In the world of identification, there are lots of options. And the solution that works best for individual companies and organizations is generally based on what their specific identification needs are. Two popular and low-cost options are one-dimensional barcodes (“1-D” or “linear”) and QR (Quick Response) codes.
One-Dimensional Barcodes
One-dimensional (1-D) barcodes are also known as linear barcodes. They store a smaller amount of data than the two-dimensional barcodes. They work well in applications that only require a few characters of data that need to be stored, such as school ID cards or transportation cards.
Barcodes are effective in the ID industry, because they are inexpensive and very easy to add to cards. They can also work well with other card technologies, such as magnetic stripe or proximity cards.
The nice thing with barcodes is that you do not need to have a specific ID card printer. Any printer we have available can print a barcode. The type of barcode that the end user will choose depends on the application and the amount of data they have. Most of the ID software programs that ID Wholesaler has will support a variety of barcode types like 2 of 5 and code 39.
Barcodes work well with time and attendance, lunch room/cafeteria, and library applications all through card design software. People that have these applications will still need to buy a barcode reader (also called a “barcode scanner”) to read the barcode.
The important thing to remember is the card design software will allow you to use a 1-D or 2-D barcode on your ID card, based on your application.
Quick Response Codes
Quick Response codes (or “QR codes”) are a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be found all most anywhere these days. They’re an image that’s comprised of numerous small black and white squares that form a larger square.
These unique codes store a broad variety of information and data and have become increasingly popular over the past several years. In fact, you can find them virtually anywhere: on business cards, in magazines, on product packaging, off-line and online advertising campaigns, and more.
QR codes can be read by devices such as a smart phone. In order to accomplish this, the device being used must have a camera which takes the place of the scanner, and the smart phone must have a QR code scanning app.
Once a QR code is scanned, it can provide nearly any piece of data, including a person's contact details, an email address, a webpage with a special offer or promotion, or information about a business or place. Many companies are also using them for Wi-Fi access and marketing purposes for their customers.
Currently, we carry the following software which provides the ability to print QR codes on ID cards or badges:
- Asure ID (Express, Enterprise, and Exchange)
- CardExchange (Professional and Ultimate)
- Jolly Technologies (Standard and Premier)
- CardPresso (XS, XM, XL, and XXL)
So that’s 1-D barcodes and QR codes in a nutshell. If you’re not sure which option might work best for you, an ID Professional is always happy and ready to help! Call us toll-free today at (800) 321-4405.
