COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY OF DIGITALLY PRINTED BARCODES

Abstract

Barcodes on packaging or labels are commonly used as part of the identification of goods at every stage of their flow in the logistics system. The efficiency and speed of the entire process related to the logistics of supply and the distribution of raw materials and finished products depends, among other things, on the proper marking of the loading units. This in turn relates to the correct reading by the automatic identification devices of the information, which is carried by the appropriate symbolism. Barcode is a set of quite simple graphic elements in the form of spaces and lines, arranged in an appropriate layout on a plane. However, the simplicity of these symbols is apparent, as they have precise linear dimensions with relatively narrow tolerances, crossing of which may make it difficult or sometimes impossible for readers to read the code. This is mainly due to the accuracy of the print. Unfortunately, despite the increasing technical and technological level, such situations still occur, as the printing techniques used pose certain problems resulting from the very principle of reproduction. The subject of the research were colour originals in the form of barcodes, printed using the ink-jet method and electrophotography on paper products being the outer layer of packaging on which the printing is applied and on papers used for labelling logistic units. The results of the research allowed to determine the differences in the quality of prints in the area of particular reading parameters.

Keywords: packaging, GS1 system, barcodes, supply chain, print quality