Vöötkode

Vöötkode, commonly known as barcode, is a machine-readable optical labeling system that contains information about the item to which it is attached. Barcodes encode data using a series of parallel lines of varying widths and spacing. These lines are scanned by a barcode reader, which then translates the pattern into digital data.

The most common type of barcode is the Universal Product Code (UPC), widely used in North America for retail items. Other popular linear barcodes include the Code 39 and Code 128. In addition to linear barcodes, two-dimensional (2D) barcodes like QR codes and Data Matrix codes have become prevalent. These 2D codes can store significantly more information, including text, URLs, and even images, in a smaller space.

The primary function of barcodes is to streamline inventory management and point-of-sale transactions. By quickly and accurately identifying products, businesses can reduce errors, speed up checkout processes, and gain better insights into stock levels. Barcodes are employed across a vast range of industries, from retail and logistics to healthcare and manufacturing, facilitating efficient tracking and data collection. The technology has evolved to include mobile scanning capabilities and integration with various software systems.