Barcode Verification
Check Your Barcodes Before They Go to Print
A barcode needs to do more than look right on your packaging. It must be correctly represented, clearly printed, and suitable for scanning in its intended application.
Barcodes Malawi provides barcode verification and artwork checking services to help businesses identify potential issues before their products go into production or reach the market.
Whether you are preparing new product packaging, reviewing existing barcode artwork, or checking barcode details before printing labels, we can help you assess the information and artwork you provide.
Need your barcode checked? Contact Barcodes Malawi to discuss your requirements.
Why Is Barcode Verification Important?
Barcode problems can lead to scanning difficulties, packaging reprints, production delays, and avoidable costs. Checking your barcode before printing or applying it to products can help identify issues earlier.
Verification is particularly useful when:
- Launching a new product or packaging design.
- Preparing barcode artwork for commercial printing.
- Updating existing product labels or packaging.
- Producing labels in large quantities.
- Checking barcode dimensions, placement, and print clarity.
- Investigating a barcode that is not scanning as expected.
A barcode that looks correct on a computer screen may not reproduce properly when printed. Verification helps you identify potential problems before committing to a larger production run.
What Does Barcode Verification Cover?
1. Barcode Number and Format Checks
We can review the barcode information you provide to help identify inconsistencies in the number, format, or intended application.
The appropriate checks depend on the barcode type and the information available. Where relevant, we can also help clarify whether a barcode is intended for retail products, outer cartons, or another application.
2. Barcode Artwork Review
Barcode artwork needs to be prepared correctly before it is placed on product packaging or sent to a printer.
An artwork review can help identify potential issues involving:
- Barcode dimensions and proportions.
- Bar width and spacing.
- Quiet zones, the clear spaces around a barcode.
- Contrast between the bars and background.
- Placement within the product label or packaging design.
- Scaling or image-quality problems that could affect printing.
The checks applicable to your barcode will depend on the barcode symbology, printing method, packaging material, and intended scanning environment.
3. Print and Scanning Readiness
Printing can introduce problems that are not visible in the original digital artwork. Small barcodes, insufficient contrast, distortion, and poor print quality can all affect scanning performance.
Where appropriate, we can review your artwork and advise on potential print-readiness concerns. Physical barcode verification or testing of printed samples should be arranged and confirmed separately where required.
4. Guidance on Corrective Action
If potential issues are identified, we can explain what needs attention and recommend the appropriate next steps.
Depending on the findings, this may involve correcting the artwork, adjusting the barcode dimensions, improving contrast, or preparing a new version for review.
Any recommendations will depend on the specific barcode and its intended use.
Who Needs Barcode Verification?
Our verification service may be useful to:
- Manufacturers: Check barcode artwork before producing packaging in bulk.
- Food and beverage businesses: Review barcodes on product labels and packaging.
- Importers and distributors: Check supplied barcode information and artwork.
- Packaging designers and printers: Review barcode placement and reproduction before printing.
- Retail suppliers: Prepare barcode artwork for the requirements of their intended sales channels.
If you are unsure whether your barcode requires verification, contact us with a description of your product and how the barcode will be used.
What Do You Need to Provide?
To help us assess your requirements, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- The barcode number, if available.
- The barcode type, if known.
- The barcode artwork or product label design.
- The intended use, such as retail packaging, carton identification, or another application.
- Any known scanning problems or specific requirements from a retailer or customer.
If you have a printed sample, let us know. The information required will depend on whether you need a number check, an artwork review, or testing of the physical printed barcode.
What Happens After You Submit a Request?
Step 1: Tell us what you need checked.
Contact Barcodes Malawi and describe the barcode, product, and intended application.
Step 2: Share the relevant information.
Provide the barcode number, artwork, or other materials required for the requested checks.
Step 3: Confirm the scope of work.
We will clarify the applicable checks, any additional requirements, the fee, and the expected turnaround before proceeding.
Step 4: Receive feedback on the findings.
We will communicate the results of the agreed verification or review and advise on any corrective action that may be needed.
The scope, deliverables, and turnaround will be confirmed for each request. Not every verification request involves the same tests.
Important Information About Barcode Verification
Barcode verification and barcode registration serve different purposes. Checking a barcode number or artwork does not, by itself, establish ownership of the number or complete product registration.
Similarly, a barcode that is technically correct and readable is not a guarantee that every retailer, marketplace, or trading partner will accept the product. Individual organisations may have their own product onboarding, database, and supplier requirements.
If a retailer has provided specific barcode requirements, please share them with us when submitting your request.
Request Barcode Verification
Preparing new packaging or unsure whether your barcode is ready for printing?
Contact Barcodes Malawi to discuss your requirements. We will help clarify the appropriate checks and the information needed to proceed.
Email: [email protected]