Choosing a 2D Scan Code

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There are approximately 50 types of 2D scan codes in the public domain; 2-3 really stand out when considering a mobile marketing application ― Datamatrix, QR (quick response) and Microsoft Tag.
IntroductionThere are differences in what each of the (50, or so) scan codes can and cannot do well. Presently, QR is the most popular because of the momentum from the Far East. Some experts believe that as time goes by the better performance delivered with Datamatrix will win out. GS1, with a base of 5-7 billion codes scanned per day, have already standardized on Datamatrix codes. For this reason, Datamatrix most likely will become the most widely used symbology in the mid to long term future.Choosing a Type of CodeThere are 50, or so, 2D scan codes in the public domain; 2-3 really stand out when considering a mobile marketing application ― Datamatrix, QR (quick response) and Microsoft Tag. Datamatrix and QR are two of the most preferred scan codes because they have been in existence for over a decade and have available (non-proprietary) decoders that can be downloaded or may even come preloaded on your mobile phone. It is very likely that many cell phone companies will have both Datamatrix and QR readers built into them on the next version of their upgrades.

From left to right: Datamatrix, QR Code, Microsoft Tag.






 
Datamatrix vs. Other Scan CodesDatamatrix is the most supported and efficient type of 2D code, and has more third-party industry support for creating and decoding codes. They are more compact, so the code will either be smaller or can be read at a greater distance, if printed the same size as another code. Datamatrix is 30% - 60% more spatially efficient for encoding the same data, meaning that the barcodes fit easier on the page or screen.
The Consumer Electronics Association’s R9 Automatic Data Capture group have submitted a comparison for the purpose of developing the IEC 62090 specification and they have concluded: “Datamatrix has proven to be the most space efficient of all the two-dimensional symbologies.”


Chris Lehan is the Director of Product Development at Impressions Incorporated (a multi-color printer in St. Paul, MN specializing in the complete production of customized printing and paperboard packaging). http://www.i-i.com Follow me on Twitter @chrislehan