Paul Boughton
Machine-readable markings such as bar codes are widely used on products for inventory control, quality control and product life cycle management. Common technologies, data structures, conformance and applications standards are necessary to enable all trading partners to draw the maximum benefits from such markings both internally and along the supply chain.
The purpose of the new standard ISO 28219:2009, 'Packaging – Labelling and direct product marking with linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols,' is to define the machine-readable (linear, two-dimensional and composite symbols) and human-readable content, as well as the physical characteristics of the symbols for direct marking and labelling of items, parts and components. The International Standard therefore does the following: defines minimum requirements for identifying items; provides guidelines for item marking with machine-readable symbols; covers both labelling and direct marking of items; includes testing procedures for label adhesive characteristics and mark durability; and provides guidance for the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional symbol or human-readable form.
Hirokuni Ono, chair of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging, comments: "A number of different product labelling and marking standards exist, each designed to meet the requirements of a specific industry sector. For effective and economic use within and between industry sectors, one common multi-industry standard such as ISO 28219:2009 is a necessity. A standard linear bar code or two-dimensional symbol marked on a product or part will facilitate the automation of inventory control, quality control and product life cycle management."
ISO 28219:2009, 'Packaging – Labelling and direct product marking with linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols,' is available from ISO national member institutes or directly from the ISO Central Secretariat or the ISO Store, price 150 Swiss francs.
For more information, visit www.iso.org
The purpose of the new standard ISO 28219:2009, 'Packaging – Labelling and direct product marking with linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols,' is to define the machine-readable (linear, two-dimensional and composite symbols) and human-readable content, as well as the physical characteristics of the symbols for direct marking and labelling of items, parts and components. The International Standard therefore does the following: defines minimum requirements for identifying items; provides guidelines for item marking with machine-readable symbols; covers both labelling and direct marking of items; includes testing procedures for label adhesive characteristics and mark durability; and provides guidance for the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional symbol or human-readable form.
Hirokuni Ono, chair of ISO technical committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging, comments: "A number of different product labelling and marking standards exist, each designed to meet the requirements of a specific industry sector. For effective and economic use within and between industry sectors, one common multi-industry standard such as ISO 28219:2009 is a necessity. A standard linear bar code or two-dimensional symbol marked on a product or part will facilitate the automation of inventory control, quality control and product life cycle management."
ISO 28219:2009, 'Packaging – Labelling and direct product marking with linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols,' is available from ISO national member institutes or directly from the ISO Central Secretariat or the ISO Store, price 150 Swiss francs.
For more information, visit www.iso.org
