What Are Code 11 Barcodes?

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You may have heard of various types of barcodes, such as Code 39, Code 128 or UPC, but have you heard of Code 11? This old, lesser-known barcode is still used in the telecommunications industry to label equipment and related parts.

The Code 11 barcode is a high-density discrete symbol used to store information. This symbology can encode the digits 0 through 9, a dash, and includes both a start and stop character. In addition to this, the code also allows for one or two modulo-11 check digits – making it even more secure and reliable.

In this article, we delve deeper into what Code 11 is, its features and its advantages. Read on to learn more about Code 11 barcodes and why they are worth considering!

What is a Code 11 Barcode?- A Detailed Look

Code 11 is a barcode symbology developed by Intermec in 1977. It is a numeric-only barcode. This linear barcode comprises a single set of varying-width vertical lines and spaces to represent the data.

Code 11 barcode symbology can encode numeric digits 0 through 9, as well as a dash. Code 11 has no limit on length, only being limited by the width available for it to be printed. It is used mostly used in telecommunications industries.

How to Recognise a Code 11 Barcode?

Recognising a Code 11 barcode is relatively easy since the symbology uses only two types of characters: numeric values from 0 to 9 and a dash character. The barcode has a variable length string consisting of data.

A Code 11 barcode consists of four parts: a start character, symbol characters representing data, optional checksum digits, and a stop character. The start and stop characters act as the beginning and end of the barcode, while the symbol characters in between are the encoded data.

Structure of Code 11 Barcode

Code 11 barcodes have a distinct structure that is designed to maximise efficiency.

The Code 11 barcode structure consists of the following.

A start character, which is the first element of the code
The symbol characters that represent data
Optional checksum digits
A stop character, which is the last element of the code

The start and stop characters are both bars, with one-module intercharacter spaces added in between them. This ensures a clear separation between each character of the code so that there is less chance of misreading or scanning errors.

The symbol characters consist of eleven characters: 0-9 and a hyphen (-). Each symbol character is composed of four bars and three spaces, with two wide bars (every two modules wide) sandwiching two narrower bars (each one module wide), along with an intercharacter space at the end.

The optional checksum digits are used to detect any potential scanning errors. For data inputs with fewer than ten numeric characters, only one check digit is used based on the modulo 11 algorithm.

If there are ten or more digits in the data input, then two checksum digits are used. Out of two, one is based on the modulo 11 algorithm, and another is based on the modulo nine algorithm. These checksums help to ensure data integrity in Code 11 barcodes.

Where Are Code 11 Barcodes Used?

Code 11 barcode symbology is a numeric-based barcoding system that is mainly used for labelling telecommunications equipment. It allows companies to rapidly identify products without the need for manual data entry, helping to improve operational efficiency.

Code 11 is a type of barcode with high-density numerals, mainly used in the telecommunications industry. Although its reliability has been questioned, this specialised barcode still remains an accepted method of conveying data within the telecom sector.

Since a Code 11 barcode can change one valid character into another, it is susceptible to printing imperfections, further complicating barcode scanners’ attempts to scan it. Therefore, code 11 has yet to succeed outside the telecom domain.

How to Get a Code 11 Barcode?

Getting a Code 11 barcode is easy and free. All you need to do is to find a reputable website or company that offers free Code 11 barcode generators. It only takes a few minutes to fill in the required information and generate the code, after which you can print it out.

Using a free Code 11 barcode generator is fast and reliable and can be the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes. With just a few clicks, companies can generate their code 11 barcodes and use them in various applications.

Code 11 Barcode Designing and Printing Best Practices

Creating barcodes and labels accurately and efficiently is essential for any business to thrive. Designing them is key to ensuring that they meet industry standards and work effectively.

To support businesses in barcode design and printing endeavours, we have created two helpful guides: Best Practices For Designing Perfect Labels And Barcodes and Common Mistakes To Avoid When Designing Barcodes. These resources provide comprehensive information on the best design practices for labels and bar codes and common errors to steer clear of when crafting these elements.

However, here are some specific Code 11 rules.

First, the printer settings should always be set to the highest photo quality or an acceptable print speed that consistently produces scannable barcodes.

Second, the barcode should always be formatted in pure black with a white background; if colour is used, then the font should be dark and the background light. Examples of this would include black & red, black & yellow, blue & yellow etc.

Lastly, any smudges or scratches on the barcode can affect its clarity and, therefore, must be avoided.

It is also important to test-scan the Code 11 barcode in full sunlight or direct overhead lighting; this will help ensure that all parts of the code are readable by a scanner.

It is best practice to use thermal printing to achieve optimal results when printing barcodes of any kind. This type of printing uses heat to create a durable image that can withstand environmental conditions such as UV exposure and extreme temperatures. Additionally, higher speed can be achieved with thermal printing when compared to traditional printers.

Although thermal printers may require an initial setup cost, they are more economical and produce higher-quality results than other types of printers, such as laser printers.

At Triton, we offer an extensive selection of thermal printer models from some of the leading names in the industry, including Honeywell, Zebra, and TSC. Our stock includes both direct thermal printers and thermal transfer printers, as well as barcode label printers, desktop solutions, and robust industrial printers.

We also supply a range of print consumables, including thermal transfer ribbons, thermal labels, thermal carton labels, thermal carcase tags, and food-compliant thermal inserts.

All our products are made with premium-grade components and manufactured according to the highest quality standards. With our extensive range of top-notch thermal printer models and print consumables, you can be sure to find the best solution for your business needs.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Code 11 is an essential barcode symbology commonly used in the telecommunications industry for labelling equipment and related parts. It is a linear barcode that consists of a combination of bars and spaces of varying widths.

Code 11 is easy to generate, scan, and decode, and it is a highly reliable subset of the many barcodes available today.

Although it has limited applications, Code 11 remains a relevant and useful barcode type that is worth considering for certain labelling needs.