ITF Barcode Scanner

What are ITF barcodes?

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) is a one-dimensional, linear barcode that contains pairs of numeric characters into a high-density, self-checking format. It uses a pattern of wide and narrow bars and spaces to represent data, allowing for compact encoding of numeric information.

ITF codes are widely used in logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing industries. They are particularly common on shipping cartons, corrugated cardboard boxes, and outer packaging for efficient inventory tracking and management. There is no strict limit on the total number of characters an ITF barcode can encode, as long as it maintains an even count of numeric characters. However, specific variants like ITF-14 barcodes are limited to 14 digits.

The high data density and ease of printing barcodes on various surfaces make ITF ideal for applications requiring compact numeric data representation. They are used in inventory management, stock control, shipment tracking, and automated sorting in warehouses and distribution centers.

Applications of ITF barcodes

Logistics, shipping and warehousing

ITF barcodes are widely used in logistics, shipping, and warehousing industries for efficient tracking and management of products throughout the supply chain. These barcodes are particularly well-suited for printing on corrugated cardboard boxes and cartons, as their simple structure of wide and narrow bars allows for clear readability even on rough or textured surfaces.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing industries utilize ITF barcodes to track unfinished and finished goods, manage component parts, and maintain precise records of production batches, ensuring seamless traceability and operational transparency throughout the production process.

Structure of ITF barcodes

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) barcodes are a special code for numbers only, using thick and thin lines (bars) and the spaces between them to represent digits. The key feature of ITF is that it always encodes two numbers at once:

• One number is represented by the pattern of bars (the black lines)
• The other number is represented by the pattern of spaces between those bars

This interleaved structure is why it’s called “Interleaved 2 of 5”. The “2 of 5” part refers to the fact that each digit is encoded using five elements (bars or spaces), with two being wide and three being narrow. Optionally, ITF codes can include a thick black border that surrounds it. This is called a bearer bar, and it helps prevent partial reads.

Advantages of ITF barcodes

• Compact size: ITF barcodes store numeric information in minimal space, which is ideal for shipping cartons and product packaging with a limited label area.
• Error detection: While not as advanced as 2D barcodes, ITF can include an optional check digit that helps reduce scanning errors.
• Scalability: ITF barcodes can accommodate variable even-numbered lengths of numeric data, allowing flexibility in encoding different quantities of information.
• Versatility: ITF barcodes support omnidirectional scanning, enabling quick and easy reading from multiple angles in industrial and logistics environments.

Why choose the Scanbot SDK for ITF barcode scanning?

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is specifically designed to handle the challenges of decoding ITF barcodes in real-world scenarios.

What sets us apart:

• • • Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged, low-contrast or distorted barcodes.
    • High-speed scanning: Read ITF barcodes in as little as 0.04 seconds.
    • Cross-platform compatibility: Easily integrate with Android, iOS, cross-platform, web, Windows, and Linux platforms.
    • Customizable UI: Customize the ready-to-use components to match your app or website design.
    • Privacy-first: Operates offline for complete data security.

Whether your use case involves ITF barcodes, QR codes or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.

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