Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Significance of Barcodes



Barcodes are a series of numbers with "bars" on them - It is virtually on everything.  The size and shape varies according to the type of product. Its purpose is to identify and collect data.  These barcodes are displayed in soda cans, books, magazines, smart phones, and apps just to name a few.  Although, the first barcode ever patented did not contain the basic imprint, the concept remains the same today.  Did you know that the first product to have a barcode included was a packet of Wrigley's gum?

The very first time I saw a barcode was at the supermarket.  I was very young at the time and wondered why the person behind the counter was scanning each item.  I didn't realize the purpose of this until I started working at the CUNY Library Media and Resource Center in the late eighties.  You might be saying right about now, what is all the buzz about?  Well let me tell you that the significance of barcodes is invaluable.  Technology today has exceeded everyone's expectations.  Especially, the latest trends in barcodes available in social media websites, which I must say is my personal favorite.  There are websites available to create your very own mobile barcode generator at: http://www.barcodelink.net/. The general purpose is to allow your visitors to bookmark your site with their mobile phone.  How impressive is that! Hope you find this information useful.