University of Mumbai

GNVS Institute of Management

GTB Nagar, Sion-Koliwada(E), Mumbai-400037

Summer Internship Report

A.Y. 2017-18
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of
Masters in Management Studies
(Specialization: Information Technology)
(Topic: Competitive Study of barcode and QR code)

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 Submitted by:

Name: Mursalin Khan

Roll No: 201656

Under the Guidance of

Professor Name: Mohammed Abuzar Ansari

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 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the Summer Internship Report submitted for the MMS
Degree programme at GNVS Institute of Management (Affiliated to University of
Mumbai) is my original work and is conducted in (Company Name: Vision Barcode
Solutions).

Place: Mumbai

Date:

(Mursalin Khan)

Signature of the Student

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 Certificate

This is to certify that the Summer Internship Report is the bonafide internship
work, carried out by Mr. Mohammed Mursalin Khan, student of MMS program, at
GNVS Institute of Management (Affiliated to University of Mumbai) during the
period of May 2017 to June 2017, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
award of the Degree of Master in Management Studies.

Place: Mumbai
Signature of Student
Date:

Signature of Internal Guide Signature of External Examiner

College seal Signature of Director

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to express my gratitude to Hakimuddin Gudiwala from the (company name: Vision Barcode
Solutions) for providing me valuable information and guidance.

I am grateful to GNVS Institute of Management for giving me an opportunity to pursue MMS

programme. I wish to thank Dr. R. K. Singh, Director, GNVS Institute of Management who has been a
perpetual source of inspiration and offered valuable suggestions.

I am indebted to my Guide (Professor; Mohammed Abuzar Ansari), GNVS Institute of Management, for
providing guidance, support, and encouragement throughout my internship Study.

I would like to express my thanks to all people from the (company name: Vision Barcode Solutions) for
their support and guidance from time to time during my internship programme.

Place: Mumbai

Date:

Signature of the student

Mr. Mohammed Mursalin Khan

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 Index

Chapter Topics Page No.

1 About Company Profile 1
1.1 Executive Summary 3
2 Benefits of Barcodes 7
3 HOW BARCODE TECHNOLOGY CAN GIVE BENEFIT TO BUSINESS 10
3.1 Five benefits to using QR Codes for marketing your small
business!
3.2 Business Cards and Dynamic QR codes 11
3.3 When consumers scan the code with their smart phones 12
3.5 QR Codes give you a Competitive Edge 13
4 Objective of Project: 13
4.1 Abstract
5 Research Methodology 14
6 Introduction 15
6.1 Barcode
6.2 Barcode Standard
6.3 Types of barcode
6.5 Products available for printing barcodes
7 QR Code 21
7.1 Types of QR code 24
7.4 Equipments for Barcode and QR Code 25
8 LITERATURE SURVEY 26
9 Analyses 37
10 ATTRIBUTE COMPARISONS BETWEEN QR CODE AND BARCODE 40

11 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 41

12 APPLICATIONS IN LIBRARY 43
13 CONCLUSIONS 48
14 Bibliography 53

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 CHAPTER 1

1 VISION BARCODE SOLUTIONS

1.1 ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Vision Barcode Solutions is a Bar-coding and RFID solutions provider company which has skills
and expertise to facilitate complex business solutions related to barcode as well as RFID. We
offer bar-coding solutions of entire hardware & software from the very beginning until the end.
Our overall process includes concept, design, development, incorporation, and implementation.
We have a squad of experts, who are working on modern technologies and tools with vast
experience to carry out IT & manufacturing industries projects like Warehouse & Inventory
Management, Asset Management System, RFID Garment Tracking System, RFID Time
Tracking System etc.

We also provide System Integration Services for integrating Portable Mobility Solution or any
Hardware with existing ERP like SAP, Oracle or customized ERP. Our client includes IT,
Manufacturing, Pharma, Education & Libraries and Logistics. We are the authorized dealer of
Zebra Products. We dedicated to provide customers with top quality service, fast delivery and the
competitive prices in the market.

1.2 VISION & MISSION

Our vision is to help organizations optimize their operations by truly understanding their needs
followed by customized solutions for them.

Our main aim is to deliver highly quality product and to maintain long lasting relationship with
our clients.

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1.3 TECHNICALLY ADVANCED

1. Zebra Authorized Service Providers (ZASP) Certified Engineers -: Technically Qualified

Engineers for service & support; Trained and Certified by our Principals.

2. Working Transparency -: The Overall single-point management of the Operation/Support

would be done.

3. Complete Solution -: Having in-house Software development, Provides complete solution

from one end which results into better user experience. We are staying on pace with the fast
evolving software development capabilities and uses of multimedia and the Internet.

1.4 FLEXIBILITY

We are custom-build to client specific requirements.

We have proven to be able to react quickly and to adjust to any changes or additions thrown at us
during the course of implementation.

1.5 PRODUCTS

 Barcode Printers
 Desktop Printers
 Industrial Printers
 Mobile Printers
 Id Card Printers

1.6 Mobile Devices

 Windows Terminals
 Android Terminals
 Vehicle Mount Terminals

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1.7 Barcode Scanners
 General Purpose Scanners
 Rugged Scanners
 Fixed Mount Scanners
 Kiosk Scanners

1.8 RFID Readers

 Fixed RFID Readers
 Portable RFID Readers
 RFID Tags

1.9 Wi-Fi Infrastructure

 Wireless Access Point

1.11 Printing Consumables

 Barcode Labels
 Specialty Tags
 Ribbons

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1.12 SOLUTIONS

1.12.1 Software Solutions

 Warehouse Management System

 Asset Tracking System
 Garment Tracking System
 Software Development

Warehouse Management System

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1.13 Technology Solutions

1.13.1 RFID Solutions

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 1.13.2 SAP and Oracle Integration

1.14 SERVICES

1.14.1 BARCODE LABEL PRINTING WITH EXISTING DATA

We provide printing solutions with existing data whether it is in CSV file or Excel file format.

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1.14.2 HARDWARE INTEGRATION WITH SAP, ORACLE AND
OTHER ERP

We integrate all barcode printers to the existing ERP's like SAP, Oracle and MS Sql. So that user
can print barcode labels from their existing application software.

1.14.3 COMPREHENSIVE COVRAGE PACK FOR HARDWARE

With Zebra's Comprehensive Coverage Pack i.e. Zebra OneCare, Zebra provide total
replacement of any zebra products which is damaged. The type of damage will be any kind even
if it broke into two parts; zebra will replace it with new one.

1.14.4 AMC, MAINTENANCE & ONSITE REPAIR PROGRAM

We take AMC for Printers and have Zebra Authorized Service Providers (ZASP) certified
engineers do maintenance in that period. We also provide On-site repairing on call basis.

CHAPTER 2

2 Benefits of Barcodes

2.1 Improve Operational Efficiency

Since barcodes permit faster and more accurate recording of information, work in process can
move quickly and be tracked precisely. Quite a bit of time can be spent tracking down the
location or status of projects, folders, instruments, materials, or anything else that moves within
an organization.

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Barcodes can help you keep better track so you can save time and respond more quickly to
inquiries and changes.

2.2 Save Time

Depending on the application, time savings can be significant. Often the most dramatic examples
involve the beloved chore of taking inventory. One customer needed a crew of 25 employees
working over a weekend to take the 6-month inventory; with barcodes this was reduced to 4
employees and a total of about 5 hours. Even in routine day-to-day operations the time savings of
barcodes add up and improve productivity. Consider a shipment of 10 cartons; it will take
approximately 2 minutes or more to write down product codes and serial numbers compared to
about 10 to 20 seconds to scan the barcodes. In a busy operation this can be a significant saving.

2.3 Reduce Errors

Clerical and data entry errors can be a significant source of costs and related problems: extra
freight costs, unhappy customers, and time spent to track down problems are just a few examples

2.4 Cut Costs

Barcodes are effective tools that can be used to address specific, localized problems or integrated
into organization-wide information systems. When applied with thought and planning they can
save time and reduce errors, resulting in a reduction of costs.

2.5 Benefit from Customer or Regulatory Requirements

Regulatory agencies or your customers may impose labeling requirements that you must meet.
While these requirements may be a necessary part of doing business, you can save time and
money by utilizing the barcodes within your own operations. For example, you can collect
shipping manifest information quickly and accurately by scanning the barcode labels that you
printed to satisfy the customer.

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 CHAPTER 3

3 HOW BARCODE TECHNOLOGY (QR CODE, RFID AND BAR

CODE) CAN GIVE BENEFIT TO BUSINESS

3.1 Five benefits to using QR Codes for marketing your small

business!

 Bridge the gap! QR Codes are a great way to help bridge the gap between print and
online media. You put them on offline print, and they take you to online pages. Say
you’re looking through a magazine and see an advertisement for a web designer.

 At the bottom of the ad there is a QR code that says, “Scan the code to watch a video on
how to make your website attract twice as many visitors!”

 Build community! You can create codes that are linked to your “like” button on your
business’s Facebook page! If people passing by see the code, they don’t have to
remember to go back and “like” you when they get home.

You could be building your following instantly! You can also create discount codes that
are unique to every QR code. “Scan now for a 10% off coupon,” could be a great way to
build your customer base.

 Tractable! Before, it was nearly impossible to measure who was reading your ads in
which magazines or newspapers, but with QR codes, you can track results based on
scans. Interested in finding out whether you get more business from people seeing your
ad in the local paper or the paper from a few towns over? Maybe a QR code is just what
you need.

 Excitement! People want to find out what extra benefits they can get by scanning a code,
almost like a mystery. If you’re advertising food, you could write something like, “scan

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 the QR code for quick and easy recipe ideas!” It’s a free, added benefit to the customer
which they will appreciate.

 Inexpensive! There are free online programs that create basic QR codes for you!
Websites such as http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ or http://www.qrstuff.com/ (if you’re looking
for a more fancy option) are free or cheap and are also great resources for all your QR
needs!

3.3 Business Cards and Dynamic QR codes

A QR code on your standard-sized business card gives you an edge over the small piece of paper
stock real estate, which holds barely a logo, company name, your name, address, assorted phone
numbers, a website URL and two or three social media platform addresses.

Another problem with a printed business card is that it can’t act as a link to your digital material.
The simple addition of a QR code is the key to increase the information you can give to a
potential customer.

 Having several smaller QR codes on your business cards gives the recipient several
options for following you.

Link one to each of your social media accounts for ease of building followers. Have your
video viewers sign up for notices of future videos that will be linked through a recycled
QR code on your card.

 People tend to scan in someone’s card or just throw it away (or lose it).

The addition of a QR code raises the ratio of those who will bookmark your
information/website/video sales pitch on their mobile device.

 A business card is a standard device to exchange contact information. Adding a QR code

turns your tiny card into a marketing agency.

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  By solely having your picture and a QR code on your business card, people will be forced
to scan your business cards (a high ratio of scans happen because of curiosity about the
link).

3.4 When consumers scan the code with their smart phones

Since QR codes need to be printed on something, this is an opportunity for your business to cast
a broad net while keeping your message highly targeted.

You can have QR codes printed in magazines, newspapers, local coupon publications, menus,
business cards, direct mail, fliers, product packaging, signage, etc. When consumers scan the
code with their smart phones, you can direct them to a special feature on your mobile website.
For example:

 Videos (product demos and how-to’s, entertainment, branding, behind-the-scenes looks)

 Opt-in/sweepstakes/subscribe options (a great way to collect consumer information for

further marketing)

 Direct purchasing from the Smartphone

 Store locator

 Coupons

 Recipes

 Make restaurant reservations/view menu

 Downloads

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3.5 QR Codes give you a Competitive Edge

These are just a few of the options out there for small businesses with a mobile website. And
these options present a real opportunity for small businesses with mobile websites. Since there
are still so few small businesses even thinking about their mobile website design, let alone
linking it with QR codes, your business can be first in line to net the customers who are already
out there using their Smartphone to search for products and services. But don’t hesitate—contact
us today to get your mobile website up and running, QR codes and all!

CHAPTER 4

4 Objective of Project:

4.1 Abstract:

In this Paper we will discuss about QR Code and Barcode deference Between Them and who
would be having the Future benefits and enhancement

QR Code offers may many benefits compared to Barcode, such as high information density
and robustness. Before their introduction to the mobile phone ecosystem, they have been widely
used in specific applications, such as logistics or ticketing. However, there are multiple
competing standards with different benefits and drawbacks.

Therefore, reader applications as well as dedicated devices have to support multiple standards

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 CHAPTER 5

5 Research Methodology

5.1 Primary Data

The data which is being used in this paper are from an official website of
Visionbarcodesolutions.com

5.2 Secondary Data

The secondary data was collected from daily research on internet.

5.3 Techniques for Data Analysis

The analysis of data collection is completed and presented systematically with the use of
Microsoft Office Software.

5.4 Softwares and Tools

1. Microsoft Office

Ms Word

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 CHAPTER 6

6 Introduction

Linear barcodes (Barcode) are used to provide a machine-readable form of printed information.
In cases where higher data density is required, matrix or QR Codes are preferentially deployed.
Such codes are used in industrial applications,

E.g. logistics or tracking of individual components during the production process.

In everyday life, electronic tickets are issued with QR code, and web links are transmitted via
QR code on billboards and in printed ads. Additionally, they are used in security sensitive
applications such as monetary transactions: PayPal and Bit coin allow shoppers to pay for goods
and services using apps that generate QR codes readable by merchants’ existing scanning
devices

6.1 Barcode:

Norman Joseph Woodland

In June 1974 created Barcode As far back as the 1960s, barcodes were used in industrial work
environments. Some of the early implementations of barcodes included the ability identify rail
road cars. In the early 1970s, common barcodes started to appear on grocery shelves.

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To automate the process of identifying grocery items, UPC barcodes were placed on products.
Today, barcodes are used for identification in almost all types of business

If barcodes are used in the business process, the processing can be automated to increase
productivity and reduce human error. Whenever there is a need to identify or track something
accurately, barcodes should be used.

In traditional working environment, workers are required to enter an enormous amount of data
into a customer database system.

Instead of manually typing the customer identification number into a database of information,
contained in a barcode, a data entry maybe scanned easily. This increases the automation and
reduces the human error.

6.1 The type of barcode to use for a particular situation depends upon:

• The actual application;

• The data encoded in the barcode;

• The printability of the barcode.

A barcode is an Encrypted, Machine-Readable, Representation of data. The data usually

describes something about the object that carries the barcode. There are several different types of
barcode standards for different purposes, which are called symbologies.

Each type of symbology is a standard that defines the printed symbol and how a device - such as
a barcode scanner - reads and decodes the printed symbol.

When multiple parties or companies are involved in the ID process, industry standards are
usually established. Note that the standard is not necessarily the same as the barcode symbology.
If an industry standard has been established for the customer's use of barcodes, there will not be
a choice in selecting the barcode symbology.

Barcode standards define how to use the barcode symbology in a particular situation. For
example, ISBN is a standard for labeling books and periodicals that uses the EAN-13
symbology.

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Originally barcodes systematically represented data by varying the widths and spacing of parallel
lines, and may be also called as linear or one-dimensional (1D).

It can only hold a maximum of 85 characters

6.2 Barcode Standard

Established standard Common use Symbology

AIAG Automotive item identification Data Matrix
EAN 8 EAN 13 Items for sale worldwide UPC/EAN
MIL-STD-130L US department of defense Data Matrix
SSCC-18 Shipping cartons Code 128

The best type of the used barcode depends on the environment, requirements, application, and
printer. Regarding barcode fonts, there are two types:

• Fonts that require encoding with use of a font tool (Code 128, UPC, Data Matrix, and Code93);

• Fonts that do not require encoding. Self-checking fonts (Code 39, Codabar).

For fonts that require encoding such as Code 128, Data Matrix, UPC, and Code 93, a font tool
must be used. A font tool is a product that is used to format data for a barcode font.

This may include calculating start/stop characters, a check character, and in some cases prepare
data so that it can be altered for the specified barcode symbology. It should be noted, if
somebody is not a technical user or programmer, try to use self-checking barcode fonts such as
Code 39 or Codabar. Self-checking fonts have checking code built-in, so there is no need to
calculate check characters. Check characters are used in more dense symbologies, so the barcode
scanner can verify it and reads the barcode correctly.

These include some of the traditional or most well recognized barcode types such as the UPC
and EAN code types.

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6.3 UPC CODE:

UPC barcodes are used to label and scan consumer goods at points-of-sale around the world—
mainly in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and other
countries. The UPC-A variation encodes 12 numerical digits while UPC-E is a smaller variation,
which encodes only 6 numerical digits.

6.4 EAN CODE:

EAN barcodes are also used to label consumer goods worldwide for point-of-sale scanning,
primarily in Europe. They look very similar to UPC codes, and the main distinction is their
geographical application. While EAN-13 (comprising 13 digits) is the default form factor, you’ll
find EAN-8 (covering 8 digits) barcodes on products where only limited space is available, like
small candies.

6.5 Products available for printing barcodes

Determining the best product to use for printing depends on the environment, requirements,
application and printer. Several methods for printing barcodes are as follows:

• Barcode Fonts.

• Applications.

• Components.

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• hosted Services (Dynamic Barcode Generator Service or XML Barcode Webservices).

6.6 Reading barcodes

One of the most common tools for reading barcodes is the hand held barcode scanner All of the
barcode scanners recommended and sold by ID Automation have built-in decoders that can read
several different bar code types. There are some low priced scanners available on the market, but
they require complicated decoders. In the long run, after ordering and programming a decoder,
more time will be spent using the decoder than if ordering a scanner with a built-in decoder.

Most of the scanners sold by ID Automation receive their power from the PC keyboard or USB
port so no external power supply is required. When a barcode is scanned, the data is sent to the
PC as if it was typed using a keyboard.

Not all scanners can scan barcodes that are printed at very small x dimensions (the x dimension
is the width of the narrow bar in the code), so it is advisable to check the barcode scanner manual

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to make sure the scanner can read the small x dimension barcodes. Also, make sure the printer
can accurately reproduce small x dimension barcodes.

The ID Automation Plug ‘n Play Barcode Scanner will scan linear bar codes consistently. It
scans linear bar codes that are up to 4.2" wide from near contact to about 10".Their speeds are
200 scans per second.

The barcode pen-scanner is a simple product that reads, stores, and organizes barcodes (I2). It
is excellent for keeping tabs on any barcode-based inventory, books, DVDs, and so on.

It comes in a pen-like shape, with small scanner at its point. Once a barcode is scanned, it’s kept
within the device’s 128MB built-in storage, which is apparently small, but actually stores up to a
million items. Categories can be assigned for efficient management. It can be used with PC or
Mac, where can be stored and synced each barcode to a proper item name and category.

7 QR Code:
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Quick Response codes (QR codes) and other two-dimensional codes

QR Code is a kind of 2-D (two-dimensional) Symbology developed by Denso Wave and

released in 1994 with the primary aim of being a symbol that is interpreted by scanning
equipment.

2D bar codes can act like identifier (like in 1D) but takes less space.

2-D barcode minimizes the use of database; alternatively, it functions as database itself.

The QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc. in Japan and other countries (Lyne,
2009).

Barcodes were initially scanned by special optical scanners called barcode readers. Later
application software became available for devices that could read images, such as smart phones
with cameras.

Later two-dimensional (2D) codes were developed, using rectangles, dots, hexagons and other
geometric patterns in two dimensions

QR Codes are popular with mobile phone users as the barcode can be used to store addresses and
URLs. With a camera-enabled Smartphone, users can scan the QR Code which has been coded
to do things like display text, provide contact data or even open a webpage in the browser on the
Smartphone. The QR Code specification outlines data types or services for this information. By
using the standards it ensures QR Code software can correctly read the code.

QR Codes can be printed and displayed anywhere a mobile phone user might scan the code such
as in a magazine or displayed at a cash register. It can be displayed also online (Waters, 2012).

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There are a number of online services that will generate a QR Code based on the information is
specified when mapping the QR code.

QR codes support four different modes of data: numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary. QR

code growth began in Japan and use continues to grow today. They are public domain and free to
use.

There are a number of online services that will generate a QR Code based on the information is
specified when mapping the QR code.

The QR code developed formerly only for industrial uses, but it become common in consumer
advertising and packaging in recent years, because the popularity of smart phones "has put a
barcode reader in everyone's pocket for the first time .

As a result, the QR code has become a focus of advertising strategy, since it provides quick and
effortless access to the brand's website (I3, I4). Beyond mere convenience to the consumer, the
importance of this capability is that it increases the chance that contact with the advertisement
will convert to a sale by coaxing qualified prospects further down the conversion funnel without
any delay or effort, bringing the viewer to the advertiser's site immediately, where a longer and
more targeted sales pitch may continue.

Although initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR Codes are now used over a
much wider range of applications. These are the followings:

included commercial tracking, entertainment and transport ticketing, product/loyalty

marketing (Korhan, 2011) mobile couponing where a company's discounted and percent
discount can be captured using a QR Code decoder which is a mobile application or storing
a company's information such as address and related information alongside in-store
product labeling.

It can also be used in storing personal information for use by government (Philippines National
Bureau of Investigation where clearances now come with a QR Code).

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Many of these applications target mobile-phone users. Users may receive text, add a vCard
contact to their device, open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), or compose an e-mail or text
message after scanning QR Codes (Sansweet, 2011).

They can generate and print their own QR Codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of
several pay or free QR Code-generating sites or apps. Google has a popular API (application
programming interface) to generate QR Codes, and apps for scanning QR codes can be found on
nearly all Smartphone devices.

QR Codes storing addresses and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) may appear in magazines,
on signs, on buses, on business cards, or on almost any object about which users might need
information.

Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of
the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web
page in the telephone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is termed
hardlinking or object hyperlinking.

QR Codes may also be linked to a location to track where a code has been scanned. Either the
application that scans the QR Code retrieves the geo information by using GPS or the URL
encoded in the QR Code itself is associated with a location.

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7.1 DATAMATRIX CODE:

Data matrix codes are 2D barcodes used to label small items, goods, and documents. Their tiny
footprint makes them ideal for small products in logistics and operations.

In fact, the US Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) recommends that they be used to label small
electronic components. Similar to QR codes, they have high fault tolerance and fast readability.

7.2 PDF417:

PDF417 codes are 2D barcodes are used in applications that require the storage of huge amounts
of data, such as photographs, fingerprints, signatures, text, numbers, and graphics.

They can hold over 1.1 kilobytes of machine-readable data, making them much more powerful
than other 2D barcodes. Like QR codes, PDF417 barcodes are public domain and free to use

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7.4 Equipments for Barcode and QR Code:

7.4.1 Barcode Scanners:

Is an electronic device that can read and output printed barcodes to a computer. Like a flatbed
scanner.

7.4.2 Mobile Computers:

A mobile computer (which is also known as a portable data collector or portable data terminal)
combines PC and scanning functions into a single device that can be outfitted with off-the-shelf
or custom software applications that perform everyday tasks, such as monitoring deliveries,
tracking assets, and managing inventory.

7.4.3 Barcode Printers:

A barcode printer is a computer peripheral for printing barcode labels or tags that can be
attached to, or printed directly on, physical objects. Barcode printers are commonly used to
label cartons before shipment, or to label retail items with UPCs or EANs.

25
7.4.4 Barcode Software:

Barcode labels are essential to safety, efficiency, and accuracy, and with our software products,
they are also easy to produce. With barcode label software you can:

Design and print professional barcode labels without IT. Streamline label printing to control
costs and improve operations.

CHAPTER 7

8 LITERATURE SURVEY:

8.1 Existing system:

A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data relating to the object to which it

is attached. Originally barcodes systematically represented data by varying the widths and
spacing of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or one-dimensional (1D).

Bar codes consist of bars and spaces that vary in width. The bars and spaces on a bar code
correspond to numbers and letters that represent descriptive data.

QR Codes have already overtaken the conventional 1-D bar codes because of the capacity of
data that can be stored by a 2-D barcode(QR Code) is much greater than that of conventional 1-D
bar code. QR Code contains data both in horizontal and vertical directions.

This stems in many cases from the fact that a typical 1-D barcode can only hold a maximum of
20 characters, whereas as QR Code can hold up to 7,089 characters. QR Codes are capable of
encoding the same amount of data in approximately one tenth the space of a traditional 1-D bar
code.

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A great feature of QR Codes is that they do not need to be scanned from one particular
angle, as QR Codes can be read regardless of their positioning. The data can be read
successfully even if QR code is tampered while 1-D barcode can’t. QR Codes can be easily
decoded with a smart phone with appropriate barcode reader software (for example:, Kaywa
Reader, QRafter and INigma etc.) . Secure communication can also be established using QR
Encoding techniques.

8.2 Drawbacks:

8.2.1 Barcode Technology Issues to Consider

Although there are many benefits attainable through bar code technology, there are a few key
issues and concerns that should be recognized in making decisions as to how to utilize the
technology. A few of these issues are as follows:

1. Many warehouse operations are based on having individual selling units bar coded by the
manufacturer. If they are not, they must be relabeled in the warehouse which can be a
costly process. In order to have vendors or manufacturers apply bar code labels, some
type of Vendor Compliance process is required. This can be a sizeable task to implement
and maintain.

2. The labeling of all locations with bar code labels can be a time consuming and expensive
process. Don’t assume that this will happen easily or quickly.

3. If your business consists of a few items and relatively few orders, the cost and effort to
implement the technology may not be justified. Make sure the ROI is calculated and
considered before jumping into any technology.

4. The acquisition and implementation cost of equipment and backbone infrastructure can
be significant.

5. Generally, there is a requirement to have some type or level of Warehouse Management

System place to fully utilize the concept.
Bar code systems of themselves for example to not have labor management systems;

27
 whereas a warehouse management system with bar code may have a labor management
module.

6. Remember the bar code technology requirements to utilize the advanced technologies
(e.g. Pick to light and Voice Picking). The evaluation of these requirements and costs
should be completed before any final decisions are made with these technologies.

7. Take into account the implementation tasks, training and culture shift these technologies
may require in your operation. Several years ago we saw a large multichannel retailer
assume they could take their first bar code inventory to initialize the inventory for their
WMS implementation at the same time.

The inventory process and re-ticketing was a disaster and therefore the warehouse
management system implementation failed.

Another example is if your center relies on “tribal knowledge” to know where products
are located rather than bar code bin/slot locations, anticipate and train to overcome
resistance and problems with picking, inventory, put away etc.

8.3 Comparison of Barcode and QR Code

Barcode Type 1D (Barcode) 2D (QR Code)

Information Low High
Density
Information Small Big
Capacity
Information Type Numbers, Greek Characters. Numbers, Greek Characters, Chinese
Pictures, voice and other binary
information.
Dependence on Must depend on database or Does not depend on database or
database communication network communication network

28
8.4 Structure of QR Codes:

QR Codes are actually black modules in square patterns on white background but many
researchers have been working for colored QR code.

It consists of the following areas having specific significance. Finder Pattern

 Alignment Pattern

 Timing Pattern

 Quiet Zone

 Data Area

29
8.5 The significance of each area is as described as follows:

Each QR Code symbol consists of mainly two regions: an encoding region and function
patterns. Function patterns consist of finder, timing and alignment patterns which does not
encode any data. The symbol is surrounded on all the four sides by a quiet zone border [7]. A QR
Code can be read even if it is tilted or distorted.

The size of a QR Code can vary from 21 x 21 cells to 177 x 177 cells by four cell increments in
both horizontal and vertical direction. 2.1.1 Finder Pattern This pattern can be used for detecting
the position, size and angle of the QR Code. These can be determined with the help of the three
position detection patterns (Finder Patterns) which are arranged at the upper left, upper right and
lower left corners of the symbol.

Alignment Pattern The alignment pattern consists of dark 5x5 modules, light 3x3 modules and a
single central dark module. This pattern is actually used for correcting the distortion of the
symbol. The central coordinate of the alignment pattern will be identified to correct the distortion
of the symbol.

8.6 Finder Pattern

This pattern can be used for detecting the position, size and angle of the QR Code. These can be
determined with the help of the three position detection patterns (Finder Patterns) which are
arranged at the upper left, upper right and lower left corners of the symbol

8.7 Alignment Pattern

The alignment pattern consists of dark 5x5 modules, light 3x3 modules and a single central dark
module. This pattern is actually used for correcting the distortion of the symbol [8]. The central
coordinate of the alignment pattern will be identified to correct the distortion of the symbol.

8.8 Timing Pattern

30
The timing patterns are arranged both in horizontal and vertical directions. These are actually
having size similar to one module of the QR Code symbol. This pattern is actually used for
identifying the central co-ordinate of each cell with black and white patterns arranged alternately.

8.9 Quiet Zone

This region is actually free of all the markings. The margin space is necessary for reading the bar
code accurately. This zone is mainly meant for keeping the QR Code symbol separated from the
external area. This area is usually 4 modules wide.

8.11 Data Area

It consists of both data and error correction code words. According to the encoding rule, the data
will be converted into 0’s and 1’s. Then these binary numbers will be converted into black and
white cells and will be arranged accordingly. Reed-Solomon error correction is also used here

8.12 Data Capacity

The data storage capacity of QR Code is very large as compared to 1-D barcode. The number of
characters that can be encoded as QR Code varies according to the type of information that is to
be encoded.

The various information types and the volume that the QR Code can hold are explained in Table.

8.13 Table Information Types and Volume of Data

Information Type Volume of Data

Alphabets and 4296
Symbols
Numeric Characters 7089
Binary Data (8 bit) 2953
Kanji Characters 1817

31
8.14 Data Compression

In the history of computer science, data compression, source coding or bit-rate reduction
includes encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation. There are two
kinds of data compression: lossy and lossless.

Lossy compression reduces bits by identifying marginally important information and removing
it. Lossless compression reduces bits by identifying and eliminating statistical redundancy.

No information is lost in lossless compression. Data Compression is very useful due to reducing
the consumption of resources such as data space or transmission capacity. Because compressed
data must be decompressed to be used, this extra processing imposes computational or other
costs through decompression. The design of data compression schemes involve trade-offs among
various factors, including the degree of compression, the amount of distortion introduced and the
computational resources required to compress and uncompress the data .

Lossless data compression algorithms usually exploit statistical redundancy to represent data
more concisely without losing information. Lossless compression is possible because most real-
world data has statistical redundancy.

The Lempel–Ziv (LZ) compression methods are among the most popular algorithms for lossless
compression. DEFLATE is a variation on LZ which is optimized for decompression speed and
compression ratio, but compression can be slow.

9 PROPOSED SCHEME

The efficiency of QR Codes is increased by applying compression before encoding.

This paper we also focus on the high capacity QR Codes for encoding image within barcode
symbol.

32
9.1 Our approach consists of mainly four steps for encoding:

1) Convert data in image format to base64 character format,

2) Compresses the data obtained in step 1.

3) Encodes the compressed data into a QR Code.

The whole process of converting image into QR Code is represented by flowchart

9.1.1 Flowchart for generation of QR Code for Image

9.2 Compression Technique

33
This is a lossless approach to short the string such that after expansion we get the same string
without any loss of character. In QR Code, we are using alphabets (A-Z), numbers(0-9) and
some special characters ($,space,%,_,+,,_,:,= ). Thus, a total of 45 characters we needed for QR
Code. Normally, each character in the string is represented by 8-bits. So, if there are 100
characters in a string then we need 800 bits to represent that string. Our approach gives each 45
characters a particular code. The code is a fixed length code. We need 6 bits fixed length for each
character to distinguish from one another, since 45<26.

9.3 Compression and Decompression of String

9.3.1 Algorithm 1: Compression

//String1 is the input and output.

1. for each character in String1. Do extract a character from the String1. Convert this character
into respective 6-bit length code. Append this code to String2.//Initially String2 is empty. End for

2. Remainder = (Length of the String2) mod 8.

3. Convert (Remainder+1) into 8 bits and add in the starting of String2.

4. Add 0's equal to the Remainder at the end of String2.

5. for each 8 characters in String2. Do extract 8 characters from the String2. Convert this value
into equivalent ASCII character. Store this character in String1.end for

6. Return String1

9.3.2 Algorithm 2: Decompression

//String1 is the input and output.

1. for each character in String1. Do extract a character from the String1. Convert this character
into respective 8-bit length ASCII code.

Append this code to String2.//Initially String2 is empty. End for

34
2. Extract starting 8-bits from String2.

3. Convert this into number.

4. Remove _rst 8-bits from String2.

5. Remove 0's equal to (number-1) from the end of

String2.

6. for each 6 characters in String2. Do Extract 6 characters from the String2.

Convert it into equivalent code. Store this character in String1. End for

7. Return String1.

9.4 Encryption and error correction

Encrypted QR Codes, which are not very common, have a few implementations. An Android
application, for example, manages encryption and decryption of QR codes using the DES
algorithm (56 bits).

Japanese immigration office uses encrypted QR Codes when placing visas in passports
Codeword’s are 8 bits long and use the Reed–Solomon error correction algorithm with four error
correction levels. The higher is the error correction level, the less storage capacity.

The following table lists the approximate error correction capability at each of the four
levels:

Levels Capacity
Level L (Low) 7% of code words can be restored
Level M (Medium) 15% of code words can be restored
Level Q (Quartile) 25% of code words can be restored
Level H (High) 30% of code words can be restored

35
Due to the design of Reed–Solomon codes and the use of 8-bit codewords, an individual code
block cannot be more than 255 codewords in length. Since the larger QR symbols are contain
more data, it is necessary to break the message up into multiple blocks.

The QR specification does not use the largest possible block size instead; it defines the block
sizes so less than 30 error-correction symbols appear in each block. This means that at most 15
errors per block can be corrected, which limits the complexity of certain steps in the decoding
algorithm.

The code blocks are then interleaved together, making it less likely that localized damage to a
QR symbol will overwhelm the capacity of any single block.

Using this type of error correction makes possible to create artistic QR Codes that still scan
correctly, but contain intentional errors to make them more readable or attractive to the human
eye, as well as to incorporate colors, logos and other features into the QR Code block (I11, I12).

9.5 QR Decoding

Normally, QR decoding is done with the help of camera equipped mobile phones. Decoding
process is just the reverse of the encoding procedure applied. We need to identify the quiet zone
in order to decode the correct data. Alignment patterns help the decoding procedure by
correcting the distortion of the symbol.

Kaywa reader is the most commonly used software to decode the original text. Image processing
with J2ME is found to be more powerful. J2ME is designed to work on low-end devices in terms
of processing power and memory capabilities.

The various pre processing steps include gray scaling of the captured color image, histogram
stretching of the image, local adaptive thresholding, noise filtering, cropping, rotation correction
and tilt correction. After pre processing, the finder patterns are detected and then the original
data is decoded.

36
Another technique for decoding involves “edge to similar edge” estimation method is employed
to check whether the detected bar space pattern is correct.

CHAPTER 8

10 Analyses

10.1 QR CODE SWOT Analysis

10.1.1 Strengths

 Pricing Power (QR codes)

 Own office
 efficiency (QR codes)
 updated technology (QR codes)
 easily acquire (QR codes)
 online presence (QR codes)
 Strong Management (QR codes)
 Innovative Culture (QR codes)
 Financial Leverage (QR codes)
 Cost Advantages (QR codes)
 Unique Products (QR codes)
 Brand Name (QR codes)
 Technology (QR codes)

10.1.2 Weaknesses

 only Smartphone (QR codes)

 and Scanner Can Read

10.1.3 Opportunities

37
  Financial Leverage (QR codes)
 Online Market (QR codes)
 Innovation (QR codes)
 New Technology (QR codes)
 New Products (QR codes)
 New Markets (QR codes)
 International Expansion (QR codes)

10.1.4 Threat

 Intense Competition (QR codes)

 Change in Tastes (QR codes)
 Substitute Products (QR codes)

10.2 Barcodes SWOT Analysis

10.2.1 Strengths

 Unique Products (Barcodes)

 Technology (Barcodes)

10.2.2 Weaknesses

 only Smartphone (QR codes)

 and Scanner Can Read
 old Technology
 Small Storage
 Limited character can Store

10.2.3 Opportunities

 Innovation (Barcodes)
 New Technology (Barcodes)

38
  New Services (Barcodes)
 New Products (Barcodes)

10.3.1 Threats

 Substitute Products (QR codes)

10.3 SWOT Conclusion

10.3.1For Barcode

Strengths + Opportunities = 6

Threats + Weaknesses = 6

10.3.2 for QR Code

Strengths + Opportunities = 20

Threats + Weaknesses = 4

10.4 SWOT Conclusion

For QR Code: The ability to capitalize on opportunities get rewarded with higher profits and
lower costs. A good defense against threats lowers the risks that profits will decrease.
Maintaining strengths can help maintain high profits and low costs.

For Barcode: Barcode get less rewarded than QR Code

CHAPETR 9

11 ATTRIBUTE COMPARISONS BETWEEN QR CODE AND

BARCOD
39
Attribute Barcode QR code
Line of Site Required Required

Read Range Several inches to feet Several inches to feet

Identification Most barcode only QR code can identify each
identify only type of item uniquely (Limited up
item (not uniquely) to certain value)
Read\Write Only read Only read
Technology used Optical (laser) Optical (laser)
Automation Most barcode Scanners QR scanners need humans
need humans to operate
Updating Cannot be Updated Cannot be Updated
Tracking Manual tracking Manual tracking Required
required
Information Very less Less
Capacity
Ruggedness No No
Reliability Wrinkled and smeared Wrinkled tags may work
tags won‘t work 30% data recoverable
Data capacity <20 characters with up to 7,089 characters[9]
linear
Orientation Yes No
Dependent
Marginal Cost 0.01$ 0.05$

40
 CHAPTER 10

12 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

12.1 ADVANTAGES

12.1.1 BARCODE

 Easier to use, since smaller and lighter than

RFID tags.
 Barcodes are directly printed on the plastic or
Paper materials and hence it costs less. Thus
They are cost effective.
 Same accuracy is ensured.
 Increases the efficiency and minimizes the errors in the circulation desk.
 The operational cost is reduced,
Eliminating book pockets and cards

12.1.2 QR CODE

 Better potential to store information in a smaller space and larger recordable data size.
 A QR code is capable of being read in 360 degrees; from any direction it will eliminate
any interference and negative effects from Backgrounds. They can be read wherever they
are scanned.
 It ensures smart phone compatibility since the codes are readable by and displayable in
Mobile phones.
 Designed with 2 dimensional codes that ensure error correction capability. Even if the
part of encoded area gets dirty or distorted and thus is impossible to read, the total
information can still be recognized with error correcting algorithm.
 QR codes allow any information to be stretched out as the information is segmented in up
to 16 smaller sized squares.
 It is user friendly as QR code can navigate users exactly to their destination.
 QR codes are eco friendly by replacing Magnetic cards with recyclable plain paper.

41
  The production cost of the use of codes in libraries is low. Thus they are cost efficient.
 It ensures traceable QR code activities with web analytics and other measuring tools.

12.2 DISADVANTAGES

12.2.1 BAR CODE

 Labor intensive; requires individual scan through human intervention.

 The reader cannot break the date.
 Less secured than QR code as they are easily forged or reproduced.
 To scan the bar code for extraction of code, a line of sight is mandatory.
 The barcode scanner should be closer around 1.5 ft. in order to be read.
 The printed bar code has to be exposed on the outside of the product as line of sight is
required for scanning; hence, barcodes are easily damaged.
 There is no alternative to scan the product if a barcode is ripped or damaged. Wrinkled
and smeared tags won’t work.
 They do not contain any added information and have no read/write capabilities.

12.2.2 QR CODES

 Lack of familiarity of the QR code among people is one of the major disadvantages.
 Lacks the automation ability for proximity scanning like RFID. Human input is
mandatory.
 To scan the tag input or extract data, a line of sight is necessary.
 Time consuming in designing and producing large number of codes.
 The user needs a smart phone with a QR code app to use it.
 Compatible hardware and software are required to read codes, due to the diversity of
smart phones used by students.
 A link to the instruction page of the library is required as QR codes are unfamiliar to
most of the library users.
 30% date of wrinkled tags may be recoverable.

42
 CHAPTER 11

13 APPLICATIONS IN LIBRARY

13.1 BARCODE

 To automate the data entry process of circulation system.

 It increases efficiency and eliminates human errors.
 Verification of stocks.
 Generating user statistics.
 Transferring stack from reference to lending and vice versa.
 To weed out the collection and to update the records.
 Easy retrieval by providing location codes such as departmental library.

13.2 QR CODE

 Users can get the information about resources on their phone by adding QR code to
OPACs.
 To link electronic resources within the library.
 Gives step by step guidance for machines like printers and copy machines.
 Provides a list of library guides on the subjects of books on shelves.
 During induction period for new students, QR code is used to great effect to introduce
users to the library.
 It connects the user to the information quickly and easily and also plays a pivotal role in
education.

Barcodes and QR codes are similar in the fact that they are data collection technologies,
meaning they automate the process of collecting data. However they also differ significantly in

43
many areas. Barcodes offer some advantages over RFID like their low cost. QR code and
barcode need to be in the line of sight to be read
Accessibility range for barcode and QR code varies from few feet to inches. Barcode stores the
least information, followed by QR code and RFID can store considerable amount of
information. It gives us a clear picture that QR Code can deliver more rapid scanning times than
barcode QR scanning.

QR codes are Web oriented, typically used for storing URLs or other information. The
conventional resources in library like books, journals, video/ audio materials, company reports,
etc., can be supported by QR code which can act as a point of reference to online electronic
holdings and additional resources, and can be used as one of the marketing tool in library
services. Therefore Barcode proves to be a promising technology compared to others in use.

QR system is the comprehensive system that addresses both the security and materials
tracking needs of the library
Barcode are cheaper than QR code But as compare to storing data and performance QR
Code are better than barcode

14 HOW QR CODE IS BATTER THAN BARCODE

The QR code, similar to a barcode, is an example of an information matrix. However a

significant difference in the two is that while a barcode only holds information nicely in the
horizontal direction, a QR can do so vertically as well. This is why QR codes are referred to as
two-dimensional, because they carry information both vertically and horizontally. Another direct
result to this is greater potential to carry information in a smaller space. Compared to a barcode,
it’s no competition at all.

44
What are some of the advantages? A QR code can carry up to some hundred times the amount of
information a conventional barcode is capable of. When comparing the display of both: a
conventional barcode can take up to ten times the amount of printing space as a QR code
carrying the same amount of information.
A QR code is capable of being read in 360 degrees, from any direction, thus eliminating any
interference and negative effects from backgrounds

45
Also, the algorithm which is used to create QR codes will allow for an error margin (approx. 7-
30%). “So what?” you ask? Well, this doesn’t just help with scanning purposes in case the item
or code in question is dirty or damaged. Knowing this feature, you can alter the QR code symbol
to include a logo, keyword, picture, etc.
This could help extraordinarily in the aesthetic appeal of the code, and thus customer/consumer
response. Or it could just help cater to your creative/fun side, if you wanted to make a QR code
of your own

15 Dark Use OF QR Code

Different ways of using QR codes as an attack vector have been proposed. In 2012, hackers
showed that Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes encoded in 2D barcodes
can be used to wipe a phone or execute other system functions. On some phones, they can be
used to generate premium rate SMS messages.

QR codes can also be used to trigger vulnerabilities in the reader software, the operating system,
or a remote site, such as SQL injections.

Peng et al. found code injection vulnerabilities in several QR libraries. QR Codes are also used to
spread malware and for phishing attacks. In a variety of attacks differentiations between various

46
Phones and bar code readers provides a subtle way of separating one user group from another.
The following examples describe respective scenarios for barcode-in-barcode attacks:

Platform or reader application, e.g. the code injection vulnerabilities mentioned above. An
alternative would be that one type of phone is wiped, while the others are directed somewhere
else to decrease suspicion. Imagine two friends, one trying to decode a bar code with an
exploitable phone.

As he does not get the expected response from his phone, his friend might try to decode. Due to
having another phone.

A malicious graphics designer produces a barcode-in-barcode for a donation campaign which

diverts a small percentage of donors to a second account

In a less hostile scenario, the ability mentioned above is used to violate users' privacy. a user's
software or operating system choice to third party web sites. For example, users of top-of-the-
market phones

(E.g. iPhone) get shown more pricey products than low-end phones. Additionally, this technique
can also be used as steganography tool to hide messages in benign 2D codes.

47
 CHAPETR 12

16 CONCLUSIONS

Quick Response (QR) Code is very useful for encoding the data in an efficient manner. Here data
capacity in 2D barcode is limited according to the various types of data formats used for
encoding. The data in image format uses more space.

The data capacity can be increased by compressing the data using any of the data compression
techniques before encoding. In this paper, we have shown a technique for data compression
which in turn helps to increase the data capacity of QR Codes generated for image. Finally,
results are compared with the normal QR Codes to find the efficiency of the new technique of
encoding followed by compression for generating optimal QR code.

Normal QR Codes can compress only up to 4 KB of data.

Using the techniques followed here, the data capacity can be increased drastically. As compared
to the normal QR codes, the data capacity of the QR Code after following technique was found
to be more than 4 KB. Efficient data compression techniques can be used to store more than 4
KB of data inside a QR Code.

A variety of data compression techniques can be used to obtain more data storage capacity.
Comparing with the existing technologies used to generate bar codes, QR Codes were found to
be of great advantage to the manufacturer because of its great data storage capacity, reading
speed and accuracy. The data capacity was further improved by combining the most
distinguishing features of compression and bar code generation. Using this novel technique of
data compression followed by data encoding, the data storage capacity of QR Codes were
increased drastically.

Currently only Smartphone’s are technically equipped to do this. Many users that have mobile
phones that have cameras are unable to get QR reading software for their phones.

48
Future enhancements focus on QR Encoding of images which is more than 4 KB of size. Secure
QR Coding can also be implemented using encryption techniques. Also, more advanced data
compression techniques can be used to add more to the data capacity of the normal QR Codes.

16.1 FUTURE OF BARCODES, QRCODES;

16.1.1 HOW THEY WILL IMPACT

Picture yourself purchasing a can of Coke at the store. The store clerk picks it up to scan it at the
register, but it lacks a scan-able barcode. Instead, the clerk moves the can in front of a scanner
with image recognition technology. The system recognizes the red and white label as a can of
traditional Coke and rings it up for you all while the scanner is checking to make sure the item is
indeed genuine.

This isn’t a scene from the latest futuristic Hollywood blockbuster but a rapidly approaching
point in technology. Photo recognition is becoming a large scale reality. This technology has a
fantastic potential application in replacing the way we traditionally think about barcodes,
because the entire object becomes scan-able by itself.

As scanner technology continues to evolve, there will be less need and demand for 1D barcodes.

1D Barcodes can only hold a maximum of 85 characters.

In contrast, 2D Barcodes can store over 7,000 characters, allowing you to transmit almost two
paragraphs of information. By moving to 2D barcodes, businesses are able to convey much more
complex information, like expiration dates and serial numbers, all without the need for any
additional scanning.

49
“As demand for processing more information about products continues to grow, 2D barcodes are
going to be the dominate force in what we consider to be a traditional barcode”, said Lynne Lee,
Director of Development for Wasp Barcode.

A common example of this technology is QR codes. These codes enable companies to have
complex interactions with consumers. QR codes have created possibilities like the virtual
grocery store that TESCO built in a Korean Subway station or the extensive coupon campaign
that Pizza Hut used to help drive up sales from mobile devices. Wasp offers a free QR code
generator tool so that any business can create a QR code for their business.

The second phase we see in the future of barcodes is in “image barcodes” will be able to scan an
item (like the can of Coke) based on its logo and appearance.

With the introduction of Digimarc Barcodes for example, where the UPC/EAN is imperceptibly
embedded across the entire surface of the package, you have a package that seems to no longer
have a barcode and yet is able to transmit all of the needed information at the point of purchase
at a significantly faster rate. The faster scanning rate is achieved because cashiers and shoppers
using self-checkout no longer need to hunt for the traditional barcode.

This type of technology not only allows for faster checkout times, but it allows consumers to
access additional information about the product, by simply scanning the product package with an
enabled mobile app. This goes one step beyond image recognition software, like “Google
Googles”, and could give brand and retailers a high level of control over exactly what consumers
experience when they engage with their product.

50
“Digimarc is uniquely positioned to change the landscape of consumers’ shopping experiences,”
said Tony Rodriguez, Chief Technology Officer for Digimarc.

“The Digimarc Barcode can do everything that a traditional barcode does today but better, and it
can be added to many things that can’t be barcoded today. Simply put, we’re the barcode of
everything.”

RFID and NFC (Near Field Communication), the third rapidly rising trend we are seeing in the
future of barcodes, is the incorporation of radio tags, like RFID or increasingly NFC tags, being
incorporated into more and more items. These types of tags enable non-connected objects, like
boxes or clothing, to become an active part of the “Internet of Things,” transmitting their
location in the warehouse or triggering your Smartphone to show you a product video when you
walk by.

16.2 ENHANCEMENT

For the last 20 years barcode technology has been the bastion of bigger businesses who adopted
the technology in order to passively reduce human errors and increase efficiency in business
operations.

In contrast, almost 50% of small businesses don’t even use barcodes to track their inventory and
assets. Thanks to the dropping cost of both 1 and 2D barcode scanners, we expect to see this
adoption rate increase to between 75%-80% in the next 5 to 7 years.

51
Over 69% of Americans are already are using smart phones.

This gives them access to the internet, on-demand, barcode technology and is poised to help
make the internet of things a reality for the everyday consumer as well. You will continue to see
a massive convergence of Smartphone technology, radio tags or packages with unseen barcodes,
all designed to give consumers an unprecedented level of product information and control;
anytime, anywhere. This unprecedented level of convenience and control will lead almost two-
thirds of consumers to take the leap into the internet of things in the next 5 years.

The 1D barcode, like countless pieces of technology before it, is nearing the end of its lifespan.
As 2D scanners become more affordable and newer technology becomes more accessible we will
see the 1D scanner disappear completely. The logos and images on our favorite products won’t
just be for advertising and to promote brand recognition and loyalty for consumers. These logos
will be what tells us where a product was made, how much it costs and when it expire

52
 CHAPETR 13

Bibliography:

 Benefits of Barcodes (makebarcode.com).

 Predictable profits (https://www.predictableprofits.com/yes-you-scan-5-benefits-to-using-

qr-codes-in-marketing/).

 The History of the Bar Code (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/history-bar-

code-180956704/ ).

 http://www.mobile-qr-codes.org/qr-codes-vs-barcodes.html.

 https://www.scandit.com/types-barcodes-choosing-right-barcode/

 http://www.waspbarcode.com/buzz/future-barcodes/

Research.

 Agricultural Informatics (2012),( barcode to QR code applications)

53