Code 93 Barcode Scanner

What is a Code 93 barcode?

Code 93 is a one-dimensional (1D) barcode symbology standardized in ANSI/AIM-BC5-2000. Developed in 1982, it was among the first barcodes to support alphanumeric data, including letters, numbers, and some special characters. Today, Code 93 is widely used as a logistics and packing barcode to identify packages.

Each barcode includes start and stop characters (an asterisk *) that help barcode scanners identify the code’s boundaries. Additionally, Code 93 barcodes contain two check digit characters for enhanced error detection.

Most barcode scanners easily scan Code 93 barcodes and, as the text interpretation is placed below the barcode, support manual verification.

Structure and components

Code 93 encodes characters using patterns of wide and narrow bars and spaces. Each data character in a Code 93 symbol consists of nine modules arranged into three bars and three spaces, hence the name. Each bar or space can be one to four modules wide.

The default implementation or standard mode of Code 93 can encode 47 characters, including digits (0–9), uppercase letters (A–Z), and the special characters -, $, %, <space>, ., /, and +. An asterisk (*) is used as the start/stop character. Four additional characters enable an extended or Full ASCII mode, which can encode all 128 ASCII characters.

Another defining feature is its two mandatory modulo-47 checksum characters, known as the “C” and “K” checks. These are calculated from the data and help ensure the barcode is read accurately by scanners.

Overall, Code 93 barcodes consist of the following key components:

1. Quiet zones: Blank areas on both sides of the barcode that aid proper detection and readability.
2. Start character: An asterisk (*) that indicates the beginning of the barcode.
3. Data characters: The main content section where information is encoded.
4. Two check digits: Enable error detection.
5. Stop character: An asterisk (*) that indicates the end of the barcode.
6. Termination bar: A single bar that separates the stop character from the quiet zone.

Encoding and error detection

Code 93 can encode the entire 128-character ASCII set by using combinations of two characters, allowing it to represent both standard and extended characters efficiently.

The symbology’s pair of modulo-47 check characters (C and K) enables error detection to ensure data integrity. They are calculated and encoded using a table of numeric values for every character.

Each character in the barcode is assigned a numeric value based on a predefined table.

Here’s how the checksum is calculated and encoded:

1. Numeric values are assigned to each character in the data portion of the barcode.
2. The C checksum is calculated first, using a weighted sum of the data characters’ values.
3. This sum is divided by 47, resulting in a remainder.
4. The character corresponding to the remainder value is appended to the end of the barcode.
5. Then the K checksum is calculated using the same method, but including the C character, and appended.

Applications of Code 93 barcodes

Across industries, Code 93 is frequently used in internal inventory system tools, especially because of its compact size and higher density of data compared to many other 1D barcodes.

Manufacturing and automotive

Code 93 is common in the automotive industry and in factory automation for tracking components, parts, and work-in-progress items. It is used for assembly line management and quality control, especially where space is limited, as for small parts.

Healthcare

While less common than Code 128 or Data Matrix, Code 93’s compact size is useful for smaller labels for medical equipment, lab samples, and hospital inventory.

Logistics and postal

Code 93 barcodes see use in logistics applications for tracking packages, pallets, and shipping containers. Carriers use it to encode tracking numbers, destination codes, and routing information, but also for inventory management.

Retail

Code 93 is also used in retail operations, specifically retail inventory management, warehouse operations, and order fulfillment. The main use cases are labelling stock, organizing bin locations, and managing product movements.

Advantages of Code 93 barcodes

• Size: Code 93 offers greater data density than Code 39 by using 9 modules per character and a more compact encoding scheme. This allows for shorter barcodes with the same information.
• Error detection: Code 93’s checksum characters enable basic error detection, though no error correction.
• Versatility: Code 93 can hold alphanumeric data and has no length limit, making it useful for a variety of applications.
• Omnidirectional scanning: The asymmetric start/stop character enables decoding from any angle.

Why choose the Scanbot SDK for Code 93 scanning?

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is specifically designed to handle the challenges of decoding Code 93 barcodes in real-world scenarios. We can empower any enterprise or consumer mobile or desktop app with advanced barcode scanning capabilities with minimal integration effort.

What sets us apart:

• Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged, low-contrast or distorted barcodes.
• High-speed scanning: Read Code 93 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 Code 93 barcodes, QR codes, or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.

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