Best Uses for the Bar Code 93 Font Set in Inventory Systems

Best Uses for the Bar Code 93 Font Set in Inventory SystemsIntroduction

Barcode 93 (commonly written as Code 93) is a high-density linear barcode symbology developed to provide a higher data density and improved data security over Code 39. A Bar Code 93 font set lets you render Code 93 symbols directly in documents, labels, and inventory-management applications by mapping characters to glyphs. For inventory systems where space, speed, and accuracy matter, using a reliable Code 93 font set can simplify label creation and reduce integration overhead.

What Code 93 is best for in inventory environments

• Compact alphanumeric encoding: Code 93 encodes the full ASCII character set (via shift characters), which is useful when labels must contain both letters and numbers in a limited space.
• Higher density than Code 39: If you need to encode more data in the same linear label area (for example compact serials, internal SKU codes, or short URLs), Code 93 is a good option.
• Built-in checksums: Code 93 uses two mandatory check characters (“C” and “K”) to reduce read errors without requiring external checksum logic.
• Simple structure for printers and software: A font-based approach can be easier to deploy on desktop label printers and within office suites (Word, Excel) than full barcode-generator libraries.

Common inventory use-cases

1. Short item identifiers and SKUs

   • Use Code 93 when SKUs combine letters and numbers and label space is tight. The compact encoding reduces label length while keeping readability for scanners.

2. Serialized tracking on small parts

   • Small components, electronics, and jewelry often need individual serials; Code 93 fits more information on narrow labels than Code 39.

3. Internal asset tags and maintenance logs

   • For in-house asset management, where you control readers and label standards, Code 93’s density and checksums provide reliability without the overhead of 2D barcodes.

4. Shipping and packing lists for constrained label areas

   • When a linear barcode is required by existing workflows and label real estate is limited, Code 93 can encode identifiers that would otherwise need a larger barcode type.

5. Integration with legacy systems

   • Many older inventory or ERP systems can accept font-rendered barcodes more readily than modern API-based barcode services; font sets ease backward-compatible deployments.

Advantages of using a Bar Code 93 font set

• Ease of deployment: Install the font on label PCs and produce barcodes from standard applications (text editors, spreadsheets, label software) without special barcode libraries.
• Low-cost integration: For small operations, fonts can be a low-cost way to generate scannable barcodes without investing in development time.
• Consistent rendering: A well-designed font ensures consistent visual output across applications that support TrueType/OpenType fonts.
• Offline creation: Fonts allow barcode generation without internet access or external services.

Limitations and when not to use Code 93

• Not as compact as 2D codes (QR, DataMatrix): If you need to store large amounts of data (URLs, long product descriptions, certificates), use a 2D symbology.
• Scanner compatibility: While most modern scanners read Code 93, some older or low-cost scanners may have weaker support than for more common symbologies (e.g., Code 128). Test your scanners before rollout.
• Visual formatting risk: Since font-based barcodes are essentially rendered text, any change in font substitution, scaling, or document export (e.g., PDF flattening issues) can break scannability. Use controlled templates and embed fonts where possible.
• Licensing and commercial use: Check the font set license—some fonts require commercial licensing or restrict embedding.

Implementation best practices

• Always include start/stop characters and the two check characters as required by the Code 93 specification. Many font sets provide utilities or mapping rules to generate these automatically; if not, implement checksum calculation in your label template or application.
• Maintain fixed print DPI and label dimensions. Test at the target printer’s DPI (203, 300, 600 DPI) to ensure bar widths match scanner expectations.
• Use controlled templates. Keep barcode text in locked template fields to avoid accidental formatting changes.
• Embed fonts into PDFs for distribution to other sites or printers so the barcode renders correctly.
• Test with real scanners and in real lighting/label-material conditions. Barcode readability can degrade on reflective or transparent materials.
• Validate scanner read rates across sample batches; aim for >99% first-pass read success in production.
• Consider fallback: For critical items, include a human-readable alphanumeric string near the barcode so items remain identifiable if scanning fails.

Generating Code 93 barcodes using a font set: practical steps

1. Choose a trustworthy Code 93 font set with clear documentation and a known license for your use.
2. Install the font on label and design machines.
3. Use a label editor (e.g., BarTender, ZebraDesigner) or a standard office app that supports custom fonts.
4. Encode the data according to the font’s mapping rules (some fonts require special start/stop characters or a conversion utility).
5. Ensure check characters are included either by plugin/utility or by your application logic.
6. Print test labels at intended resolution and run them through target scanner models.
7. Iterate size and quiet zone (margins) until consistent reads are achieved.

Example: When to pick Code 93 vs alternatives

Troubleshooting common issues

• Bars too thick/thin: Confirm printer DPI and that font is printed at the intended point size; many barcode fonts require specific point-size-to-DPI ratios.
• Scanner fails intermittently: Check quiet zones, contrast (dark bars on light background), and print smearing. Try increasing barcode height or reducing density.
• PDF export causes substitution: Embed the font or convert barcode text to outlines only after final approval.
• Incorrect data read: Verify the checksum characters are present and correctly calculated.

Security and data integrity considerations

Code 93’s double checksum increases protection against common reading errors, but it is not cryptographically secure. For tamper-evident or cryptographically protected identifiers, combine barcodes with other measures (serialized secure tokens, digital signatures, or tamper-evident labels).

Conclusion A Bar Code 93 font set is a practical choice for inventory systems that need compact alphanumeric barcodes, especially when integrating with desktop printers, legacy systems, or constrained label sizes. Use controlled templates, include checksum handling, test with target scanners, and consider alternatives (Code 128 or 2D codes) when higher density, greater robustness, or wider scanner support is required.