November 20, 2008

QR Barcode

Macpower upgrades its Barcode system and adds two dimensional QR Code

Macpower introduces another improvement in the manufacturing and distribution of its products. The time consuming process of scanning individual products when they arrive at the destination warehouse has just been reduced to a single scan per carton, with the help of the two dimensional QR Code. Not only is it more convenient but it also reduces the time required to add the new products to the warehouse system, saving both time and money.

The barcode system using the Code 39 is in use since 2004 and the new additional QR Code will be added to all products starting November 2008. All goods leaving Macpower are clearly labeled with the new barcode on products, packaging and carton. For retail products, there is one small sticker with barcode and serial number inside the enclosure and one identical sticker on each box. This can be read by any standard barcode reader capable of decoding the barcode Code 39.

The sticker itself is about 85x20mm and is using the Barcode Code 39, 2dots, 2:1. It shows following details:

• Interface (USB, Firewire, etc.)
• Numeric serial number
• Barcode

The barcode is generated at production of the bridge board and information such as interface, firmware, driver, date and more is saved in the database. When the bridge board reaches the assembly line, the barcode gets read and fed into the system, which automatically generates the barcode stickers for the enclosure, the box and the carton, including shipping mark.

On the outside of the carton, there are three (3) stickers.

• Detailed Item Description (QR Code & Code 39)
• Content Barcode List (QR Code & Code 39)
• Shipping Mark

On top, there is a two dimensional QR Code that includes all the detailed information required for the warehouse system, which can be recorded with a single scan. Below that are all the details, with an additional barcode (System 39) for each individual item. For the detailed item description listing the details about the goods inside the carton, it includes information such as carton serial number, customer's PO and part numbers, the manufacturer item number, the interface, the quantity, the standard measurement and weight plus the assembly date when the goods were prepared. For the content barcode list, it shows the same carton serial number as the detailed sticker, plus all the Code 39 barcodes of the individual products inside the carton.

Last but not least, the shipping mark for the freight forwarder with origin, destination and quantity of the boxes. Note the barcode system printed in small letters, this will help us to identify the version of the barcode system used at that time.

For better warehouse management, all this information is available as XML file. Ask your sales representative for this file when you receive your goods! To read more about our services, refer to Manufacturing Services.