Trade has evolved and come a long way since the birth of barter. As soon as money appeared as a means of exchange, it became clear that product identification would quickly become a necessity. Identification by code is omnipresent in our daily lives, and we’re going to help you find out all you need to know about the Datamatrix code.
All you need to know about Datamatrix: code breakdown
Le premier code barres est apparu en 1952, mais il n’a été utilisé dans le commerce pour la première fois qu’en 1974 lorsqu’un paquet de chewing gum a été scanné dans un supermarché de l’Ohio aux Etats-Unis.
Today, barcodes are widely used, and have been subject to many changes and improvements. From the time when the barcode began to take an important place on packaging and contained limited information to today, when the Datamatrix code can contain an enormous amount of information in an ever-smaller space, the code development process has been very quick and focused on its efficiency.
We’re going to take a look at the Datamatrix code, its importance, its history and more specifically :
- How codes are generated,
- How they differ from other traceability processes,
- In which industries they are most commonly used, and on what types of parts or materials they can be found.
Structure of a Data matrix code
A Datamatrix or 2D code contains information written horizontally and vertically, enabling large amounts of data to be stored. This also makes it possible to correct errors and limit the risk of non-reading, as data is coded three times within a single Data matrix code.
Unlike 1D codes or barcodes, which are linear in shape, Datamatrix codes can be square or rectangular.
The structure of a Datamatrix code includes two adjacent L-shaped sides with alternating black and white squares on the other two sides. The L-shape allows the Datamatrix code to be recognized and oriented correctly for reading.
The structure therefore also includes the other two sides, which not only define the size of the cells, but also the size of the code.
It’s important to respect a breathing zone, materialized by a white area all around the code, to make it easier to read.
Datamatrix codes are also marked directly on components and can be read by handheld scanners or directly by smartphone with dedicated applications. One of the great advantages is that these codes can be read in all directions, 360 degrees.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that traditional barcode scanners will not be suitable for reading data matrix codes. So you’ll need a specific reader, which we’ll look at later.
How do Datamatrix codes differ from other codes?
There are many benefits to using the Data matrix code. It can include far more product data than any other code on a very small surface. Compared with a barcode, the Datamatrix code is more resistant to damage, and increases the chances of the data it contains being read back.
Datamatrix codes are reliable and precise. It is widely used in the aeronautical industry for its ability to provide efficient identification. The Data matrix code provides greater visibility and clearly reduces the risk of errors and inconsistencies. The use of this code has even become a prerequisite in many industries for these reasons, making it the new standard. Datamatrix codes that have been damaged by tears, scratches or holes can still provide the full information they contain, ensuring optimum readability.
Datamatrix codes can also be read even when obscured by a coating of some kind. The lack of contrast is less of a problem than with a barcode, where the need for contrast is higher.
Which uses for a Data matrix code?
Efficiency in tracking and tracing products, as well as an increased need for security and reliability, have led to the appearance of bar codes on every product. Companies are now held responsible if customers encounter problems with their products, even more so since the arrival of all the traceability technologies and standards.
The withdrawal of a defective product from a store can now be carried out very quickly, as can all the batch numbers involved, thanks to all these technologies.
Where are codes useful?
Barcodes do much more than simply provide the consumer with a price. They simplify supply chain management, inventory and purchasing procedures, and the process for the buyer.
But there are many industries where the Datamatrix code will be more useful, thanks to its size and ability to store large amounts of data.
- food packaging
- pharmaceuticals/parapharmaceuticals
- medical
- automotive
- electronics
- mobile marketing
- aeronautics / aerospace
- printed advertising
Which scanners read Datamatrix codes?
Laser scanners read 1D barcodes. These scanners, though effective, have many limitations, not least the fact that they use oscillating mirrors to operate. These mirrors quickly become unserviceable due to their fragility.
Readers with vision systems, on the other hand, have no moving parts. They are therefore less fragile and more reliable over time. Unlike single-line scanners, these readers are also capable of reading 1D and 2D codes in any orientation. So it’s a good idea to invest in these more versatile readers.
In conclusion, Datamatrix codes can be used in all types of industry and commerce for many reasons. They can contain a great deal of data, and are difficult to compromise. For more information and to find out if the Data matrix code is right for you, contact our Technomark experts!
