8 Reasons to Choose Image Based Barcode Solutions

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The digital packaging and labeling market is projected to grow by $17.26 billion between 2021 and 2026
• Technology Shift: Image-based solutions are increasingly replacing traditional laser scanners
• Versatility: Image readers handle both 1D and 2D codes from multiple angles
• Business Impact: Improved read rates and additional capabilities deliver significant ROI
• Future-Proofing: Image-based technology adapts to evolving barcode standards and requirements

The Evolution of Barcode Reading Technology

While laser scanners have dominated barcode reading for decades, image-based solutions are rapidly becoming the preferred technology across industries. This shift is driven by significant advantages in capability, reliability, and total cost of ownership.

Laser scanners still offer certain advantages—they can scan up to 1,300 times per second and read 1D barcodes from considerable distances with special lenses. However, image-based solutions provide compelling benefits that make them the superior choice for most modern applications.

8 Compelling Reasons to Choose Image-Based Solutions

1. Lower Total Ownership Costs

Image-based barcode readers offer significant long-term cost advantages:

• Reduced Maintenance: Fewer moving parts mean less mechanical failure
• Firmware Updates: Regular software improvements extend device lifespan
• Versatility: One device handles multiple code types, reducing equipment needs
• Higher Read Rates: Less manual intervention and rework saves labor costs

The initial investment in image-based technology typically delivers rapid returns through operational improvements and reduced failure rates.

2. Enhanced Communication Capabilities

Modern image-based readers offer superior integration options:

• Protocol Support: Compatible with major industrial communication protocols
• Software Integration: Seamless connection with production management systems
• Network Connectivity: Ethernet and wireless options for flexible deployment
• API Availability: Programmable interfaces for custom applications

These communication capabilities make image-based solutions easier to implement within existing industrial environments.

3. Comprehensive Barcode Quality Reporting

Image-based systems provide valuable quality insights:

• Verification Standards: Grading according to ISO/IEC standards
• Trend Analysis: Tracking quality metrics over time
• Problem Identification: Pinpointing specific issues affecting readability
• Documentation: Maintaining quality records for compliance and improvement

This quality data helps organizations address printing or marking issues before they cause operational problems.

4. Image Visualization and Storage

Unlike laser scanners, image-based readers capture and store actual images:

• Troubleshooting: Visual evidence when read failures occur
• Process Improvement: Analysis of problematic codes to enhance printing
• Audit Trail: Visual verification of what was actually scanned
• Training: Real examples for operator education

This visual capability transforms barcode reading from a simple pass/fail operation to a rich source of process intelligence.

5. Flexible Lighting and Optics

Image-based solutions offer adaptable configuration options:

• Customizable Lighting: Adjustable LED arrays for optimal illumination
• Autofocus Capabilities: Automatic adjustment to varying distances
• Field of View Options: Wide or narrow as application requires
• Polarization Filters: Reducing glare on reflective surfaces

These optical advantages allow image-based readers to perform reliably across diverse product types and environmental conditions.

6. Superior 2D Code Reading

As 2D codes become increasingly common, image-based readers offer essential capabilities:

• Multiple Symbologies: QR, Data Matrix, Aztec, and other 2D formats
• High Density Codes: Reading small codes with substantial data content
• Error Correction: Recovering data from partially damaged codes
• Direct Part Marking: Reading codes etched or printed directly on parts

Laser scanners simply cannot read 2D codes, making image-based solutions necessary for modern applications.

7. Omnidirectional Reading Capability

Image-based readers capture codes regardless of orientation:

• Presentation Flexibility: No need to align products precisely
• Multiple Code Capture: Reading several codes in a single image
• Reduced Handling: Less manipulation of products during scanning
• Faster Processing: Eliminating the need to reposition items

This omnidirectional capability significantly improves throughput and reduces operator fatigue.

8. Superior Read Rates for Challenging Codes

Advanced image processing algorithms deliver exceptional performance:

• Damaged Code Reading: Decoding despite scratches, tears, or smudges
• Low Contrast Handling: Reading codes with minimal background difference
• Curved Surface Capability: Capturing codes on non-flat surfaces
• Variable Distance Tolerance: Maintaining performance despite distance changes

These capabilities translate directly to operational efficiency through fewer no-reads and exceptions.

Conclusion

The transition from laser scanners to image-based barcode solutions represents a significant advancement in data capture technology. With lower long-term costs, superior reading capabilities, and valuable additional features, image-based solutions deliver compelling advantages across manufacturing, logistics, retail, and healthcare applications.

As the digital packaging and labeling market continues to grow, organizations that implement image-based barcode technology position themselves to achieve higher efficiency, better quality control, and more flexible operations. The eight advantages outlined above make a persuasive case for choosing image-based solutions for current and future barcode reading applications.

Visionify's label checking solutions offer highly accurate and fast line label detection for food and manufacturing industries, verifying not just the presence of labels but also their position, shape, color, and quality—delivering the full benefits of advanced image-based technology.

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This article provides a historical perspective on image-based barcode technology. While Visionify now specializes in computer vision solutions for various industries, we recognize the continuing importance of image-based systems in manufacturing and supply chain applications.