.
The results for each of the 10 scans is averaged together to arrive at the overall barcode grade, so if 5 scans get A grades and 5 scans get F grades, the overall result will average to a C grade.
Barcode Grader – How They Help You
If your business produces any type of barcode on any type of product, the right barcode verifier will save you time and give you confidence in your barcoded product. The only way you can be sure your codes meet industry standards and are printing and scanning successfully is to use a barcode verifier or as some call it a barcode checker, that conforms to industry standards. Webscan’s barcode verification software and high-quality optics combine to produce the best solutions for barcode grading available anywhere.
Benefits
- Reduce product returns
- Reduce packaging waste and expenses
- Saving time by avoiding costly reprints and/or re-shipments
- Guarantee compliance with contract and industry requirements
What should I do if my codes receive failing grades?
When verification software reports that the symbol failed, the user can view a full 
detailed report. Each of the 10 individual scans results will be displayed and graded on each parameter. From here you can analyze on which parameters the barcode failed, and how to fix the problem for subsequent print runs.
Refer to ANSI/ISO Quality Parameters for a complete understanding of the cause of low grades for each parameter. Based on the particular parameter that caused the failure, you can adjust your production process to improve that characteristic of the code. For more information please visit our FAQ page.
Barcode Grade Factors –Width, Bleed, etc.
The parameters that a barcode grader measures depend upon the symbology. For example, verifiers for 1D linear barcodes should test nine quality parameters according to ISO/ANSI specification. These are:
1) Edge Determination
2) Minimum Reflectance
3) Symbol Contrast
4) Minimum Edge Contrast
5) Modulation
6) Defects
7) Decode
8 ) Decodability
9) Quiet Zone
For multi-row stacked barcode grading, the process is similar and the parameters are the same, except that these parameters will be measured on each row of the symbol. Furthermore, if the stacked symbol contains error correction (for example PDF 417 but not GS1 DataBar) then Unused Error Correction will be included.
For 2D matrix symbols, several barcode grade parameters are different. These are:
1) Unused Error Correction
2) Fixed (Finder) Pattern Damage
3) Grid Non-Uniformity
4) Axial Non-Uniformity
The barcode grader parameters for symbol contrast and modulation are similar to the same parameters for 1D linear codes, except that the computation of the modulation grade is different in that it takes into account the availability of error correction in the 2D symbol.
Why Webscan?
Since 1995, Webscan has been the technology leader in barcode verification, recognized industry-wide as the gold standard. You’ll receive the most accurate results every time with our proprietary high-resolution imaging and precision algorithms. With more than a dozen barcode verifiers to choose from, we have the right verifier to fit your needs. Webscan makes linear 1D, 2D and DPM barcode verifiers. To serve you best, we continue to innovate, recognized with numerous patents and patents pending. These patents cover proprietary innovations including high-speed verification, scanning calibration, code alignment indications, automated laser scanning, and more.
We do all of our engineering, manufacturing and testing in-house, at our headquarters in Longmont, Colorado to give you the highest quality. Webscan barcode verifiers are benefiting customers like you worldwide, including North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Our products can check virtually any kind of barcode, used as a data matrix verifier, QR code verifier, UID verifier, UPC verifier and more.
We do all this so that you can do barcode verification right, without struggling to achieve accuracy and have repeatable results that you can trust.
Webscan: Easy, Accurate, Trusted.