A barcode is a machine-readable optical label that represents data as bars and spaces that can be rapidly scanned. Barcodes are commonly used to identify retail, industrial and healthcare products, inventory assets, documents and more by assigning a unique ID.
Popular Barcode Types
There are various major barcode symbologies, including:
- UPC (Universal Product Code) - Commonly used for retail consumer packaged goods
- EAN (International Article Number) - Variant of UPC with a global standard
- Code 128 - Flexible 1D format encoding alphanumeric data
- Code 39 - Printable alphanumeric 1D type for logistics and manufacturing
- QR Code - 2D style with large storage capacity and fast scans
- Data Matrix - Compact 2D matrix system with error correction abilities
- PDF417 - Stacked 1D layout with high data density
Barcode labels are read by optical scanners and barcode readers to input captured data into business systems. This enables tracking products, parts, materials, equipment and more across facilities and supply chains.
HESH Leverages Barcodes for Automation and Connectivity
The HESH manufacturing platform utilizes barcodes to synchronize important data across platforms for greater systems connectivity. Scanning product tags, parts containers, and asset labels allows capturing IDs to link inventory, ERP, production schedules, quality records and more.
Operators can use mobile devices to scan barcodes during assembly, quality checks, maintenance etc. to log activities. This facilitates searching histories or tracing lifecycles digitally.
HESH also features flexible barcode generation integrated into the system, removing the need for dedicated label design software. With integrated creation capabilities, manufacturers can easily produce barcode labels on-demand.
By leveraging barcodes and connecting information enterprise-wide via HESH, manufacturers increase efficiency, accuracy and insights for optimized decision making. HESH harmonizes barcode usage across production environments to maximize benefits.
